“Take a punt on younger unknown performers.”
WHO: Alison Skilbeck
WHAT: “A play about six wildly different people, coping and connecting during one year on the Common, telling their unexpected tales of love, life, death and downright dottiness, while a seventh character lurks mysteriously. Directed by Gareth Armstrong, with music by composer Simon Slater (Constellations) and lighting design by Mark Dymock (Once). With the world premiere of her latest play, this is Alison’s fifth time performing at Assembly. She is the writer and performer of three critically acclaimed plays: Are There More of You?, The Power Behind The Crone and Mrs Roosevelt Flies to London.”
WHERE: Assembly Rooms – Front Room (Venue 20)
WHEN: 12:40 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
I first came as a student in the Oxford University revue decades ago. This will be my seventh time this century, and my fourth one-woman show. Edinburgh is special, because of the size, variety, and range of shows on offer, the opportunity to meet amazing people, and the glorious setting of the city, which has its own character and energy. I’ve played the Buxton Fringe a few times, and had awards, but do you know, it rains even more in Buxton than in Edinburgh; and reviews often don’t come out until you’ve left!
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
I’ve learnt that the whole experience can be so distracting, with social media, and events to attend, as a perfomer you really must keep your mind on the job, and just place all your energy in that magical space, and give every fresh audience the best possible experience, rather than always looking ahead, or over your shoulder. It’s also important though, to energise, encourage, and value all your team, as they go out there, talking to people and getting the bums on seats.
Tell us about your show.
The show is called ‘Alison Skilbeck’s Uncommon Ground.’ I wrote it during the pandemic, and it’s set roughly from May ’20 to Jan ’21. I play 7 different characters, male and female, with minimal costume and props, so one one level it’s all about acting and theatre, and how ‘less is more’. It’s also about how actors CAN and SHOULD play anything; the 7th character is not even human… It’s very much about how our stories interconnect, and how much we have in common; it’s mad, funny, and sad too. Directed by Gareth Armstrong, whose ‘Shylock’ is still a classic among one-person shows. Jacqui Garbett of Hint of Lime has been my Manager/Producer since 2008, and now Publicist too, on all my shows, which I think speaks for itself. Can’t even recall who recommended her! When things go wrong, she just laughs! I did the show twice last year at the Buxton Fringe; and once for charity, for the Bedford Park Festival in London, in June. So it is a Fringe First.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
What to see? well, obviously ‘The Trials of Galileo’ at Greenside, Infirmary St, also produced by Hint of Lime, and starring Tim Hardy; last seen here in 2015. Then I’d just suggest NOT seeing as a priority shows by celebs, they’ll be OK, but take a punt on younger unknown performers. And see things wildly different from yours – circus, dance, story telling.. can’t say more as have not yet had time to study the brochure!
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