Category Archives: *Written Interviews

From time to time we encounter an artist or producer toiling away at something pretty special. Here’s what they have to say, in their own words, about their work.

EdFringe Talk: Josh Pugh: Sausage, Egg, Josh Pugh, Chips and Beans

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2022 by

“I love the festival even though I’ve never objectively had a good one, this is going to be different though.”

WHO: Josh Pugh

WHAT: “Safe everyone. English Comedian of the Year winner and star of Comedy Central Live and Dave’s Hypothetical. Tour support for Joe Lycett and ‘almost certain future star’ (Chortle.co.uk), Josh takes us through the past two years of his life, trying to have a baby and accidently losing Captain Tom’s birthday cards in his own unique and hilarious style. Amassing over three million views on his Twitter videos and regularly headlining the biggest clubs in the country Josh is ready to f*ck shit up this Fringe (as a friend).”

WHERE: Monkey Barrel Comedy – Monkey Barrel 4 (Venue 515) 

WHEN: 14:10 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Pfft do I look like a rookie to you? There’s nothing this city can throw at me that I haven’t seen a thousand times over *draws on cigarette*. Nah, it’s my fourth time, I love the festival even though I’ve never objectively had a good one, this is going to be different though *throws cigarette on the ground and stamps it out*. I think the things that make a great festival are the bars, the food and the shows *notices there’s still some cigarette left so picks it back up*. I’m really looking forward to it.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Just that none of it matters so enjoy it. I also learnt that YouTube Yoga videos are largely ineffective if you’re also drinking 8 cans of lager a night.

Tell us about your show.

It’s a stand up show, I wrote it, it’s on at Monkey Barrel which I’m really excited about, previews have gone well and I’ll perform it everywhere after, Coventry, America and, if I can pull it off, Bristol!

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

Sean McLoughlin is amazing, I also love Lou Conran. Red Richardson is sat next to me right now, so I’ll say him, Good Kids, Celya Ab and Eric Rushton for some midland vibes. My guilty pleasure is university A cappella groups.

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EdFringe Talk: Assume People Like You

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2022 by

“Unfortunately I can’t say that Edinburgh will be the world premier. I could perhaps say that it is the premier of the definitive version of Assume People Like You, as the previous showing featured a section of the show that I didn’t like, so it’s been improved.”

WHO: Melon the Human

WHAT: “A robot, an alien and a human… what could go wrong? Remember when you could become friends from making eye contact on the playground? Well, this is the circus show that represents the struggles of modern connections. What happens when a lonely human wants to be liked but doesn’t know how to make friends? Can a robot be liked or can an alien be a friend? With skills from a former Cirque du Soleil performer and the humour of Michael Scott (the Office), perhaps it’s easier to swipe right and just Assume People Like You.”

WHERE: Assembly Roxy – Upstairs (Venue 139) 

WHEN: 14:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

My favourite part of this question is the “expand on your answer” mentioned in the brackets. Purely because this gives the implication that in the past, someone has responded with a yes/no answer, and having heard how there is a battle for PR with a lot of losers at the Edinburgh Fringe… it sounds like some people in the past have wasted this amazing opportunity. But not I!!!

This will be my third Edinburgh Fringe having attended in 2017, 2018 and soon, 2022. When I first came to the Ed Fringe in 2017, I was a fresh faced street performer who just wanted to experience the magic of this huge event and I was blown away. I got to see 28 shows, perform 31 street shows, I saw shows that shaped my creativity in ways I never thought possible, made a best friend and a few normal friends and just had an overall amazing time. The plan for 2018, try and get spotted by someone, just anyone… Well! It turned out I had already been spotted, at the 2017 Fringe, a video of my cube spinning act fell into the hands of Cirque du Soleil and midway through the Fringe, I was selected to join them in three months time. This is why Edinburgh Fringe will always be special to me, every time I’ve attended, I’ve been given an opportunity to further my career. I wish I could say I’m the type of artist who actively chases opportunity, but I’m not, which is fine because it seems that Edinburgh Fringe is an amazing melting pot of artists, producers and audiences looking for that special thing, hopefully in 2022, it’s me.

