“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to tour the world with the Blue Man Group.”
WHO: Callum Grant
WHAT: “A subversive live experience developed by artists from around the globe. Despite ever-evolving digital connection our world is more divided than ever. Broken Planet is here to reconnect us, to put the humility back into humanity, to provide the space for rediscovering the good in everyone and everything around us. Embrace imperfections with the interactive and uplifting power of silly. Join Clown God and an array of wonderfully weird guests for this unique celebration blending comedy, circus, indie music and the ridiculous… before it’s too late. Come save the world!”
WHERE: C ARTS | C venues | C aquila – studio (Venue 21)
WHEN: 18:50 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
Ever since I was young, Edinburgh’s beauty, character, and views have charmed me. Climbing Arthur’s Seat, scraping my back on the flumes at the Commonwealth Pool, singing after hours at the Royal Oak pub, and the lump in my throat I still get hearing the tale of Greyfriars Bobby.
In 2005, I studied contemporary theatre at the RSC and took part in a student performance art show at Fringe, which was an absolute hoot!
Since then, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to tour the world with the Blue Man Group.
Now, I’m setting foot back on stage in my homeland for the first time since those early days.
I’ve developed an original show, “Broken Planet,” and there’s no better way to bring it kicking and screaming into existence than at the Edinburgh Fringe – the ultimate performing arts event.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
I’ve learned so much in the past year. This is our first Fringe, and developing and producing a show has felt like a university course all its own. From editing material based on audience engagement to refining pieces down to their essence while keeping the show on track, it’s been an intense learning time.
Not to mention all the extra-curricular tasks: graphic design, online marketing, creating budgets, navigating group dynamics, rewiring pedal boards, and even forcing myself to do stand-up comedy for the first time- with mixed results.
It doesn’t stop, but it’s mostly fun.
One crucial lesson I’ve learned is the importance of people.
The community, the team, and the group are the most important aspects of this process. Their support, collaboration, and shared passion make all the difference.
Oh, and never try to eat a pizza in front of people who don’t have their own pizza!
Tell us about your show.
“Broken Planet” is an absurd cabaret-style variety show featuring hilarious, weird characters, unique live-looping indie music, and inflatable dinosaurs.
It strives to get people talking again, to find common ground, and to laugh at our differences.
I’ve always been baffled by our tribalism—ever since I switched from skiing to snowboarding and suddenly found myself at odds with skiing friends. It’s bananas how we can become so divided over the smallest things, like whether pineapple belongs on pizza or if cats are better than dogs.
We seem to live in a world where people are quick to pick sides and slow to understand each other, highlighting our growing inability to empathise with other ways of thinking.
This is why I think its important to get over our differences, by laughing at our quirks and celebrating our shared humanity. That’s what we’re trying to do with “Broken Planet.”
The concept and much of the writing came from me, but this has been a very collaborative process. Starting as a tiny apartment show and growing into larger venues around Chicago, we’ve had amazing artists volunteer and join along the way, developing fresh acts like Srg. Lt. Love Doctor, Mothman, the Well Balanced Fathers and Nerf Karaoke.
We are super excited to be partnering with ‘Rhymes With Purple’ for our production here in Edinburgh, and we hope to tour festivals and beyond after our Fringe run.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
Rat Mass. This is a must see, I have been incredibly lucky to witness the growth and evolution of Rat Mass as its grown in Chicago. It is a hilarious, beautiful subversive show about rats and humans, and rats.Go join the cult!
Also Tweedy’s Massive Circus is one I can’t wait to catch, I’ve caught snippets of Tweedy online and I simply cannot wait to giggle in person finally!
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