Tag Archives: EdFringe

EdFringe Talk: Gearóid Farrelly: Gearóid Rage

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“I feel like going to the fringe is more work than going to the Olympics. Though when athletes come back from the Olympics their mothers don’t say “So is it a holiday you were on love?”

WHO: Gearóid Farrelly

WHAT: “Gay Irish comedian Gearóid Farrelly has limited patience. In his new stand up show he will touch on many of the things that boil his blood and most of his triggers are completely unreasonable. Everything from his make-believe children to things that are supposed to make you calm, like massages and tran-f*cking-quility rooms. Gearóid was recently seen on tour with Joanne McNally and Sarah Millican and is the host of Agony Rants, a popular Irish podcast co-hosted with Eurovision legend Niamh Kavanagh. ‘Gearóid Farrelly is bloody hilarious’ (Sarah Millican). ‘My absolute favourite’ (Joanne McNally).”

WHERE: Assembly George Square – The Crate (Venue 8) 

WHEN: 19:20 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I have been to the fringe as a performer a number of times, but it has been a while since I have done the full month. I feel like going to the fringe is more work than going to the Olympics. Though when athletes come back from the Olympics their mothers don’t say “So is it a holiday you were on love?” I always have huge concerns about going away for a whole month. I miss my cat. I’ll inevitably leave the immersion on. I love the fringe but come on, a month? Can we get this over in a weekend please?

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

2023!! That was only a year ago… I don’t learn lessons that fast. I’m still getting used to Robbie not being in Take That.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote it, I’m in it. After the fringe I will be going on tour in Ireland and the UK from 3rd October until the end of 2025

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

Oh there are loads of shows I want to see. I cannot wait to see my pals shows. Chris Kent and Joanne Mcnally are both doing work in progress runs of their new shows and I have seen both and they are amazing. Also I love @beverlyinLA because she is so so funny. I’m also really looking forward to Josh Jones’ new show. He is always brilliant.

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EdFringe Talk: Elf Lyons: Horses

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“I am always moved by the beautiful aspects of humanity that you see shining through in the shows that are created, the way audience members connect with artists and one another in a crowd, and how absolutely insane the city becomes after 9pm on a Saturday.”

WHO: Elf Lyons

WHAT: “The first ever comedy show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe performed entirely by a horse. Made by award-winning Elf Lyons, performed by Treacle. ‘Beautiful hind legs’ (Horse & Hound). One of the 50 funniest comedians of the 21st century. ‘Praise her genius and go’ ***** (Telegraph). ‘Lyons can’t be accused of treading the conventional career path since none of her shows ever remotely resembles the next’ **** (Guardian). ‘Elf is funny and wise – and a hero of sanity’ (Dylan Moran).”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Above (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 21:20 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I have done Edinburgh many times. I have experienced every human emotion possible in that beautiful pungent city and seen more terrible improv and acapella shows than you would think bearable.

The fringe has changed so much since 2008 when I first visited, but nonetheless, I am always moved by the beautiful aspects of humanity that you see shining through in the shows that are created, the way audience members connect with artists and one another in a crowd, and how absolutely insane the city becomes after 9pm on a Saturday. I love seeing Hen Does and Stag Does darting from the Pleasance Courtyard to Assembly George Square knowing that for their big night out they chose to come to an arts festival. That’s amazing.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Last year I had the best Edinburgh I have ever had since I was about 23 and the reason was I stopped caring and worrying about anything other than seeing shows, making friends and enjoying the show I was making with Duffy. I saw nearly 100 shows over the entire month and learned so much through watching them. In previous years, if you get too much into your own head and own bubble about the work you are making, and you forget to see other peoples work you can forget you are part of a community. It makes the whole experience very isolating and not as fun.

Tell us about your show.

So, it is a clown, mime, comedy show about the importance of play and imagination and also about animal rights. It is performed by a horse for the entire hour. Trygve Wakenshaw helped with the evolution of it, as did a lovely mime artist in Australia called Bob Blythe and Dylan Moran has helped open my mind to what I need to do on stage. I owe those three a lot. Also Natalie Palamides and Adam Riches who spent time with me on zoom chatting about audience interaction and consent – which was so valuable.

