Tag Archives: EdFestivals

All our coverage, from all Edinburgh’s festivals, past and present.

+3 Interview: Anti-Depressed?

Posted in *Written Interviews, Plus 3 2019 – Features by

“As our relationship cemented we realised a shared interest in exploring the theme of mental health as this is something we have all struggled with at various times and in devising when it comes to the construction of a show.”

WHO: Rich Foyster: Producer / Actor / Director

WHAT: “Award-winning Happenings Theatre Company and sell-out Pop Heart Productions present their new collaboration. Are you okay? Mindfulness app or drunk every weekend? F*ck the pain away or yoga getaway? Medicate or meditate? An unfiltered look at the vicious cycle of being human. Poignant and so darkly funny it hurts. This immersive session is in progress.”

WHERE: theSpace on North Bridge – Fife Theatre (Venue 36) 

WHEN: 14:35 (50 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Both the companies (Pop Heart Productions and Happening Theatre Company) in this collaboration performed at Edinburgh separately for the first time in 2018. Pop Heart Productions produced the show “Am I F#*kable?” and Happening Theatre Company brought “10 Steps to Happiness” both of which were performed to sell-out audiences at Sweet Novotel.

What’s the biggest thing to have happened to you since Festivals ’18?

Since Festivals 2018 we have been shaping and creating our show, “Anti-Depressed?” for Fringe season this year. It has been such an amazing experience to collaborate with Happening Theatre Company. As a company that is used to producing our own work it has been a wonderful experience getting to blend both our unique perspectives on the world. In addition we got to premiere our new show at Brighton Fringe at The Warren. Allowing us to shape the production into the format you’ll see in Edinburgh.

Tell us about your show.

Our show is a collaboration between two different Brighton Theatre Companies who were friends prior to Edinburgh last year but, Edinburgh Festival Fringe gave us the opportunity to really cement our relationship and saw it evolve into a working relationship. As our relationship cemented we realised a shared interest in exploring the theme of mental health as this is something we have all struggled with at various times and in devising when it comes to the construction of a show. As such, the content has been written, directed and performed by all of the 3 cast members. You could say we are all control freaks but we have also undertaken the producing duties as well but have been supported brilliantly by all the staff at theSpaceUK.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

As two companies from Brighton, we are always keen to champion our local burgeoning theatre scene. There are so many great performers coming to Edinburgh this year and we are delighted to be sharing this amazing experience again with them.

Firstly, “Sary” which will be on at Sweet Novotel 3 throughout the whole of Edinburgh which is an amazing piece of feminist folk horror about shapeshifting and witchcraft which is being produced by Different Theatre. Secondly, they are also bringing “Metamorphosis,” a reimagining of Kafka’s classic told through the eyes of Grete Samsa’s eye which will be performed at Sweet Grassmarket.

“The Fannytasticals” are bringing their rude and raucous brand of musical sketch comedy to Edinburgh for the first time at Sweet Grassmarket from 02/08-11/08. They can’t be missed, as the tickets will sell fast and are hilarious.

Lastly, the Hiccup Project will be performing at Main House Zoo Southside their unique brand of comedic dance theatre with “Lovely Girls” exploring what it means to be a young woman in today’s society.

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+3 Interview: Aaron Simmonds: Disabled Coconut

Posted in *Written Interviews, Plus 3 2019 – Features by

“I still have not worked out why everything in Edinburgh is uphill! It’s like an Escher painting.”

WHO: Aaron Simmonds: Performer

WHAT: “Join the BBC New Comedy Award finalist and wheelchair enthusiast as he tells you about how his first paid gig led to him performing on BBC2 a year later, and what happens when you are being trolled online for not being disabled enough. Aaron is far better at stand-up than standing up and his unique perspective on life – usually of people’s belly buttons – gives him a distinctive edge in his performances as well as a sore neck. Jewish Comedian of the Year 2017. ‘A class act’ (Chortle.co.uk).”

