Tag Archives: EdFringe

EdFringe Talk: Hamstrung

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“I’ve done Edinburgh as a punter and as a reviewer — both brilliant, magical and hilarious experiences.”

WHO: George Rennie

WHAT: “Alas, poor Yorick! Though he’s not dead… Hamlet’s legendary jester is back to dig up the bones of his misspent life in this irreverent resurrection of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy. Join Yorick as he reconnects with his lost love of performance, embarking on a high-spirited journey to discover what really happened in Elsinore. Hamstrung is a stirring and impactful interactive ghost story about the space between live theatre and the afterlife. To see or not to see? There is no question. ‘Cleverly taps into the timelessness of one of Shakespeare’s most famous works’ **** (FringeBiscuit.co.uk).”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Baby Grand (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 11:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I’ve done Edinburgh as a punter and as a reviewer — both brilliant, magical and hilarious experiences. Last year I reviewed ten shows in three days — it was madness, but I saw some amazing work, including Lucy McCormick and Body Show, both next-level amazing. I’ve wanted to take something up myself for years, and was even booked to come up with a play in 2020, before the pandemic put an end to that. There’s something about the atmosphere and possibility in Edinburgh that can’t really be found anywhere else. The quality of the work is so high and yet there’s something so makeshift and DIY about it that makes it feel very special. People take risks and put their full creative selves on the line. It’s beautiful!

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

I’ve been following David Bowie’s advice of just doing everything that scares me, pushing myself to try new things and share that process with others. I wasn’t going to perform Hamstrung myself at first, but gradually challenged myself to take it out in front of audiences, discovering more with each step and deepening my understanding of this story. Being able to trust in my instincts is the best thing I ever learned as an actor, and this feeds into producing, writing and also just living life. It’s all a process, and you have to start small. Any effort can lead you in the right direction, you’ve just got to keep turning up and having faith that the things that need to happen will. And be nice to people!

Tell us about your show.

I am the writer, performer and producer of this peculiar little show. Initially I just wanted to write it, and got an actor to perform it at a scratch night in March last year — on the King’s coronation, no less! After that, I did script reading at the Cockpit (myself), followed by a full WIP performance at the Old Red Lion in October. My director, the fabulously talented Lisa Millar, has been my closest collaborator, and we’ve been working on the show together for over a year. Along the way, I have had input from many dramaturgs, actors, designers, technicians, friends, colleagues and producers to build the show into a well-oiled machine, and the finished product is the sum of all these interactions. I think the combination of working openly like this, while maintaining a strong sense of ownership and direction, is the only way to go.

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

There is so much that I want to see! A lot of it is at Pleasance but that’s partly because I have just devoured the programme. I like things that are spooky and/or queer, so am looking out for Gay Witch Sex Cult, Beyond Krapp, Ginger Johnson, You’re Needy (sounds frustrating), Dan Wye and A Letter to Lyndon B. Johnson or God. For other comic reworkings of classic theatre, it’s got to be Sh!tfaced Shakespeare and The Importance of Being… Earnest? Garry Starr is pure genius and Yoga With Jillian is such a unique theatrical experience… Am sure there are hundreds of shows that I don’t know about yet that I will absolutely love.

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EdFringe Talk: Sam Lake: Esméralda

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“I can’t tell you how much easier it makes doing the fringe when you can do your show and go back to your own home where all your stuff and husband usually is.”

WHO: Sam Lake

WHAT: “An uplifting new show about coming out as Spanish, grief and the Ice Age movie franchise. Award-winning stand-up Sam Lake uncovers the mystery behind his mother’s powerful last words. ‘Super stand-up. Continually witty and charming’ (The Quinntessential Review). ‘A certified comic star’ (TheWeeReview.co.uk). ‘Roaring with laughter’ (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘This is a clear winner’ (Chortle.co.uk). Winner of Leicester Square Theatre New Comedian of the Year. As seen on All4, Dave and BBC Radio Four.”

WHERE: Monkey Barrel Comedy – Monkey Barrel 2 (Venue 515) 

WHEN: 13:30 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, it’s my third show at the fringe, and also I live here. I’m such a big deal they just built the world’s biggest arts and comedy festival on my doorstep. Very nice of them. I can’t tell you how much easier it makes doing the fringe when you can do your show and go back to your own home where all your stuff and husband usually is.