It manages to be very silly but also rather emotional. I thought I had made my scary show when I made Raven back in 2022, but this year the evolution of this show has quickly challenged that.

The plan for this show is to tour it internationally next year (which the wheels are already in motion for) and then I plan to retire from performing completely.

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

SO

These artists you MUST see:

Trygve Wakenshaw at Assembly Roxy

Garry Starr at Pleasance Dome

Natalie Palamides (not sure where she is on but she is iconic in every single way)

Luke Rollason at wherever he is.

Adam Riches at Summerhall.

Amy Matthews at Monkey Barrel (I’m thrilled to say I’ve directed this show)

Katie Norris at Pleasance (I’m elated to say I have also directed this one)

Ted Hill at Assembly (I am honoured I have gotten to direct this one too)

Sam Blythe in Method in My Madness at Assembly – (This is A PLAY and I have also directed this!) also I am married to him so I am biased.

My top tips are to go and see as many clowns and bouffons as possible. See as many International artists. Don’t just see people you know.

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EdFringe Talk: The Screen Test

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“I silently hid inside of a cardboard gingerbread house for the first ten minutes of the show and then popped out to scare everyone in the audience after the first ten minutes!”

WHO: Bebe Cave

WHAT: “The Screen Test, written and performed by Bebe Cave. A one-woman show about delusion, desperation and dreams. A dark comedy. Betsy Bitterly is an aspiring actress in 1930s Hollywood, so desperate to become a star that she might just sacrifice herself along the way. Through a series of “screen tests” for roles that could change her life, Betsy herself changes in ways she never expected in her never ending quest to “make it”. But what does “making it” really mean? And when do you let go of the dream?”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Below (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 15:10(60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No! I performed at the fringe for the first time in 2012 with my sister Jessie for a show we did called ‘Bookworm’ at the underbelly. It was about a book club, and the audience were our members. I was 14 and very geeky. I played the weary assistant to my sister (leader of the bookclub) and my role was mostly mute. It really gave me a chance to perfect the art of facial expressions. We had a giant cut-out of Aslan the lion from the Narnia movies on stage with us for some reason. I silently hid inside of a cardboard gingerbread house for the first ten minutes of the show and then popped out to scare everyone in the audience after the first ten minutes! It was very strange but I’m so proud of us for doing that – we really had no idea what we were getting into but it introduced us to the fringe, and to a certain extent our careers in comedy! I have performed since at the fringe in an amazing play called Holes written by Tom Basden in 2013, and in a comedy show my sister and I performed in 2019 called Cave women. This year is my first time doing a show by myself which is a scary but very exciting new challenge.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I didn’t perform in 2023 but my boyfriend did (Horatio Gould- go watch his show ‘Return of the Space Cowboy’ this fringe at Pleasance Dome! ) and one thing we both learnt is that the financial benefit of sharing a single bed in student accommodation for a month is not worth the hassle! This year we’re alternating nights between the bed and an air mattress on the floor.

Tell us about your show.

My show is a one-woman dark comedy about a neurotic actress in old hollywood. It’s a show for anyone who has had a dream and the delusion that comes with it. I started writing it in september 2023, and I did my first preview this february. When I started working on it, I just had a vague idea of a story and a few old songs in mind, and my only real aim was to explore performing solo (terrifying) as this type of desperate actress character. My career as an actor and writer has had many different phases like most people (some good some bad some ugly), but undoubtedly one of the best things that comes from this line of work is the fascinating people that you meet along the way! Performers are all crazy! In a GOOD way (mostly).

Each one is like this incredible eco-system of their own, with unique rules and rituals and belief systems. I think it is so human to want to create something. I wanted to explore that idea in this character I have written, aspiring star Betsy Bitterly. I didn’t expect to be doing it as a full fringe run this year! But the show really had a life of its own and I’m very fortunate that it has all come together in such a quick turnaround. My director Millie Foy came to my first two previews and asked to come on board. Shortly after that, Charlie Ralph from BIGHEAD comedy also came onboard to produce, and as a team we knew we could make this more than just a fun work in progress! I am so excited to premiere it fully at this fringe.