WHERE: Underbelly, Bristo Square – Dexter (Venue 302) 

WHEN: 13:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my first full hour show, but I have been to Edinburgh for the last 4 years. So I know my way around but I still have not worked out why everything in Edinburgh is uphill! It’s like an Escher painting.

What’s the biggest thing to have happened to you since Festivals ’18?

When I filled up my car with petrol, I put exactly £50 of petrol in and went into the kiosk and paid with a £50 note. I have never felt cooler.

Tell us about your show.

My show this year is about the time where I got trolled online for not being disabled enough. It was a very weird experience, but as soon as it happened I knew that I was going to write my show about it.

After the Fringe, I’ll be doing a mini-tour of the UK and hopefully, I will be going to some of the Australian festivals next year.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

These are the guys that I’ve seen in previews and are awesome:

Maisie Adam
Catherine Bohert
Adele Cliff
Sarah Keyworth
Philip Simon
George Rigden
Jon Long
Sophie Duker

But also take a punt on anything that grabs you. It could be amazing and they could be the next big thing and you’ll be very smug that you saw them first, or they’ll be rubbish and it’ll make a great story!

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+3 Interview: Anna and Helen: Stuck in a Rat

Posted in *Written Interviews, Plus 3 2019 – Features by

“Having spent a couple of years focussing on writing for TV we decided we needed that injection of energy that can only come from live performance.”

WHO: Anna & Helen: Writer / Performers

WHAT: “Ever found yourself stuck in a rat? Unpleasant, isn’t it? Time marches on, but you’re on the spot. Not even marching. Very still. Stagnating, even. Stuck in that rat. We’ve all been there. Join Anna O’Grady and Helen Cripps in their debut show for a chance of getting out. The future is exciting and it’s still in front of you. If you’ve got the questions, they’ve got the answers*. *Depends on the questions. As seen on Flowers (C4 and Netflix).”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – The Attic (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 17:44 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

We’ve both been to the Fringe with other shows before, but have never performed there together. Having done a lot of comedy together at university we knew one day it would probably happen. Just took us a brief 10 years to get there.

What’s the biggest thing to have happened to you since Festivals ’18?

Probably the decision to come here. We hadn’t done any live comedy in 8 years and had forgotten how infectious it can be. We wrote a lot of scripts and filmed a lot of sketches and were really good at not showing anyone. Now, in the space of a few short months, we suddenly have this live show. I mean, some people are actually coming to see it, apparently. Oh God.

Tell us about your show.

Having spent a couple of years focussing on writing for TV we decided we needed that injection of energy that can only come from live performance, so we booked a couple of Work In Progress shows early this year at VAULT Festival. We were shocked to discover how much our work benefitted from the sheer terror of an approaching deadline which didn’t mean handing in a script, but standing in front of people and saying something. Surprisingly, it wasn’t a disaster and we were delighted when the brilliant Bríd Kirby from Fight In The Dog saw it and offered to produce it. With a dream offer from The Pleasance Courtyard and the support of Helen Robinson at United Agents, we were suddenly all guns blazing for Edinburgh! We have no concrete plans for it after Edinburgh but we hope it’s not the end.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

We love Lucy Pearman, Rosie Jones, Arnab Chanda, Holly Morgan.

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+3 Interview: The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens and Count Leo Tolstoy: Discord

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“We started working on it at around Christmas time 2018. We did previews in both January and March, with various production meetings in between, intensive rehearsals in July and will soon be packing up to head to the UK for August.”

WHO: Courtney Beamish: Producer

WHAT: “Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens and Count Leo Tolstoy find themselves locked in a room with no exit, as they ransack the philosophies of their lives and work, searching for a truth – why us? And why, in God’s name, together?! At once uproarious, raw and painfully honest, Discord unveils the many virtues and vices of these towering icons and discovers a universal truth: no human is human without flaws.”

