“This will be my first time visiting Edinburgh! I’ve known about the buzz of the EdFringe for a long time now.”
WHO: Hattie Chapman
WHAT: “A young girl wishes that people were more like animals (because they’re nicer and kinder, obviously) and wakes to find herself transformed into a rat! But it’s not just her! All of her family, friends and teachers have been transformed into walking, talking, singing animals! This family musical is jam-packed with monkey business, hyena laughs and toe-tapping tunes which are sure to leave you smiling! Produced and performed by The Long Lane Theatre Company.”
WHERE: Assembly Roxy – Upstairs (Venue 139)
WHEN: 10:30 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
This will be my first time visiting Edinburgh! I’ve known about the buzz of the EdFringe for a long time now. It’s is the biggest arts festival in the world with such a huge variety of people and performances, which is what makes it so special. I love the reputation it has for giving opportunities to new talent and giving them a platform to create and share their work. I’ve always wanted to go, so the idea of performing there this year is incredibly exciting. I’m sure it will be my first year of many!
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2019 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
When I graduated from drama school in 2019, I was just starting to learn what it means to be an actor in the industry. It felt very overwhelming and it can still feel like that at times. I think the main lesson I’ve learnt since then is that comparing myself to others is a huge waste of time. I’m learning to trust myself and to trust that failing is also essential for my journey and growth. I’m not as afraid to ‘fail’ – I’m still practising that and I don’t think I’ll ever be a master. I think the more comfortable we feel in the face of potential failure, the more bold we become in taking risks. Which in turn opens ourselves up to potential success! I believe that applies to everything in life, not just acting.
In terms of Covid, we’ve all learnt so many things. But what became particularly significant, was discovering how boring life was without theatre!
Tell us about your show.
I play Arty in a new family musical Arty’s Ani-Magination. It’s the story of a young school girl who isn’t having the best time (she’s got a very annoying older sister) and so she wishes that she could be an animal just like her pet rat, who seems to be having the best time. Then she wakes up one morning to find out she’s turned into a rat, and the worst thing is her wish is contagious, so soon all her family and friends (and teachers) are all turning into their favourite animals too.
Eve Pearson-Wright wrote and directed the show. She has been creating children’s theatre for years and she says she’s tried to get all the bits that children love the most into one show, so even though it’s a new show it’s actually tried and tested.
There’s a cast of five actors who are all part of Long Lane Theatre Company. We all transform into different animals at one point, which the children are going to love but also it has this heartfelt story about two sisters who are re-finding their closeness over the show which is hopefully really moving and there’s lots of humour in there that will get a laugh out of even the most tired parent.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
Long Lane Theatre have two other shows on at the EdFringe this year that tell incredible stories:
‘The Giant Killers’ follows a ragtag bunch of Lancashire mill workers who defied all odds to become the first working-class team in the country to play in the FA Cup. It celebrated a 5-star debut at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017 and a nationwide tour of the UK. It’s not one to miss!
‘The Actress’ is our third play; set in 1660, speculation is swirling around London that for the first time a woman will be allowed onto the stage. This new play explores the incredible true story of the two woman that would shape the paths of those that would follow them.
LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! FIND US ON FACEBOOK! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!
INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!
Get Your Coats On 