“For decades I’ve heard nothing but horror stories from performers who return like they’ve been at the Somme.”
WHO: Dik Downey
WHAT: “Dik Downey’s mid-life crisis crashes headlong into Don Quixote’s crazed delusions. With a rogue’s gallery of puppets and desperate clowning, Quixote embarks on surreal, comic misadventures with sidekick Sancho Panza and decrepit horse, Rocinante. Dik fights to make this huge novel joyous to a contemporary audience. But as Quixote chases impossible dreams, Dik faces his own dwindling relevance and mortality. A laugh-out-loud international co-production on the indignities of fighting the inevitable. ‘Show of the year… so funny that your face will hurt’ (Bristol247.com) ‘Slapstick comedy and touching vulnerability… outstanding’ (Scotsman).”
WHERE: King Dome at Pleasance Dome (Venue 23)
WHEN: 15:25 (55 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
This is my first time performing at the EdFringe and I’m trying hard not to think about what I’ve let myself in for. For decades I’ve heard nothing but horror stories from performers who return like they’ve been at the Somme. Tales of financial ruin, dodgy digs and performing for one man and his dog, but I thought “why not? What have I got to lose?, apart from my savings, dignity and my knees! But seriously, I do know that it is a fantastic place to work, and seeing as Don Quixote (is a very big book) is a relatively new show, a run of 24 performances will really break it in. Plus, it’s a great show and I want as many people as possible to see it.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
Look after your body! After a year of careering around in a genuine suit of armour, I’ve discovered the importance of a strict exercise regime. I’ve taught puppetry and clowning for decades and always stress the importance of warm-ups, but have generally been crap at doing them myself. However, in preparation for the festival I got myself a personal trainer to try and whip me into shape. Let’s just say I’m still working on it.
Tell us about your show.
Don Quixote (is a very big book) was written by my director Emma Williams, my creative technician Chris Collier and myself, up in the Lofoten Islands within the Arctic Circle last May/June. We spent 5 weeks in 24hr perpetual daylight, slowly going mad as we tried to distil a 939-page novel, written in 1605 into 55 minutes of hysterical mayhem, with a suit of armour and a cast of puppets. I’m proud to say that I think we pulled it off. The show has had a great reception when we premiered it in Norway and played it in Spain, Sweden and Bristol. As soon as we pack up after Edinburgh, we fly off to Berlin where we play for 4 nights at the At.Tension Festival. I’ve been performing for 45 years and what’s interesting, is seeing a renewed enthusiasm for puppets. Every few years there’s a renaissance in puppetry and I’ve always been fortunate to be there to ride that wave.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
I would certainly recommend Dracula: Lucy’s Dream by Plexus Polaire. It’s an astounding retelling of the story from Lucy’s perspective using life sized puppets and a beautiful score. They made the show at the same theatre in Norway where we made DQ(IAVBB). They are on at The Pleasance EICC at 17:30.
Also, you’d be a fool to miss Jill’s Tupperware Party at The Underbelly at 2:35. Good weird comedy. Then there’s Max Fulham: Memory Foam. He’s a fantastic ventriloquist I stumbled upon on Instagram , I’ve never seen him live, but I can’t wait, and finally; everyone (and their dogs) should go see Paul Currie: Remove Your Skin Please at Laughing Horse @ The Counting House. It’s his 11th hour long show at the festival. Almost impossible to describe, but it will be raucous, hilarious and
surreal.
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 