WHERE: Greenside @ Infirmary Street – Ivy Studio (Venue 236) 

WHEN: 14:00 (90 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

As a company – yes. This is the company’s second-ever production and our first time abroad (we’re based in Switzerland). However, both myself and one of our actors, Ciaran, have had previous Fringe experience during our respective university years.

What’s the biggest thing to have happened to you since Festivals ’18?

In the past year the biggest thing has honestly been this project. Our last production rehearsed for two months and then performed for a week. But this one has been much bigger. We started working on it at around Christmas time 2018. We did previews in both January and March, with various production meetings in between, intensive rehearsals in July and will soon be packing up to head to the UK for August. After which we will return to Switzerland, have a few more production meetings, and maybe some pick-up rehearsals, before a FINAL Swiss run in October. It’s been a MASSIVE undertaking and definitely the biggest thing to happen to me personally, and certainly the company, in a long while.

Tell us about your show.

The show with the massive name – “Discord” for short – was written by Scott Carter (writer and producer of American TV show “Real Time with Bill Maher”). The show is being produced by White Rabbit Theatre Company, a small, independent company founded in Zurich, Switzerland.

To be honest, the company initially came together because I wanted to see if I could produce a play on my own, and also to test out the idea of a Profit-Sharing theatre company. So in 2018, I organized a cast and director for The Importance of Being Earnest. The company produced the play in October of that year and it worked out so well that I thought, “Hey, this could actually work!”. Most people, at that point, would say, “Great, now to establish a base I will do the same thing and follow the same formula again, to have another successful show.” But not me. Nope. I thought, “Great, now how can I make this bigger!!”

“Discord” has been done (not by us), several times in the US, including a run in New York City, but made it’s European debut when we staged a Public Reading in January 2019, followed by a Rehearsed Reading Fundraiser in March. The run at the Fringe will be the UK debut of the show, and we will do a final run back in Switzerland in October of this year. (And then we’ll have a BIG party to celebrate a very long, very hard – but very fun – year).

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

Definitely check out our other “rabbit” friends Dead Rabbits and their show “My Love Lies Frozen in the Ice” and Rabbit’s Head Theatre Company’s show “The Kiss”.

Absolutely go see Dickens for Dinner, and if you can, Eddie Izzard in “The Expectations of Great Expectations”

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+3 Interview: Heroes

Posted in *Written Interviews, Plus 3 2019 – Features by

“Heroes is a delve into the world of superheroes, celebrity culture and the everyday heroes around us.”

WHO: Jennifer Paterson: Co- Choreographer/Director

WHAT: “This playful new aerial show from All or Nothing and Room 2 Manoeuvre delves into the world of superheroes and beyond! In their quirky circus universe, two performers (and their miniature sidekicks) explore what it means to be a hero. The dynamic duo tackle the darker side of life in the spotlight and the pressures of being a role model with a never-ending list of enemies. Are we blinded by celebrity? Or are the ordinary people living extraordinary lives our true heroes? Families assemble – don’t miss this clever caper told through aerial dance theatre and contemporary circus.”

WHERE: Underbelly, George Square – Udderbelly (Venue 300) 

WHEN: 15:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

We are based here so have been around the festivals for many years. And have been involved in all kinds of ways not just with All or Nothing but many other companies and events. This is the first time since 2011 that we have presented work, so its exciting to be doing this in our home town.

What’s the biggest thing to have happened to you since Festivals ’18?

The last year has been busy! We’ve toured Heroes across Scotland, flew through the trees all December at Archerfield for their Christmas Fairy Trail, performed on Princes Street for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and created an aerial spectacle for Paisley’s Halloween Festival involving flying witches on a 60tonne crane and 50 young people.
We’ve just finished an amazing project with National Theatre Scotland and performance maker Nic Green called Like Flying. Working with young people from 2 high schools, they learned aerial and theatre skills and created a promenade aerial theatre performance in their schools.