As for the difference between being a punter vs being a producer. As a punter, I turn up with a budget, go through the Ed Fringe guide like a shopping list of the shows I want to see and I go and check them out. I’m there to be entertained and inspired. As a producer, I’ve already spent thousands of dollars on the hope that someone comes to watch me show (it’s called Assume People Like You), and I lie awake at night thinking of the all of the worst case scenarios like: no one buys a ticket, I forget how to do circus, I forget my passport, I get Covid, an ATM steals my bank card, I sleep in, my show is universally hated or worst of all, one of my favourite artists watched my show but leaves midway. Being a punter is much more fun.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Well 2019 was the greatest year! That was the year I toured with Cirque du Soleil around Europe, created my first solo show and was all set for a 2020 tour of South East Asia. Then Covid. I’m not really a “life lesson” type of person. For me it’s more “oh this is happening now, guess I’ll adapt,” and adapt I did. I have learnt things over the age of covid, but they’re just not that exciting: the perfect omelette, new circus tricks, I’m not too bad at high school teaching but I could be better, online teaching is hard, investing is easy, investing is hard, making a one man show is hard etc etc

Tell us about your show.

The show is called Assume People Like You (or APLY for short) and it is the circus interpretation of that feeling when you go to a party where you don’t know anyone so you mentally plan how you will approach the friend making process but this only makes you a little more anxious. The main circus skills within the show are cube manipulation, broom juggling, flexibility and the robot. To break up the action, I also do a lot of awkward comedy. Note that I do awkward comedy in the professional way, and not the amateur comedian way – please reference this review as evidence. https://www.theatretravels.org/post/review-robot-dance-circus-at-arcana

I wrote the show, and the primary challenge was merging the feeling of awkwardness at a party with nifty circus skills – “oh I’m feeling awkward, better do some juggling.”

APLY is being produced by Cluster Arts and I sometimes feel like my version of our partnership is skewed, but here’s my interpretation of how we came together. I was performing my old show and I invited Cluster to come and see, with the hidden intention of working with them. Cluster Arts thoroughly enjoyed the show but couldn’t understand why my face was on all of the props and why Skrillex was featured so prominently, but my skills and performance style was at a high enough level that they saw something sparkle deep within. So we joined forces, but I had to make a new show with no Skrillex and no face on my props.

The company is Melon the Human and it features one person. I am Melon the Human.

Unfortunately I can’t say that Edinburgh will be the world premier. I could perhaps say that it is the premier of the definitive version of Assume People Like You, as the previous showing featured a section of the show that I didn’t like, so it’s been improved.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

I love this question however I feel my expertise should only focus on the world of circus and the absurd, so here we go.

If you loved APLY:
Blink by Joz Norris: everything he does is unpredictable and hilarious. This show reaches a level of absurdity I could only dream of.
Play 3.0 by Sirqus Alfon: lot’s of fun with great characters, music and vibes. Their shows always feel like a party and also reach a level of randomness I could only dream of.

if you’ve got kids:
Chores and A Bee Story. I’ll put these two in the same recommendation because they’ve got a strong similarity that I love. They feature the level of humour you would want for a kids show, but the skill levels of these performers are incredible and break any stereotypes of naff children’s shows.

A fun night out:
Briefs: I mean, it’s Briefs. Briefs. Surely you’ve heard of them.

Feeling cool:
Collision: Circus is hard to make cool, but collision does it. The combination of street dance and circus was just waiting to be explored in a full show and they’ve done it and it’s a joy to watch the elements crossover.

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EdFringe Talk: Shelf: Hair

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2022 by

“Fringe is one of the only places you can get a really intensive, near deadly amount of stage time as a comedian, even if you’re new.”

WHO: Ruby Clyde & Rachel Watkeys Dowie

WHAT: “Shelf are a musical comedy double act. Sort of. One of them is tone deaf, so technically they’re a musical single act plus guest. Hair is their highly anticipated debut hour about one bizarrely life-changing haircut. Over 1 million views on BBC Three. Founders of The LOL Word. Musical Comedy Awards finalists, 2020. Funny Women finalists, 2019. ‘Cool and relevant’ (Skinny). ‘Clever and catchy’ (Bruce Dessau). ‘The talented twosome find belly laughs in heavyweight topics like mental health, sexuality and gender’ (DIVA).”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker Three (Venue 117) 

WHEN: 19:15 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, we gained much of our performance experience on the Free Fringe! Fringe is one of the only places you can get a really intensive, near deadly amount of stage time as a comedian, even if you’re new. Or a little bit weird, and when we started out, we were both.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

We’ve learned to adapt our style to musical comedy as that works best for us, and has made it much easier to gig on different bills than when we did sketch comedy. We’ve also learned that we should listen to scientists and be prepared for future pandemics or something (not totally clear on that, haven’t fully absorbed that last thing).