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

I wholeheartedly recommend seeing Bella Hull’s show ‘Piggie’ also at Pleasance this fringe. It is so hilarious and life affirming, she really is one of the girls. Equally – Sarah Roberts’ show ‘Silkworm’ at Assembly is one of the coolest and funniest shows this year! They are both such talented and unique performers. I also want to recommend my amazing sister, Jessie Cave, who is performing another wonderfully whimsical hour called ‘An Ecstatic Display’ at the Assembly. Jessie has always been one of my biggest inspirations. Also check out Alfie Brown and Horatio Gould !!! Both brilliantly cerebral boys with fantastic new shows this year.

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EdFringe Talk: Cosmos

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“The huge challenge of Edfringe is probably a big part of what makes it such an amazing and satisfying experience overall.”

WHO: Ashtar Muallem

WHAT: “Ashtar is a Jerusalemite artist who humorously explores her life and spirituality. Navigating between Palestine and France, seeking equilibrium and comfort in both. Inspired by Jerusalem and cherished memories of her grandmother, she seeks a connection with the Divine. Ashtar practices yoga and meditation, and explores tarot reading on the internet. Her elastic body mirrors her dual life, between two countries, cultures, and languages, between solitude and togetherness. Sarcastically, she presents her beliefs. Over a ceremony, poetry blends with humour and subjectivity merges with the universal, embarking on a journey of balance and contradictions, showing the beauty of interconnectedness.”

WHERE: Summerhall – Main Hall (Venue 26) 

WHEN: 21:15 (60 min)

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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This isn’t the first time for either myself or Clement Dazin (my co-creator) at the Fringe. We both participated in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2015 with our previous creations—myself with “B-Orders” and Dazin with “Bruit de Couloir.” Returning this time, I feel more prepared for the unpredictable August weather in Edinburgh and the vibrant festival atmosphere.

What makes the Edfringe such a remarkable festival is its cultural richness and diversity. It’s a melting pot where artists from around the world converge to showcase their work, creating an animated and dynamic atmosphere that lasts for a month. One of the special aspects is encountering other artists you know or admire, which fosters a sense of community and artistic exchange.

As a performer and producer, it’s incredibly rewarding to see your artistic vision come to life on such a renowned stage and to connect with audiences who are eager to explore new cultural experiences. As a punter, it’s about immersing oneself in a multitude of performances, and being part of a larger cultural conversation.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The biggest thing I learned in 2023 is that social media has given people real power to express themselves without needing high positions to be heard. The global support for Palestine during this ethnic cleansing showed me that the masks have dropped, and power now lies with the people. I have great hope in the youth and future generations to restore some of what previous generations
failed to achieve.

Tell us about your show.

The show is an intimate peek into my life and thoughts as a Palestinian woman in her 30s living between Palestine and France. I share beautiful memories from my homeland and my city, Jerusalem, while also addressing the occupation I was born under. In France, I reflected deeply on these experiences, away from the intense life in Palestine, and these reflections are what I share with my audience. Moving from the personal to the universal, I expose myself, allowing the audience to see both the serious and comic sides of me.

Clement Dazin and I met in circus school in 2010 in Chalons-en-Champagne and worked well together even then. Ten years later, he invited me to be part of a show with six other artists from our circus school days. After the first week of creation, he saw that I had a lot of material to share and invited me to work on a solo show, with him directing. We created “Cosmos” in just three weeks, during which I performed many improvisations that Clement organised in a dramaturgical
order, and we collaboratively wrote the text together.

After Edinburgh, we will tour Europe, including Budapest, Belgium, France, and Spain. In 2025, we have plans for a small tour in the USA.