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

Well one thing I learned was that if you come up with a vaguely sexy title for your show, it will attract a particular type of audience. My last show was called ‘Aspiring DILF’ and that was largely attend by lovely big gay bears. And they were such a nice audience each show, I would strongly consider having some bears in. If that’s a struggle, put your show on in the woods, they love it there.

Tell us about your show.

‘Esméralda’ is show all about me and my mum. She passed away 14 years ago from breast cancer, and this show is sort of the ultimate tribute to her and everything she’s taught me, even if some of the lessons she taught me I didn’t fully understand until now. It is a stand-up comedy show, so although there’s a serious context, we will have a laugh. Because the thing about me is, I just love a laugh.

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

I always say book one or two shows ahead of time that you like the look of. Then in-between those shows, have a wander in town, grab a couple flyers and just go see something. go see the first thing someone hands you a flyer for. If it’s good, you’ve just discovered a new favourite act. If it’s bad, you now can bond with other audience members over your new found trauma!

I’ll also shout a couple of people I like. Chris Weir is a fellow moustached gay comedian who’s doing his first show this year. Kathleen Hughes is also another local who’s doing their first show, they are brilliant. Long time faves for me are Josie Long, Olga Koch, Chloe Petts & Huge Davies.

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EdFringe Talk: One Sugar, Stirred to the Left

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“The Fringe has the one thing that is crucial to any great festival – energy!”

WHO: Jon Lawrence

WHAT: “A heart-warming, poignant and, at times funny play about palliative nurse and ex-singer/songwriter Bronwyn, who is commissioned by her patient (Henry) to write an album of music based on secret poems he had written for his late wife and son (Justin) – words he couldn’t say in person. A premiere from writer and award-winning composer Jon Lawrence, it is based on his own experience and proves that love and life can exist in the strangest places. With brand-new acoustic music, it will have you laughing, crying and singing. A must see!”

WHERE: theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall – Grand Theatre (Venue 53) 

WHEN: 14:15 (70 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, this will be my second time at the Fringe. I brought two one-man shows to the fringe last year – one music show for kids, which was great fun, and one for the mums and dads about my treks through five deserts on five continents to raise money for a cancer charity in memory of my late father. The great thing about The Fringe, apart from the great depth and breadth of artistic expression, is the camaraderie. Everyone seems to show support for everyone else. I think I thought that there would be lot more egos flying around, but that really wasn’t my experience. It was just a place where some creative, crazy and wonderful people came together because they all had something to say or to share with audiences. The Fringe has the one thing that is crucial to any great festival – energy! It comes from both the performers and the audiences. The audiences come with open minds and are almost willing the performers on, while the performers enthuse the audiences with their stories, their music and their originality. It’s a wonderful symbiotic relationship.

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

Last year was a big learning curve for me. I wanted to see how the mechanics of the festival worked. That’s why I brought two small-ish shows to The Fringe. The main thing that I learned was that planning and finance are essential to putting on a show. I learned that one needs to invest in promotion otherwise one could be playing to empty theatres. I also learned that one needs stamina to sustain energy through a run. However, I also learned that Edinburgh is the place for someone like me, someone whose ideas are a little left-field and probably wouldn’t get a sniff in many theatres where revivals seem to be playing at the expense of new work rather than alongside it.

Tell us about your show.

Two Sugars, Stirred to the Left was inspired by the wonderful people who looked after my father during his last days in a hospice (LOROS) in Leicestershire. My father was diagnosed with lung cancer in September 2017., by which time the disease had spread to his spine and hips and he was given weeks to live. The doctor and nurses at the infirmary struggled to manage his pain – particularly at night. It was horrible to watch. However, my sister managed to get my father into the fantastic hospice (LOROS) and what I witnessed there will stay with me forever. The staff did everything they could, and more, for my father. They got his pain under control but they also showed a kindness and compassion which was way above what might be expected. I learned far more about life than I did about death at LOROS.