Tell us about your show.

Our show Hair is a very fun, energetic stand up show / concept album about two completely different experiences of looking like handsome young boys. We wrote it ourselves and are forever indebted to our director, Phoebe Bourke who helped us mould it into the handsome production it is today. Our production company is called Berk’s Nest, and we love them dearly- they produce a lot of our favourite comedians.

Technically, we’ve had a version of this show in the works since 2018, but then there were global events. So far we know we’ll be taking it to Aberystwyth comedy festival, to extend its already long life.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

Well, first you should come see The LOL Word, our queer mixed bill at the Monkey Barrel. It’s on all weekend form midnight to 3am, and it will be an absolute rager.

Once you’ve done that, go see: Britney, Jodie Mitchell, Chloe Petts, Sophie Duker, Olga Koch, Helen Bauer, Catherine Bohart, Ania Magliano, Sarah Keyworth, Katie Pritchard, Lara Ricote.

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EdFringe Talk: Isabelle Farah: Irresponsabelle

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2022 by

“I’m learning at the moment that selling a show is easier when the audience have less choice about what to see.”

WHO: Isabelle Farah

WHAT: “British-Lebanese comedian Isabelle Farah’s sell-out Edinburgh Fringe 2021 show Ellipsis later transferred to the Soho Theatre and was listed by Chortle in the Top Ten shows of 2021. Isabelle returns with her debut stand-up hour about (not) growing up, terrible decisions and desperately failing to be a responsible adult. An ode to every irresponsible choice she’s ever made. ‘Promising newcomer’ (Telegraph). ‘Woke Millennial… very funny’ **** (Daily Mail). ‘Spellbinding’ **** (Chortle.co.uk). ‘Devastatingly funny’ **** (BritishTheatreGuide.info). As heard on BBC Woman’s Hour.”

WHERE: Assembly George Square – The Box (Venue 8) 

WHEN: 15:45 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No! I brought a show last year that was a theatre/comedy hybrid and a split bill in 2018. I came in 2007 to do a Very Bad Student Play. I saw my first ever stand up gig that year, it was Paul Sinha somewhere with Pleasance, I believe!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The pandemic has taught me compromise, to slow down, resilience. I’ve learned to make really good hummus and falafels. I hope I’ve absorbed some real lessons but my brain’s not very spongy anymore and I can’t think of anything particularly deep so perhaps not? I’m learning at the moment that selling a show is easier when the audience have less choice about what to see.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote it and am producing it and performing it! This is because I have a god complex and am always optimistic how much time I have and what I can achieve! On the plus side, I do know the quality of my own work and know if anything goes wrong I only have myself to blame. My worst nightmare is nagging people for things to be done or finding sloppy mistakes when I’m paying someone to do something.
I’ve been previewing the show but it’s full premier will be at the Fringe! We’ll see what happens after…

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

Rob Copland, Thick n Fast, Lily Philips, Christy Coysh, Sikisa, Chris Hall and Mark Bittlestone, MY OTHER SHOW (*ahem* it’s called Ellipsis and it’s at Underbelly Cowgate) Rajiv Karia, Tatty Macleod.

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EdFringe Talk: Bee Story

Posted in *Written Interviews, Bedfringe 2022 by

“We have made a very physical and fun show with important environmental themes and want to share it with the awesomeness of Edinburgh Fringe and the world.”

WHO: Robbie Curtis

WHAT: “It’s a sticky situation. Queen Bee and Worker Bee need to work together to rebuild their hive, but things never quite go to plan… A Bee Story is a uniquely Australian physical theatre show for children and families incorporating a kaleidoscope of circus, acrobatics, dance and live music. It tells the story of Queen Bee and Worker Bee who must work together to rebuild their hive after being destroyed by a bushfire. Join the bees on their buzzy adventures and be enchanted by their pollen-collecting skills, honey-making abilities, and super-bee strength. A Bee Story has themes of environmentalism.”

WHERE: Underbelly, Bristo Square – Cowbarn (Venue 302) 

WHEN: 11:45 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

My name is Robbie Curtis and I’m the Director of Arc Circus based on the Gold Coast in Australia. I’ve been performing internationally for over 15 years with Cirque Du Soleil, Circa, Circus Oz, Australian Ballet and more. Arc Circus has been running for the last 3 years, and it came out of a passionate pursuit to tell important stories through Circus, Dance and Theatre.