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

I would recommend “The Show For Young Men” at Dance Base as an excellent performance to attend. While it is quite different from “Cosmos,” it is a great family show that explores preconceived notions about the roles of men and the upbringing of boys in society. The performance delves into how societal expectations confine men, dictating how they should act and behave. It also touches on the impact of appearances on their lives and highlights the various ways men can freely
express their emotions.

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EdFringe Talk: Harry Stachini: Grenade

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“For me, some of the best memories of the fringe are when you’re sat with a pint around a table with other comedians sharing stories from that day and laughing at the rollercoaster ride that is taking a show up to the festival.”

WHO: Harry Stachini

WHAT: “Most of us are carrying honesty grenades. Some are small, like farting in a lift and owning up to it. But some are truly massive. Harry’s was medium-to-large and once he pulled the pin, it destroyed an eight-year relationship, a mortgage and a blue whippet. Relationships, family dynamics and his years spent teaching future serial killers are all brought under the comedy spotlight in this show. Stachini serves up an hour of relatable, honest, and hilarious stand-up, shining a light on the grenades that we all carry.”

WHERE: Underbelly, Bristo Square – Dexter (Venue 117) 

WHEN: 17:45 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, this is my 3rd time coming up to the fringe and performing a show however this is the biggest year I’ve had in bringing a show to the festival. I know that the stakes are high for this year due to the financial costs of attending the festival and I would be lying if I said that doesn’t sometimes cloud your excitement for the fringe but I’m keen to enjoy myself and look forward to seeing what chaos this year’s fringe will bring. For me, some of the best memories of the fringe are when you’re sat with a pint around a table with other comedians sharing stories from that day and laughing at the rollercoaster ride that is taking a show up to the festival. Every day is different and my experience has been that it’s best to roll with the punches and surround yourself with good people otherwise you’re paying a lot of money to have a shit time.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The biggest lesson I took from the 2023 fringe was finding your tribe. Although over a million people attend the festival it can feel like a lonely place at times and your tribe is the people that provide you with that connection. They are the ones that give you the fuel you need for the month of performing and the days when you’re absolutely cream-cracked. They keep you in touch with what’s important and laugh with you and the end of the good days and laugh even harder with you at the end of the tough days.

Tell us about your show.

My show Grenade in a nutshell is about honesty, family and relationships. Honesty is something we can all relate to and throughout the show, I explore how my honesty grenade once I pulled the pin destroyed an eight-year relationship, a mortgage and a blue whippet. I unearthed the show slowly as I examined a massive event in my life and through the course of writing the material I was able to draw upon a common theme. Which is that in some way or another, we’re all carrying honesty grenades and what we do with them has significant effects on who we are and how we live our lives. I worked closely with a fellow comedian and producer Lewis Coleman to provide structure to the show. Through the course of previewing, we discovered that we’d crafted a show that connects with an audience because of the theme of honesty that runs throughout it.

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

Connor Burns is a comedian I enjoy watching. He’s got a very relaxed style and a hilarious take on the world around him.

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EdFringe Talk: Suchandrika Chakrabarti: Doomscrolling

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“My first experience of Fringe was that it was a absolutely magical. I remember going to see an all-night comedy marathon hosted by Ed Byrne off the telly, then stumbling out of there into the morning sunshine, desperately hungry and wondering what had just happened.”

WHO: Suchandrika Chakrabarti

WHAT: “In her second solo show, Suchandrika (Writer for BBC One’s Have I Got News For You and Radio 4; Funny Women ‘One To Watch’) tries to explain our chronically-online era to her niece (5), and speculates about the future (because no one can say she’s wrong). Sold out at VAULT Festival. Praise for previous work: ‘An utter joy’ (Guardian), ‘Leaves you with a smile on your face’ **** (Theatre and Other Things LDN), ‘Comes across as warm and wholesome, contrasting with some of her sneakily dark and political humour’ (BingeFringe.com). As seen on NextUp Comedy.”