Tell us about your show.

Heroes is a delve into the world of superheroes, celebrity culture and the everyday heroes around us. It follows the journey of two characters as they explore what it means to be a hero. There is some talking and text, but much of the story is told through aerial – hoop and harness, dance, cyr wheel and partnering work. There’s lots of laughter, miniature sidekicks and a fantastic dynamic between the performers, and does have something for all ages, including some classic Hero tunes.

The show has been co-created and directed by myself and Tony Mills of Room 2 Manoeuvre, another Edinburgh based company. Part of wanting to create a show about Heroes was that we started talking about the fact that we all have people we look up to, and with the rise of the selfie and Instagram culture and the quick fame with a quick fall, what qualities did people aspire to. Or what did we think a hero was. What were the pros and cons of being in the spotlight? And who were our heroes?

The show is performed by Tony and dancer/aerialist Beverley Grant. We developed the show along with Bev, workshopping ideas, devising and creating. Last year we had a residency in Ireland at the Irish Aerial Creation Centre which allowed us to create the majority of the show. This was then performed as a work in progress at Braw Circus Festival in Glasgow in September 2018. Since then All or Nothing were successful in gaining funding from Creative Scotland to develop the show further and toured it to 17 venues around Scotland in Spring 2019.

After this we’ve got a few dates lined up for Scotland/ England in 2020 but looking to take it further afield and keep growing.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

As well as taking recommendations from others, you cant have really done the fringe properly without just going and picking something random. It could be amazing or it could be something that you would never go back to. Here’s a wee selection of some shows to try and catch:

What Girls Are Made Of at Assembly Hall by Cora Bissett – a total joy and uplifting

Drop and Roll Tour with Danny MacAskill – amazing bike skills – and really humble talented guys

Fishamble at Dance Base – Pat Kinevane blows you away – he is a fantastic performer

CoisCeim at Dance Base – another fab Irish company

Curious Seed at Dance Base -Christine Devaney is a beautiful dancer

Venues such as Summerhall and the Underbelly Circus Hub

And at the EIF, lots of amazing talks and artists such as Neneh Cherry, Cas Public / Helene Blackburn, Shooglenifty, Trisha Brown Dance Company

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+3 Interview: Goodbear: Dougal

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“Our show is a narrative-driven, sketch comedy show.”

WHO: Henry and Joe: Writer / Performer

WHAT: “Critically acclaimed sketch duo Goodbear are back! Join Henry Perryment and Joe Barnes for their biggest show yet. Featuring Goodbear’s trademark combination of hilarious characters, extraordinary physical comedy and an original score, expect a show that is ‘very funny’ (Telegraph), ‘excellent’ (Guardian), ‘exceptional’ (AYoungerTheatre.com), ‘hilarious’ (EdFestMag.com), ‘incredible’ (List), ‘magnetic’ (Skinny) and ‘side-splittingly funny’ (ThreeWeeks). That is, if everything goes to plan… **** (Telegraph). ***** (AYoungerTheatre.com). ***** (EdFestMag.com). **** (Chortle.co.uk). **** (List). **** (Skinny). **** (VoiceMag.uk). **** (WeeReview). **** (EdfringeReview.com). **** (ThreeWeeks).”

WHERE: Pleasance Dome – QueenDome (Venue 23) 

WHEN: 21:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is year four for Goodbear. We had a year off last year and didn’t know what to do with ourselves – we felt lost, vulnerable, weak and scared. Now we’re heading back up to Edinburgh and we feel lost, vulnerable, weak and scared.

What’s the biggest thing to have happened to you since Festivals ’18?

There are so many high profile achievements it’s hard to pick our top two (we’ve spent a lot of time in LA), but if we were pushed it would be Henry getting a part in a meerkat advert and Joe doing an advert dressed as a chicken…

Tell us about your show.