Second Time at Fringe. At Arc we are passionate about our work reaching a wide audience, and Edinburgh Fringe is an incredibly well regarded festival showcasing some of the world’s best work. We have made a very physical and fun show with important environmental themes and want to share it with the awesomeness of Edinburgh Fringe and the world.

Edinburgh Fringe brings great exposure for shows internationally. Edinburgh is such an inspiring festival, for many reasons but mainly because of the sheer quantity of work being performed at the festival. The city is incredibly buzzy, and we want to add to the buzz with A Bee Story.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

We used the pandemic lockdown time to make a lot of new work with our company. We wanted to use the time as productively as possible, and we did that by making 5 shows in 2 years. We have learnt that time is precious and for me the best use of my time is being a buzzy bee and doing amazing acrobatics and sharing that with the world.

Tell us about your show.

A Bee Story is a uniquely Australian physical theatre show for children and families incorporating a kaleidoscope of circus, acrobatics, dance and live music. It tells the story of Queen Bee and Worker Bee who must work together to rebuild their hive after being destroyed by a bushfire. But things never quite go to plan…

Join the bees on their buzzy adventures and be enchanted by their pollen-collecting skills, honey- making abilities, and super-bee strength. A Bee Story has themes of environmentalism, sustainability, and community spirit, and was directed by performer Robbie Curtis (Circa, Cirque du Soleil, Circus Oz, Australian Ballet), and co-created with musician and performer Lizzie McRae.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

There is so much great stuff to see at this year’s fringe. From Late night cabaret like Briefs to hilarious and poignant clowning like Assume People Like You, as well as other fantastic kids stuff like Chores. One not to miss is Collision by Casus, a super new acrobatic work mixing dance and circus. Cannot wait!

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EdFringe Talk: Some Other Mirror

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2022 by

“I’m so excited to be a real part of this hive of creativity, and get the chance to see a ton of queer-led theatre.”

WHO: Laurie Owen: Performer/Writer

WHAT: “A solo show about a gender identity crisis, in the high-pressure isolation of lockdown. The performer fights to come to terms with being a trans man, and on his journey, is visited by alternative versions of himself who offer various kinds of advice. The show explores a transmasculine experience of feminism, internalised transphobia, self-love, self-hatred and self-actualisation, with audiences calling it ‘a captivating look at a trans experience’ and ‘a beautiful, thought-provoking tour de force’. This autobiographical performance is written and performed by Laurence Owen and produced by award-winning theatre company, Chronic Insanity.”

WHERE: Pianodrome at the Old Royal High – Pianodrome Amphitheatre (Venue 117) 

WHEN: 19:00 (45 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is the first time I’ve performed at Edinburgh. The last time I was here, I was volunteering with Greenside. I’m so excited to be a real part of this hive of creativity, and get the chance to see a ton of queer-led theatre, which just isn’t available in Nottingham.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’ve learned to be kind to myself as an artist, and change the artistic process to suit my health and energy levels when necessary. I have a full time job, and Joe Strickland (they/them), my director/producer, has been so excellent at reminding me that my wellbeing always comes before the show, and I think that ethos is what has allowed me to made the show amazing, as a result.

Tell us about your show.

Some Other Mirror is a show borne from my frustration at the lack of trans men in media, and my desire to share the beauty and profundity of transitioning, in a way that everyone can relate to, be they cis or trans. I originally developed it as a Zoom show for university, after I couldn’t return to Leeds to finish my course, and had to produce the show remotely from Nottingham. I’ve adapted it to Pianodrone’s gorgeous, intimate, in-the-round space with startling ease. The reason it was easy to adapt is because I’m primarily concerned with intimacy, and helping the audience feel really present with me and my story. That was difficult, but not impossible on Zoom, but at Pianodrome, the audience can be so much more intimate with me, and each other, while they watch.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

Check out the vibrant programme of live music and performance at @Pianodrom Live! It’s made entirely from upcycled pianos, it’s the most unique venue at the Fringe and it’s run by two musicians who really know their stuff. #Jollyboat are so much fun, on every day, and they’re free! Their Parklife parody is worth its weight in gold. I’m very excited to watch Happy Meal, by @rootstouring, a story about two trans friends who fall in love on Club Penguin, because it’s a well-overdue story of trans joy.

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EdFringe Talk: Jake Farrell: Sky

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2022 by

image of event

“I’ve learned it’s not much fun working at your kitchen table all day and not seeing your mates so I am pleased with our restored freedoms.”

