“I remember someone once saying that your career is often defined by the work you turn down or walk away from – not that I am in the position of turning down a lot of work.”
WHO: Stephanie Martin
WHAT: “Charlie played by the rules, married the right woman, took the right job. His marriage and life have unravelled and he’s starting his life again, unexpectedly falling for a man for the first time. A study of divorce, fertility problems and heartache counterbalanced by the joys of later in life sexual and personal awakening. Join Charlie as he heals, rejects the pressures of society and embraces sexual fluidity. Finding joy, love and connection in surprising places. A brand new comedy exploring contemporary masculinity and male bisexuality by award-winning writer Stephanie Martin.”
WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker Three (Venue 33)
WHEN: 11:35 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
It’s my first time as a writer. I first came here as an 18 year old performer 20 years ago, straight out of school / A-Levels. Performing and being a part of the festival at a young age felt extremely cool and the buzz hasn’t worn off over the years. The creativity, community and energy in the air is second to none. Being a part of such a creative hub with so much going on, so much to see all in one place is so exciting. I first started thinking about writing in 2016. I booked a last minute trip to the festival, slept God knows where and saw as many pieces of new writing I could. That really kicked off my career as a writer and its really special being back this year, post pandemic, post the first three years of first time motherhood, with two plays that I love.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
When it comes to making stories, work, art you can only make the work that feels exactly right, you can’t fake it! You have to write and create from a place of total authenticity otherwise it doesn’t work. I remember someone once saying that your career is often defined by the work you turn down or walk away from – not that I am in the position of turning down a lot of work. Less is more feels like a lesson I’ve learned in recent years, really listening to your gut, your principles as much as possible without having to bend or moderate yourself too much.
Tell us about your show.
“Did You Mean to Fall Like That?’ is a study of contemporary masculinity, following a man in his very late 30’s whose life and marriage have fallen apart. Our hero has played by all the rules but fertility issues have in part caused this breakdown. We see him putting his life back together and finding himself in the process. He’s always considered himself to be very straight but during the play he falls in love/lust/friendship with a man for the first time. This is my third time working with Scott le Crass who I love working with on new writing – it’s a joy. James our actor I’ve known a long time and we wanted to make a show like this together so it’s been collaborative. David and Fake Escape our producers are also long term collaborators. It’s been a family affair! We hope to take the play somewhere exciting in future.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
I’m really looking forward to seeing “How Can I Help You?’. “Outpatient”, “Pillock”, “Jobsworth” and “Son of a Bitch”. The Paines Plough Roundabout is always excellent so I’m sure I’ll see most of that. Both “Pillock” and “How Can I Help You?” explore contemporary masculinity, neurodiversity in new ways which is similar to the work we’re doing on Did You Mean To Fall Like That?. “Son of a Bitch” is by The Thelmas who make great work – and as a mum I’m always interested in seeing narratives about motherhood. Outpatient and Jobsworth are by artists I’ve really enjoyed in the past so interested to see more.
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