In the hospice there was a cafe area with an electric piano which I would often play to entertain my Dad or whoever wanted to listen. I thought to myself that if there was a nurse who played piano, they would probably play to entertain patients in their break, such was their kindness. This led me to thinking about the character of Bronwyn.

The play tells the story of Bronwyn, a former singer-songwriter who gave up music to retrain as a palliative nurse, having been inspired by the nurse who looked after her late sister. She befriends a new patient, Henry, who arrives one day with his son Justin. Unbeknownst to his son, Henry has kept a diary of poems, lyrics and stories about his feelings for his late wife Maggie and Justin, which nobody has ever read. A true baby boomer, Henry found it hard to tell his family how he felt about them and so commissions Bronwyn to write a collection of songs which his son can have after he dies. As Justin hears Bronwyn practicing the unknown songs, he starts to fall in love with her – falling love to the songs his father wrote for his mother.

However the play also represents the wider community at the hospice. Amala is a quirky Tibetan tea lady, while Dr Choudry is an Indian oncologist with a heart of gold and a fixation for ‘proper’ Indian tea. Nurse Carole offers tough pragmatic love, while Hamish, a former glaswegian comedian, is in bed next to Henry.

The play is about moments and a reminder that profound life affirming moments can come to us in the strangest places and when we least expect it. I expected the hospice to be all doom and gloom, but I saw that it was a place where life love and music could be found. So the play is, in places, dark, but the overriding feeling is that of love and life affirmation. It also asks the audience to think about our own attitudes to death, and how by seeing how other cultures address the matter, we can take away some of the fear.

This is the first production for our newly formed production company Karekare Productions. We are premiering the play at I, along with my dear friend and sounding board, Lance Mortimer are producing the show, and it has been a real learning curve. Lance’s background is in business psychology while my background is as musician and second-rate teacher! We were both out of our comfort zones but it has, on the whole, been a really rewarding experience. We are looking to take it on tour after the Fringe.

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

I would say, check out Wallis at the Space. There are some fantastic actors in that show, not least Rhys Anderson – one to look out for. I would also recommend checking out some of the fantastic musicians that busk each day on the Royal Mile. I am quite new to The Fringe so I am still finding out about many of the great acts.

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EdFringe Talk: Villains: A Dizney in Drag Parody

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“When we came over last year, we felt like we were in a Hogwarts-inspired fairytale. We’d all just quit our jobs to take the show on the road and we were filled with fear, excitement, anticipation, and gratitude.”

WHO: Jae West

WHAT: “Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the evilest of them all? Well come find out for yourself in The Hairy Godmothers’ new sinful sequel. What could be more devilishly delicious and tantalisingly twisted than a vivacious vaudeville of villains in drag? Come peer into this cave of wonders and find a treasure trove of misunderstood “outcasts” of society and the evils that shape the world. Featuring the hottest and darkest miscreants, scoundrels, reprobates this side of the elephant graveyard. ‘A hysterical, well-written show’ ***** (StageWhispers.com.au).”

WHERE: Assembly George Square – Gordon Aikman Theatre (Venue 8) 

WHEN: 22:35 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, this is the second time our group has come to Edinburgh, we’ve learned a lot since the first year! When we came over last year, we felt like we were in a Hogwarts-inspired fairytale. We’d all just quit our jobs to take the show on the road and we were filled with fear, excitement, anticipation, and gratitude. Some of the performers came from non-traditional performance backgrounds e.g. lawyers, engineers, and venue managers, so taking a leap of faith out of the 9 am-5 pm working day felt huge. We’ve been slowly finding our groove over the last 1.5 years, so we’re excited to come back to Edinburgh with a little more knowledge of how it all works. There’s still a lot to learn, especially around getting your name out there, so one step at a time! Edinburgh Fringe is a melting pot of creatives, producers, directors, tech wiz’s and so much more, so getting out there and meeting new people is what is most exciting. You never know who you’re going to meet, it’s a fun mystery.

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

JOMO, the joy of missing out!! Edinburgh is a playground of opportunities, as most of the Fringe circuit is. Learning to cultivate the ability to say no, allows a deeper ability to find your yes. It’s all about balance. Trust when the body is tired, listen to it, and get some rest so you can show up wholeheartedly the next day. There were many nights out where I’d just be staring blankly out into the ether because I was tired! However, the nights that you feel vibrant, excited, and ‘on’, they are the nights where fun synchronicities and fun opportunities arise. Follow the magic!