WHERE: Hoots @ Potterrow – Big Yurt (Venue 243) 

WHEN: 15:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is my second time at Edinburgh Fringe with a solo show. I debuted in 2022 with ‘I Miss Amy Winehouse’, but I’ve been coming up to the Fringe as a punter since 2003. Back then, my school friends at Edinburgh Uni could stay in their houses on Marchmont Terrace all summer, so they very kindly invited me up.

My first experience of Fringe was that it was a absolutely magical. I remember going to see an all-night comedy marathon hosted by Ed Byrne off the telly, then stumbling out of there into the morning sunshine, desperately hungry and wondering what had just happened.

The beauty of Ed Fringe as a punter is that you never know what you’re going to find. As a performer, the question is more about who’s coming to see you and how to get them in, etc. My show was a very personal one about grief, and it was amazing to read the audience feedback connecting with the themes and my performance. After 20 days straight of performing my show, I was a better comedian and performer

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

I wasn’t at the Fringe in 2023, I took the year off and gave myself two years to work on the show and to save up some money. That means I’m hugely over-excited about returning this year!

My lessons from 2022 are to relax more, get out of the festival and into nature a bit more often, and to save karaoke until the very end of my run…

Tell us about your show.

Doomscrolling is the act of spending an excessive amount of time reading large quantities of negative news online. It can be linked to a decline in mental and physical health.

I take a deep dive into what doomscrolling is actually doing to us, if I’m really in recovery from working inside the news machine and what the future might look like.

At the heart of this narrative is my relationship with my 5-year-old niece. What useful advice can I give her, from m experienc of living through our chronically-online times – or will doomscrolling be a relic of the past when my niece is grown up?

I wrote it and will be performing it, and the show is premiering at Edinburgh. I’ve got a London date booked in for after the festival, but I can’t talk about that yet.

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

I love this bit, so many good shows!
– Posey Mehta with Mitzi Fitz and her Glitzy Bitz late-night cabaret
– Kate Cheka with A Messiah Comes (12:25pm at the Wee Yurt, Hootenannies @ Potterrow, no link as yet). In fact, take a punt on the Hootenannies yurts at Potterrow Underpass at any time of day, there’s a great line-up that I can’t wait to see, and not just because I’m part of it. Non-yurt acts I’ll allow include Mike Kunze’s Infinity Mirror, Nerine Skinner’s The Exorcism of Liz Truss, Will Sebag-Montefiore’s Will of The People and Ben Goldsmith’s CrimeLandTown.

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EdFringe Talk: Michael Kunze: Infinity Mirror

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“In 2023 I booked a karaoke booth of a room and did a 45 minute work in progress every day at 11 am with no budget and no ads and hardly any flyering, and I sold out every day on the strength of the show. Somehow I actually made money.”

WHO: Michael Kunze

WHAT: “Michael Kunze is actor Mitch Coony in this Hollywood odyssey, where you’re only ever one hit away from a Tom Hanks sex party. A character comedy featuring sketches, songs and top-notch nonsense. Michael Kunze is an OffComm winning comic performer. His show Lil Saffron: Ragu to Riches received five-star reviews at 2022 Edinburgh Fringe and transferred to Soho Theatre. ***** (EdFringeReview.com). **** (MusicalTheatreReview.com). **** (ThePhoenixRemix.com). ‘Comedy master’ (TheReviewsHub.com). Directed by Lee Griffiths, Fringe First-winner (Lorenzo) and Edinburgh Newcomer nominee (Late Night Gimp Fight).”

WHERE: Underbelly, Cowgate – Delhi Belly (Venue 61) 

WHEN: 12:55 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve been to Edinburgh many times, mostly for the fringe. My first was way back in 2017 when I lived in Ireland and my improv group “Tickled by Freaks” (I know) came for a week of sold out shows at Barbados Tiki Bar in a room that was a death trap. It was wild. We had no idea what to expect – it was overwhelming and wonderful and bizarre.

We made beer money on the door and felt like kings. Since then I’ve been back every year, and I brought my first scripted show in 2022, the musical comedy “Lil Saffron: Ragu to Riches”, a show about a rapping pasta chef that did very well for itself, and ended up transferring to Soho Theatre in London. Now I’m back with my debut solo hour.