WHO: Tamsin Hurtado Clarke & Scarlett Plouviez: Performer & Director

WHAT: “How far would you go for the people you love? Join Soho Theatre’s Young Company alumni, rising comedy talent and naïve suburbanite Jake Farrell as he answers that question in his highly anticipated debut hour about family, the future and Stevenage. ‘Jake is a natural… this is a nuanced exploration of youth, half-hearted liberalism, family ties and artistic expression’ **** (VoiceMag.uk) As heard on Penguin Random House’s Edinburgh Fringe Unlocked.”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker One (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 20:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my first time doing a full hour show and I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a completely mad atmosphere and as a comedian trying to build a profile it’s a completely singular experience – you pitch up and people come and take a chance on you. It’s incredible. I love being here to see other people whose shows I’ve seen develop throughout the year and also stuff that’s totally new. I love that mix as it brings comedians from different cities around the world together. I try to mix being a punter with doing my show well every day.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’ve learned it’s not much fun working at your kitchen table all day and not seeing your mates so I am pleased with our restored freedoms. I missed comedy as well so I guess I learned the place it had in my life. Hopefully though I’ve been able to attain a bit more balance between doing comedy and the many, many important things there are in life. I’ve also learned that Guiness in a can is actually palatable.

Tell us about your show.

My show is called Sky and it’s about moving back to Stevenage and love and commitment and also Deliveroo. There’s also a bit of a twist that explains the name but you’ll have to come along to find out what that is. It’s produced by Berks Nest which is really cool because they’ve put on loads of shows that I have loved at the Fringe before. I’d love to take it to other cities after the Fringe or at least do a small London run but we’ll see how this goes first.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

I’ve watched Jack Harris’ show Teaching Teachers how to Teach develop into a completely daft and intricate piece of multimedia comedy over the year and people should definitely see that. Rajiv Karia is also someone I love watching and his show Gallivant is full of memorable, askew lines so I’d recommend that. Beyond those two I also saw Chelsea Birkby do bits of her show No More Mr Nice Chelsea (great name) earlier in the year and they were fantastic so I’m keen to see the whole thing. Someone whose show I’ve not seen but I always think is class is Pierre Novellie so I’ll definitely be watching that and I also really like the duo Shelf so go and see them too.

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EdFringe Talk: Mary Beth Barone: Silly Little Girl

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“This is my very first time at the Edinburgh Fringe. I’ve been warned it’s a completely insane experience so naturally I am very excited.”

WHO: Mary Beth Barone

WHAT: “Join Mary Beth for her eagerly anticipated debut hour, as she shares her checkered journey as an aspiring young starlet through to the present day, covering a range of topics like growing up in the 90s, her dating history, and of course, The Cold War. No integral childhood memory is spared, not even the ones she wishes she could forget (which she definitely can’t forget because there are photos). Creator and star of Comedy Central’s Drag His Ass, and co-host of the podcast Obsessed, alongside Benito Skinner. ‘A rare comic…deeply intelligent and honest’ (Vulture.com).”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Upstairs (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 20:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes! This is my very first time at the Edinburgh Fringe. I’ve been warned it’s a completely insane experience so naturally I am very excited. I’ve done some comedy festivals but those were all like 3-5 days long. This time, I’ll be doing 26 performances of my hour. I would say preparation makes a great festival, plus lots of sleep and under eye masks.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I’ve learned so much since 2019! For one, I think we should abolish the police. That had never really crossed my mind before. I guess also, I learned that you can try to plan your life but plans really aren’t shit when a global pandemic could start at any time.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote my show and I’m producing, with my best friend Jake Morris directing. I’ve been touring it all over the US this year and afterwards? Well you’ll just have to wait and see!

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

Go and see Leo Reich, Fern Brady, Ania Maglianio, Patti Harrison, Sikisa, and Catherine Cohen. See all of these people immediately!

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EdFringe Talk: Svengali

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“The Fringe run will be the show’s world premiere – leaping in feet first to the fray of the festival.”

WHO: Eve Nicol: Writer and director

WHAT: “Success demands sacrifice. So does Svengali. Gripping, intimate monologue exposing the dark heart of a dynamic of power, desire, and control. A promising young woman rises to supernatural heights on the tennis circuit under the hypnotic thrall of a master coach. Mentor and protégé battle for dominance – on the courts and off. Channels sports stories and 1980s erotic thrillers to reimagine a classic character for the #MeToo era. Performed by Chloe-Ann Tylor. Created by Scottish playwright and director Eve Nicol. Selected for the Edinburgh National Partnerships Programme. ‘Raw, hugely evocative’ **** (Scotsman). ‘Strange, soulful’ **** (Skinny).”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker Two (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 13:45 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Svengali will be my seventh Fringe production – but my first working as an independent producer of my own writing.