Tell us about your show.

We’re a group of Australian friends who got together 5 years ago to write a fun fringe show. We had no idea at that point that it was going to take us around the world. The concept for Dizney in Drag: Once Upon a Parody came together after reflecting on the influence of fairytales and childhood movies on our belief systems and ideals. The theme that kept coming up strongly was the narrative of a hero trying to find their ‘one true love’. We wanted to play with that idea and see what was possible when we deconstructed the predictable endings to stories. I won’t spoil the messaging of the show, you’ll have to come see it for yourself, but let’s just say it’s not a predictable ending.

We’re bringing our brand-new show VILLAINS: A Dizney in Drag Parody as well! This show explores the devilish delights of evil characters and how they can be misunderstood. You follow a main Villain on their quest to be the evilest villain of them all. They learn interesting and insightful things along the way which has them reflect on power, purpose, and passion in a whole new light. Of course, The Hairy Godmother is always there to guide them along and have a beer!

We (The Hairy Godmothers) all self-produce our shows. It’s a big job but we’ve learned a lot through the process. The acting side of things is the smallest portion of what we do now, there’s a lot of work behind the scenes. Thankfully we all get along with each other and support one another in learning new skills or consolidating old ones. We’re a well-oiled machine now!

Being away from home from Brighton Fringe (May) to the end of Edinburgh Fringe (end of August) gets us a little homesick. So, it’s back to Australia for us after the season, maybe with a cheeky little retreat and relaxation time in Europe on the way back.

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

Garry Starr: Classic Penguins – not only is he a fellow Aussie but he’s extremely talented and funny. We were able to help out with a part of the show in Brighton and loved it! We’ve seen a number of his shows and can’t get enough. If you want a guaranteed laugh with clever writing, see the show!

MESSY FRIENDS – another Perth drag group with so much passion, heart and colour. They are top notch drag, the dancing is incredible and the drive and purpose behind the show really does shine through. They recently won best cabaret at Adelaide Fringe, and it was very well deserved. If you want to see an impeccable show with feelings and fabulous outfits, this is the show for you.

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EdFringe Talk: Ketch Sketch

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“I had no idea that I would return to Edinburgh again and again.”

WHO: Ketch

WHAT: “Japan’s best silent comedian is back! And you’re invited to his pet Max’s birthday party… After 15 years at the Fringe with the award-winning duo Gamarjobat, Ketch returns with his explosive new solo comedy show. He needs your help to throw the best birthday party ever, jam-packed full of juggling, clowning, music, magic and mime. Don’t miss this heartwarming and hilarious hour of slick, silent and silly slapstick for all ages.”

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

WHEN: 16:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes, this is my first time bringing a full solo show, but I’ve been coming to Edinburgh for many years, both as part of Gamarjobat(Japanese silent comedy duo) and privately.

Summer In 1992, while I was a student in London, I first visited Edinburgh. I travelled around England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland on my Honda 70cc motorbike. It was freezing the whole time. At that time, I had no idea that I would return to Edinburgh again and again.

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

When I was younger I never liked teaching, I preferred to do shows when I had the time to teach. I now realize that I enjoy teaching more than I did before. Especially after giving a 30-hour physical comedy workshop in Italy in May, I thought, “I want to do it again! Someone organize one for me!” Because up until then, I had only done 7-hour workshops and the results were limited.

Tell us about your show.

I created this show in Fukuoka, Japan during the COVID-19 period in 2021. Since then, Ketch Sketch has toured nine cities in Japan, with five more due to be shown in October.

At the beginning, there were a lot of “COVID-19 gags” that worked, but now they’ve mostly disappeared.

A Japanese entertainment company IMPRESARIO is presenting my show. I met the boss of IMPRESARIO, when he was 20 years old. Now he has his own company and is doing well.

I met my co-producer in Melbourne, Australia in 2020. She was my Airbnb host, but she was also a physical theatre producer!! What a coincidence!