Edinburgh during the fringe is intoxicating, there’s so much creativity and energy in the air. You walk down the street and see the funniest people you’ll ever meet in your life, and in tiny sweaty rooms you see people take amazing creative risks. It’s so inspiring.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

In 2023, I tried to do the opposite of what I did in 2022, when I brought my first scripted show up and it was very stressful and I made so many mistakes (Venue, room size, showtime, spending money on things that did nothing for me). So in 2023 I booked a karaoke booth of a room and did a 45 minute work in progress every day at 11 am with no budget and no ads and hardly any flyering, and I sold out every day on the strength of the show. Somehow I actually made money.

This will be my last fringe for a while (starting a family), so I just want to embrace the joy of it all. Life is short, and performing comedy is a gift, and I want to make the most of that while I still can. This summer is all about joy for me, and sharing laughter with everyone who comes to my show.

Tell us about your show.

I wrote my show! I’m the performer and writer and producer and caterer and everything else. I did get an amazing director, the wonderful Lee Griffiths, who has pushed me to make my show better than I ever could have imagined. My show, “Michael Kunze: Infinity Mirror” is about the rise and fall of an actor in Hollywood, his quest for fame and the things he gives up along the way.

It’s silly and very fun, but in many not so subtle ways it’s a personal story. As an artist I’ve had to make sacrifices to chase my dreams, and there’s many nights where you wonder what might’ve been if you’d made decisions other than the ones you ended up making. I don’t have any regrets, and have had a very lucky life, and the show is about celebrating that and looking forward to what’s to come.

I’ve done the show countless times as a work in progress for nearly a year now, so am hoping to bring what is its final form to Edinburgh. My fondest wish is that people like it and I’m able to tour it afterwards to various places in the UK. I’m originally from near San Francisco in the states, and would love to have a beautiful show to bring back and show my friends and family there what I’ve been doing with my life.

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

There is so much on at Fringe! I’ve been so lucky to make so many wonderful friends who are doing their own cool shows, so please go see the following (multiple times):

Mandeep Singh’s “Singing in the Rain”, Posey Mehta’s “Mitzi Fitz”, Suchandrika Chakrabarti’s “Doomscrolling”, “My Brain is Soup Your Hands are the Spoons” by Chris East, “Crimelandtown” by Ben Goldsmith. “Dr. Doolittle Kills a Man and Reads Excerpts From his New Book”, Andrew Doherty’s “Gay Witch Sex Cult”. I’m sorry if I forgot you but I’m gonna stop typing now even though there’s so much more.

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EdFringe Talk: Good Boy

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“Good Boy will be my EdFringe directorial debut but unlike 2011…I now live as an openly proud Transgender Woman myself.”

WHO: Sophia Vi

WHAT: “Don’t go home, it’s only 1:45am! Follow our brave boys as they battle their demons to spread love, joy and chaos throughout the land. Australian-Scottish clown duo Prosciutto (George Harris) and Arthur Vinegar (Euan Fraser) present an anything-could-happen hour of anarchy, idiocy and burrito-filled belly laughs.”

WHERE: PBH’s Free Fringe @ Burrito ‘n’ Shake – Downstairs Room (Venue 605) 

WHEN: 01:45 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

My first time at EdFringe was in 2011, I was playing a Soldier in a new musical at the Gilded Balloon where I had one of the most incredible experiences of my life. It was called ‘The Prodigals’ and preceded ‘Fascinating Aida’ in the schedule – if you don’t know Edinburgh, usually there is one very small changing room with multiple shows getting ready at the same time. This was where I met Adele Anderson and also the first time I knowingly met an out proud Transgender Woman. I haven’t been involved with a show at EdFringe since, Good Boy will be my EdFringe directorial debut but unlike 2011…I now live as an openly proud Transgender Woman myself.