My debut play, ‘One Life Stand’ was presented at the Paines Plough Roundabout @ Summerhall by Fringe legends Middle Child. My adaptation of Belle & Sebastian’s album ‘If You’re Feeling Sinister’ followed, with might of Avalon and BBC Arts producing. I work in Scottish theatre year-round, but Edfringe is a whole other beast that I still feel like I’m trying to tame. Every festival feels like the first!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

2019 was my busiest year work-wise but also the year my health took the biggest hit. The two were completely connected. I’ve learnt to scale back and prioritise the stories that matter most to me.

Most of the digital theatre offerings left me cold. The loneliness of lockdown reminded me how much I value the relationship between actor and audience. ‘Svengali’ foregrounds the magic of actor and audience sharing a space in real-time.

Tell us about your show.

I’ve written the show, riffing off the biggest selling novel of the Victorian era, which is now all but forgotten. The character of Svengali – a mesmeric influencing force, remains. His name has become the very definition of manipulative control today.

Our ‘Svengali’ tells the story of the complicated power dynamic between a master tennis coach and his young, female protégé. They reach giddy success whilst tearing lumps out of each other. Ego, ambition and sexual desire blow the whole thing up with only one left standing by the end.

It’s a small team – just me, sensational performer Chloe-Ann Tylor (’Trainspotting’ Citizens, ‘Doppler’ Grid Iron) and the brilliant Robbie Gordon (Wonder Fools) offering Movement Direction. After a couple of years of working on more large-scale projects, it’s been surprisingly liberating to pull it back. ‘Svengali’ is a distillation of what is most important to me- a compelling story with as little as possible between the actor and audience.

The Fringe run will be the show’s world premiere – leaping in feet first to the fray of the festival. The Pleasance and Pitlochry Festival Theatre demonstrated their confidence in the project by selecting ’Svengali’ as part of the Edinburgh National Partnerships programme. They’ve been supportive partners. I hope to use the programme as a launchpad for touring ‘Svengali’ in 2023.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

See Scottish theatre in all its humour, sexiness, intellect and power in the Lyceum’s ‘The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart’, Isla Cowan’s ‘She Wolf’ at Assembly, Michael John O’Neill’s ‘This is Paradise’ at Traverse and James Ley’s Ode to Joy (How Gordon Got to Go to the Nasty Pig Party) at Summerhall.

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EdFringe Talk: Colin Hoult: The Death of Anna Mann

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2022 by

“I have learnt to lift large weights at the gym and how to do yoga.”

WHO: Colin Hoult

WHAT: “Anna Mann is back! The acclaimed actress, singer and welder (gotta have a back up) returns after five long years to tell the incredible story of her life in the arts in this, her final hour. Visceral, real and achingly brave, Colin Hoult (After Life, Netflix) presents a hilarious meditation on life, death and literally everything in between.”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Beneath (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 21:10 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve been here for years! First one was in 2004, no actually I was when I was 16 and in Julius Caesar, that was the only time I got 5 stars in the Scotsman. It’s been such a constant in my life – for a long time it was how I measured the passage of the years. It’s been a while now and I feel like I’m coming back finally with a degree of life experience and perspective at 43. But give me a week and I’ll be back to being a blubbering mess.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I have learnt to lift large weights at the gym and how to do yoga. That’s about it. I’ve discovered I have ADHD and so a lot of my time is spent learning to unpick the dreadful thoughts I developed about myself without losing the good things it can give me.

Tell us about your show.

My show the Death of Anna Mann is the final show for a character, Anna, whom I’ve done her twice before, actually 4 times as she appeared in my multi character shows before that. She’s a powerful and confident person who dares to poke fun and point to truth in a way I never dare. This is her last show it’s all about death, grief and discovering yourself – in a way which is very silly and fun. It’s produced by cool child stars Berks Nest, headed by lovely Owen Donovan. After Edinburgh it’s going on tour and finishing for 5 nights at Soho Theatre.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

You must see the Delightful Sausage – they’re hilarious and appeared in Anna’s sky arts special. Amy Gledhill and Chris Cantrill are them and also both have solo shows. I recommend Christopher Bliss for more character comedy. Pete Heat who’s a hilarious and magical person.

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