Our show is a narrative-driven, sketch comedy show. It’s accompanied by an original score written by Max Perryment and you’ll see some crazy characters (look out for the mad doctor – he’s mad). It was written by us and directed by our friend, mentor and doctor, George Chilcott (he’s mad).

The three of us all met at Leeds University (2:1, 2:1, 2;2*)

*We don’t feel at liberty to say who got the 2:2.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

(George got the 2:2)

The Tattoo, there’s a lovely little pub called The Brass Monkey and, of course, the beer gardens around George Square are a delight.

In all seriousness, you’d be mad to miss the following: Ed MacArthur, Jack Barry, Annie McGrath, Giants, Janine Harouni, Roisin and Chiara, Ben Pope, Chris Bliss, Nicola Wren, Sunil Patel, Goose and Gabby Best.

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+3 Interview: Archie Maddocks: Big Dick Energy

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EdFringe has “gotten more expensive over the last few years for sure, this year is out of control and it needs to change otherwise I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to afford it.”

WHO: Archie Maddocks: Comedian 

WHAT: “Life’s getting a bit serious innit? Political instability, social politics making people less social – life now is guilt, followed by shame. However, what is life, if nothing but a distraction until you die? Archie Maddocks tackles the struggles of being alive in his latest hour of provocative, exhilarating and, crucially, hilarious comedy. ‘Superb timing and quick wit’ ***** (RadioHaHa.co.uk). Daily Mirror’s Funniest Jokes and Evening Standard’s Best Jokes of the Fringe 2018. ‘A real highlight of the evening’ (BBC Radio 4 Extra). ‘Super cool, super smart storyteller’ (Bruce Dessau, BeyondTheJoke.co.uk and Evening Standard).”

WHERE: Just the Tonic at The Mash House – Just the Bottle Room (Venue 288) 

WHEN: 16:50 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my sixth year in a row (my 4th solo show) and honestly, I think it’s self-punishment at this point. Nah – because I enjoy making and bringing up a new show, which always pushed me forward as a comic, which has got to be the goal, right? It’s gotten more expensive over the last few years for sure, this year is out of control and it needs to change otherwise I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to afford it. Also, the dread and terror seems to grow bigger every year with the assumption that I’ve got nothing left to say – really looking forward to next year…

What’s the biggest thing to have happened to you since Festivals ’18?

Several TV writing jobs, playwriting jobs and Film jobs have come and gone – it’s been a fucking hectic year, which I’m very grateful for because it’s kept me eating my daily Nutella rations. I was also the BBC writer in Residence for radio, which was great. Ultimately, I’m now an incredible success (imagine if I was this arrogant) who deserves great things to happen at all times.

Tell us about your show.

I’m going through an existential crisis for the first time in my life now that things are going moderately well (ahhhh, how ironic, life is ok so let’s find something to make an issue) and I figured I’d just run with it. I’ve been thinking about the ideas of existence and reality and time and that they’re ultimately all personal interpretations of the world around us, thus rendering all of it fake due to a lack of harmonious shared experience beyond what we say to each other. And yes, I have a director (Sophia Charalambous, hire her, she’s great)- she does all my shows and basically has to tell me to stop being a dick most of the time.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

My show again. And then Mark Silcox. And something terrible that you think you’ll hate. And something that looks awful. And then me again.

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+3 Interview: Hardeep Singh Kohli: It’s Hard to Be Deep

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“I premier at the Fringe and then we will tour in the spring of 2020.”

WHO: Hardeep Singh Kohli: Writer/ Performer

WHAT: “Identity politics. Right-wing nationalism. Climate Change. Brexit. Ronan Keating’s solo career. There isn’t much philosophy going on. Following his Celebrity Big Brother house “vacation”, the host of BBC Radio 4’s Sketchtopia embarks on one man’s mission to find a philosophy that explains and engages the malaise of modernity. Where are the prophets? The visionaries? The rest of Boyzone? Regular on BBC1’s Question Time and This Week. ‘Immensely funny’ (Daily Express). ‘Consistently thought provoking’ **** (VoiceMag.uk). Something quite special… inbetween the laughter are stories of genuine power’ ***** (BroadwayBaby.com).”