This is what makes EdFringe special – moments like this, moments to see shows and representation on stage that you would have never seen before, where you can meet and create personal relationships like no other festival in the world.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

‘This above all: to thine own self be true’ – this is both important in life and with how we create theatre. We get so caught up in our industry with grant applications, logistics, development, etc – we forget why we are doing it. We are storytellers. A story is the greatest gift to give and the most beautiful one to receive. Finding truth within all the stories we share is at the forefront of my mind when I direct a show.

Tell us about your show.

Good Boy is written by James Farley, directed by Sophia Vi and produced by Sarah Lawrie. It features sound design by Vanessa Garber and lighting design by Matthew Radway. The team came together when James was developing Good Boy with Mrs C’s Writers Collective last year and ended with a rehearsed reading at The Space Theatre London.

Following Good Boy’s EdFringe run it will be performed at 53Two apart of Manchester Pride. Good Boy is also partnered with Survivors UK; a charity for Men, Boys and Non-Binary people who are survivors of sexual violence.

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

Timeless by Brian Coyle – Stars the incredible John Rayment in a gorgeous nuanced performance about a London Cabbie who can’t create new memories. A very moving piece.

Main Character Energy by Temi Wilkey – I have loved Temi as a performer and writer for years and with ‘Main Character Energy’ she is going be bringing the comedy and the drama.

Knives and Forks by Danielle James – As a trans women myself seeing young trans women write as well as Danielle James is a pleasure and it’s important, under the current climate, we support and elevate young trans voices in the UK. Her new play is an exploration into female friendships.

Bi-Curious George: Queer Planet – Firstly ‘bi-curious George’ is one of the best Drag King names ever conceived but is also one of my favourite drag king performers. This one is going to be fun!

In defiance of Gravity by Saul Boyer – This intelligent, Irreverent, queer show will have you laughing in your seat and blown away by magic!

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EdFringe Talk: Knives and Forks

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“No matter how challenging it may get, collaborating and all banding together will always create something beautiful.”

WHO: Ianthe Bathurst, Thea Mayeux and Danielle James

WHAT: “Iris and Thalia. Thalia and Iris. A flatshare. A secret. A friendship dancing on the edge of time. Everything moves different when you know it’s all coming apart. From the company that brought you Bluewater (‘a true original’ ***** (BingeFringe.com)), this electric ode to female friendship by Danielle James confronts us with a searing question: how do you grieve something you haven’t yet lost?”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Patter House – Nip (Venue 24) 

WHEN: 15:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This will be our fourth time at Fringe (just can’t get enough) and the second fringe show with Band of Sisters Theatre which is made up of myself and Thea Mayeux. After the success of our 2022 show Bluewater (Gilded Balloon ‘a true original’ ***** BingeFringe.com) we just had to come back. Fringe is such a magical place – from the incredible array of performances to the madness of flyering there are always challenges, surprises and hidden gems to discover. We are so excited to bring Knives and Forks by Danielle James to Gilded Balloon this summer!

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

So much! From trying to have more fun to getting those painfully dull emails done early to avoid the last minute panic that inevitably happens every year. We’ve also learnt that no matter how challenging it may get, collaborating and all banding together will always create something beautiful. Welcoming new voices, inspirations and energies can get you through the those ‘what the fuck are we doing!?!’ moments.

However, the biggest lesson learnt was from our fabulous writer Danielle James who shared “I have learned so many lessons about the kinds of theatre I want to make, the kinds of theatre that I think are needed and the kinds of words I want to impact people. I’ve been so lucky to participate in the Royal Court Writers Group which has taught me invaluable lessons about my practice.”

Tell us about your show.

Iris and Thalia. Thalia and Iris. A flatshare. A secret. A friendship dancing on the edge of time. Everything moves different when you know it’s all coming apart.

Band of Sisters Theatre started in our little flat in London in 2022 when we got the opportunity to co-direct Bluewater written by Grace Quigley (Gilded Balloon, Kings Head Theatre). Whilst working on this project we started discussing the possibility of creating our own show that would challenge us as actors whilst shining a relatable light on the realities of female friendship.

