“The huge challenge of Edfringe is probably a big part of what makes it such an amazing and satisfying experience overall.”
WHO: Andy Moseley
WHAT: “Emily Benton, veteran actor and star of stage and screen, is back in the UK after a career that took her to Broadway and Hollywood. With her pedigree, she should be in Downton Abbey or the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, not auditioning for a role in a devised play that only become available when another, more famous, actor went to join the theatre in the sky. What cruel fate brought her here? Maybe there’s a secret she’s not revealing. From the makers of Make-up: ‘A disarmingly truthful and humorous piece, adroitly constructed and beautifully performed’ *s]*s]*s]* (AllEdinburghTheatre.com).”
WHERE: Pleasance Online (Venue 53)
WHEN: Theatre 2 at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall (50 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
This is the 6th play I’ve brought to Edinburgh and 15th time I’ve been at the fringe either as a writer, director, actor, punter, reviewer or combination of the 5! It’s 21 years since I first came to the Fringe which was also the first time I’d been to Edinburgh. I fell in love with the city and the festival from the moment I arrived and 12 years later moved up here permanently. The festival has changed a lot since I first time came, but it remains a place where you can discover great independent writers and performers and see shows that you wouldn’t see anywhere else. That’s the real magic of it for me, and as a writer and director I love being part of the festival and hopefully part of the good memories audiences take away with them.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
Not sure that I’ve learned anything since 2024. That’s what comes of having done Edinburgh and other festivals so many times before! Since the last time I brought a new play to the fringe (2022) I’ve learned to relax more and enjoy the ride – don’t worry about what happens next with the show, whatever will be will be, just have fun doing the fringe and being part of the greatest festival in the world.
Tell us about your show.
Almost Famous is a new one woman show about Emily Benton, a veteran actor with a glittering career in Broadway and Hollywood who finds herself back at the bottom of the pile after she returns to the UK. The only thing is Emily’s story may not be all its made out to be as we discover during the show. I wrote, produced and directed the show and Jac Wheble stars in it as Emily. I’ve worked with Jac on other plays and when I was looking to cast this role I asked her if she’d consider doing it. She said yes, and that was that!
We premiered the show at The Actors in Brighton as part of Brighton Fringe in May. We’re also taking it to Manchester and Buxton before the Fringe and then lining up other dates in Scotland before the end of the year and hopefully into next year.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
Ah-Ma the new play from Cathy Lam Arts Collective. I met Cathy in 2014 when we both had shows on at Surgeon’s Hall and we’ve stayed friends since then. Her last fringe production A Funeral for my Friend who is Still Alive was brilliant and a well deserved award winner two years ago, so I’m really looking forward to the new play.
I’d also recommend Mark Vigeant: The Best Man Show which was the best show I saw last year. A solo performance that defines the phrase(s) tour-de-force and comedy masterclass, was how I described it last year, and a quote that Mark has used in his publicity this year! Great that he’s bringing the show back and has a slot at Assembly this year. Go and see it for his manic energy and fantastic imagination!
LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!
INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!
Get Your Coats On 