WHERE: Assembly George Square Studios – Three (Venue 17) 

WHEN: 17:15 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be my eleventh year at the Fringe. I never imagined I’d do one show let alone find myself entering my second decade. It’s the highlight of my year.

What’s the biggest thing to have happened to you since Festivals ’18?

Well, there was that TV show called Celebrity Big Brother….

Tell us about your show.

My show is produced by Broken Robot and So Comedy. I write it. I have the most amazing team working with me. Miranda, who used to tech my show now looks after me day to day. The Big Bow Wow aka Benjy is my tech but also a crucial member of the on-stage experience. I premier at the Fringe and then we will tour in the spring of 2020.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

I am incredibly biased (and proud and excited) about my wee Brother’s Fringe debut with his stage version of the much-loved Radio 4 sitcom, “Fags Bags and Mags”. It’s such a great idea and I’ve been badgering him for years to play Edinburgh. Of course, the Fringe gods have scheduled us against each other!

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+3 Interview: Losing My Mindfulness

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“I’ve had the chance to figure out the kinks, and hopefully avoid being upstaged by a whippet in the audience loudly drinking water during my emotional breakdown, but we’ll see!”

WHO: Katie McLeod: Performer, Writer, err terrible producer…

WHAT: “Do you want to feel calmer, more focused and relaxed? Imagine a life where daily stress just floats by like a cloud in the sky, not a rain cloud, a nice one, a fluffy one. Yeah, do you want that? You know you do, don’t you? Join me at my mindfulness workshop where we can leave our baggage behind and be in the moment, even if that moment is not quite what you thought it would be, cos hey, what is?! Sometimes that moment is f*cking terrible. I’m joking. See, mindfulness can be fun. Fun and calm.”

WHERE: Laughing Horse @ Cabaret Voltaire – Cinema Room (Venue 338) 

WHEN: 18:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, I bought the show last year. I’ve had the chance to figure out the kinks, and hopefully avoid being upstaged by a whippet in the audience loudly drinking water during my emotional breakdown, but we’ll see!

What’s the biggest thing to have happened to you since Festivals ’18?

Great audience feedback has really kept the show going, as its inspired by true events people really connect with the issues, a lot of the time the audience want to hug me, which is fine too.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote the show and perform in it.

It’s about a woman, Serena, who runs a Mindfulness workshop whilst everything in her life falls apart. My ten-year relationship ended very suddenly, I was confused and heartbroken, my fiancé disappeared psychologically, emotionally and physically.

As a practical person I wanted to really examine what had happened and I started to look into Narcissism. I realised that I had been a victim of emotional abuse, a complex and nuanced form of control.

I wanted to write something for the friends and family of emotional abuse survivors so they see what it really looks like. In terms of the future, I would love to have a London run and I am in the process of turning it into a radio play.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

Janey Godley, the best stand up I have ever seen. Last year I was laughing so much I was crying, and this was before the show even started as the audience came in. She is so natural and SO funny! Her stories about her childhood and her marriage are hilarious I cant recommend her enough.

Theatre Re are a physical theatre company, I saw ‘The Nature of Forgetting’ a few years back and it was PHENOMENAL so intricate, beautiful and meaningful. I’m really excited to see this show.

Anything at the Traverse!

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+3 Interview: Love is a Work in Progress with Tara Rankine

Posted in *Written Interviews, Plus 3 2019 – Features by

image of event

” The show is all true stories from my life so is raw and honest and vulnerable while also being very ridiculous with Rockstars and feathers and cream pies and blow up props all interspersed with original songs.”