Everybody knows what its like to love someone, to love a friend. And everyone knows how different their lives would be without those people. Therefore, It was important for us to create a nuanced and complex piece around these themes of friendship and so we approached Danielle, after hearing a bombardment of praise about her talent, and asked if she would collaborate with us. She thankfully said yes and has since written us this stunning electric ode to female friendship.

This show will be previewing at Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, 15th – 21st July before we take it to Gilded Balloon, Nip at 3pm. It will 100% have a life beyond the Fringe!

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

Shameless plugging! So many of our incredible friends and peers are bringing amazing work to Fringe this year. Our sisters “piss/carnation” are returning to Fringe kicking and screaming as the winners of the Untapped award with their new piece Ugly Sisters, which we’re sure is going to be amazing having seen inside the rehearsal rooms! Our forever inspiration and movement extraordinaire, Wet Mess, makes their Fringe Debut at the Zoo Southside from August 11th which we are literally peeing ourselves in excitement for. The incredible James Farley brings their play Good Boy to Sturgeon’s Hall, directed by the sublime Sophia Vi, which we truly cannot wait for and the amazing Gaby Foley brings her self written masterpiece, Flicker to the Pleasance. Ugh! It’s going to be an exceptional year!

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EdFringe Talk: Olivia Raine Atwood: Faking It

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“The only thing I’m nervous about is this rain I keep hearing so much about. My middle name is Raine though, so maybe it’s meant to be.”

WHO: Olivia Atwood

WHAT: “She’s undercover. She’s overwhelmed. She’s bad at everything. In this electric comedy, Liv tells the very real, true story of her classified mission evaluating NYC hospitals. She dances, gyrates, stumbles and sputters across the stage, all while saving the healthcare system as we know it. But remember, it’s a top-secret assignment – she’s not supposed to talk about it. So don’t tell anyone. Shhh. Two sold-out, sizzling off-Broadway runs. ‘Standout comedic timing’ (Time Out). ‘Riotous’ (New York Magazine). ‘This girl doesn’t know anything about modern medicine… why is she here again?’ (New York City Hospitals).”

WHERE: Greenside @ Riddles Court – Willow Studio (Venue 16) 

WHEN: 19:45 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This my first time performing across the pond! I have toured in the US, but never taken my comedy abroad. I am so excited – it seems like Edinburgh in August is the PLACE TO BE. The only thing I’m nervous about is this rain I keep hearing so much about. My middle name is Raine though, so maybe it’s meant to be.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

In 2023 I learned about candles. Did you guys know that if you light them they smell nice? I wasn’t into this candle business but it seems like it’s rather a big deal. Everyone seems to know about candles. I’m getting better at them but I haven’t made it a part of my daily routine. This is of course my main resolution for 2024.

I also learned that you should always take the chance and say yes. Laurence Olivier once said that each night you must leap empty handed into the abyss. You have to go on stage before you’re ready, and I am really trying to implement this. Just do the thing! Try! Fail! And do it again! I also just googled that quote and it doesn’t exist and it’s been my mantra for the last decade, so another goal is gonna have to be to find a mantra that’s real.

Tell us about your show.

My newest show, Olivia Raine Atwood: Faking It is debuting at Edinburgh Fringe in August! The show has been touring all summer, at Hollywood Fringe and Denver Fringe in June. It’s written by me, performed by me, produced by me and and directed by James Jelin.

The show is about my experiences as an undercover patient, evaluating New York City hospitals…in 2020. I’m totally not supposed to talk about it. Does doing a show count? Shhh. I have recieved rave reviews from TimeOut NY, New York Magazine and more and performed early drafts of the show Off-Broadway twice. I’m hoping to keep the tour going after Edinburgh, who knows where yet!

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

YES yes YES!!!! I recommend Mark Vigeant’s BEST MAN SHOW, an interactive toast where he cleverly weaves the audience into the plotline. His crowd work is impeccable.

I also recommend Jill Young’s The Kid’s Might Die, for an insanely smart premise and expert execution.

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