WHO: Tara Rankine: Writer/Performer

WHAT: “**** (Advertiser). ‘Tender, raunchy, uplifting, hilariously funny’ **** (GLAMAdelaide.com). ‘Experience tender moments alongside the hilarity’ **** (TheatreWeekly.com). Adelaide Fringe Weekly Cabaret Award winner Tara Rankine is raw, honest and laugh-out-loud funny. She takes you on a ridiculous yet poignant storytelling ride through past love, sex and relationships, fuelled by heartfelt soul singing, real-life embarrassments and the sensuality and pain of being human. Original songs and the most vulnerable and hilarious love stories, this endearing mess invites you to a party in her heart.”

WHERE: Just the Tonic at The Charteris Centre – Just the Sanctum (Venue 393) 

WHEN: 20:40 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

First time performing in Edinburgh yes (exciting!). I worked FOH in Edinburgh back in 2016 which is when I got inspired to write my own one-woman show after seeing so many incredible female-led shows that made me laugh and cry and everything in-between.

What’s the biggest thing to have happened to you since Festivals ’18?

I toured my one woman show to Adelaide Fringe and Melbourne International Comedy Festivals in Feb-April this year and won an award (The Adelaide Fringe Weekly Award for best Cabaret) which I guess is pretty big.

Tell us about your show.

The show is a one-woman comedy cabaret show about love, sex, relationships and heartbreak, written and performed by me with music and lyrics written by the amazing Maddie Thiele, directed by Helen Broughton with dramaturgical help from Sheri Sadd, guitar and ukulele played by Lolsy Byrne and produced by Lisa-Skye Goodes. So an all-female and non-binary team which I’m super chuffed about! The show is all true stories from my life so is raw and honest and vulnerable while also being very ridiculous with Rockstars and feathers and cream pies and blow up props all interspersed with original songs.

I was inspired to write the show after working at the fringe in 2016 where I managed to see 50 shows and was so moved and inspired I decided it was time for me to take the plunge and create my own show. So I wrote it throughout 2017, developed it in London in 2018 with a mini-season at The Space in October and then more development before taking it to The Adelaide Fringe Festival and Melbourne International Comedy Festival earlier this year. I am hoping it might get picked up for a tour somewhere and I also want to take it to some festivals I’ve not been to before

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

Lolsy Byrne: Sweet Enough – because she’s gorgeously funny and talented and Irish, also doing her own one woman comedy cabaret show also and she is the guitar and ukulele player for my show!

Neal Portenza is Joshua Ladgrove – the best absurd comedy you with see. Won the Golden Gibbo in MICF this year and will make you scream laugh. I am always in pain laughing when I see Josh

Two Little Dickheads – adorably stupid and silly and ridiculous. Two clowns dicking around on stage who glow with joy and are instantly loveable and oh so very silly!

After You – beautiful, touching, heartwarming and affirming. Real mother and daughter performing on stage and their story is special and made me laugh and cry in equal measure.

Leo Mohr: When I Was Zorro – because he is a fabulous clown and very silly and absurd and absolutely nails awkward humour!

Take a punt on some shows you know nothing about that someone gives you a flyer for – you might find your next favourite performers!

Lolsy Byrne: Sweet Enough – because she’s gorgeously funny and talented and Irish, also doing her own one-woman comedy cabaret show also and she is the guitar and ukulele player for my show!

Neal Portenza is Joshua Ladgrove – the best absurd comedy you with see. Won the Golden Gibbo in MICF this year and will make you scream laugh. I am always in pain laughing when I see Josh

Two Little Dickheads – adorably stupid and silly and ridiculous. Two clowns dicking around on stage who glow with joy and are instantly loveable and oh so very silly!

After You – beautiful, touching, heartwarming and affirming. Real mother and daughter performing on stage and their story is special and made me laugh and cry in equal measure.

Leo Mohr: When I Was Zorro – because he is a fabulous clown and very silly and absurd and absolutely nails awkward humour!

Take a punt on some shows you know nothing about that someone gives you a flyer for – you might find your next favourite performers!

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