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

Trygve Wakenshaw. My co-producer introduces us online. I’ve only seen his show on video, but it was amazing! I’ll definitely watch his show. (I just texted him and found out that he doesn’t do twitter.)

Sometimes I dream of doing a show like his. No words, no props, no costume changes, no skill showing-off, just me, my body and the audience’s imagination. But then I think oh no! I can’t do it. It’s too scary for me! And I can’t help showing off my skills!

Paul Currie. I’ve seen his last year’s show and street show. They are both silly and funny! Especially last year’s show was non-verbal, so I understood everything. I do both theatre and street show just like him. They are two very different things but he does both really well.

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EdFringe Talk: Naomi Grossman: American Whore Story

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“They say “you can never go home again,” but I refuse to believe that’s true, and am anxious to prove that axiom wrong.”

WHO: Naomi Grossman

WHAT: “Emmy-nominated actress, Naomi Grossman made a name for herself as Pepper on American Horror Story, the fan-favourite and first crossover character. This side-splitting one-woman show shares her darkly fabulous and profoundly revealing behind-the-scenes experiences leading up to AHS and its afterglow. Winner of the BroadwayWorld Award for Best Solo Production, this love letter to AHS fans chronicles Naomi’s history of hustling, from her odd jobs to her even odder love life. Off-Broadway critics tout, ‘This is a one-of-a-kind performance from a one-of-a-kind person. If HBO isn’t calling, they should be… not to be missed’ (EljNYC.com).”

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

WHEN: 21:00 (75 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

No, I brought my last show, “Carnival Knowledge” there back in 2010. That experience will forever go down as one of my all-time career highlights. Because, it was just me. I didn’t have big, Hollywood machine with a multi-million dollar payroll behind me. Every laugh, clap, accolade, or rave I could take personal responsiblity for (with thanks to my director, Richard Embardo, supporting me from afar). It was also at a time in my life when I needed that validation. I had yet to experience any significant, commercial success in my career thus far, so surviving those 25 consecutive nights felt not only personally/professionally/artistically validating, but like a real wake-up call and reminder that THIS is what I needed to be doing with my life! I wept when my show closed, and it was time to return home. If that’s an indicator, then I don’t know what is!

Everything’s special about Edfringe! Aside from the personal connection I’ve just described, I found it incredibly inspiring to see what other artists are doing there. I’ve done other fringes, from NYC to Denver, and there’s simply NOTHING in the world like Edfringe. Those other cities all go about their business… whereas Edinburgh triples in size, with theatre happening everywhere from church basements to brothel attics (or so I imagine). So that’s what’s special about it: the whole world coming together in one place to perform, produce, support, and celebrate theatre.

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

I assume you mean since 2010, when I was there last? If so, EVERYTHING. My life has taken a complete turn since I was there last… I’m eager to experience it again through this new lens, knowing what I know now, as an older, wiser, more seasoned producer and performer. They say “you can never go home again,” but I refuse to believe that’s true, and am anxious to prove that axiom wrong.

Tell us about your show.

“American Whore Story” is the third in my trilogy of autobiographical solo shows. A love letter to “American Horror Story” fans, it chronicles my history of hustling– from the odd jobs I’ve held, to my even odder love life. Produced by all-Northwestern University alumni, specifically AWS Entertainment Group (comprised of me, Broadway-bound producer, Kate Atkinson, and veteran documentary filmmaker, Sarah Anthony) in collaboration with Cracked Pepper Productions (Umbrella Pictures’ Robert Jarosinski), AWS first debuted in Los Angeles, then went on to have successful runs Off-Broadway in New York, as well as Boston, Denver, and Taos, New Mexico. The plan after Edfringe is to produce it as a comedy special for streamers. No better way to prep for that than 25 consecutive nights in Edinburgh!

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

Gosh, I don’t know yet! I’m looking forward to arriving at Auld Reekie and finding out! I do know of a dear comedian-friend, Torrance Hill, who’s doing his stand-up, “Cool Beans Comedy,” as well as a friend of a friend here in Los Angeles, Mitch Hara, whose show, “Mutant Olive 2.0” has come highly recommended. But otherwise, I can’t wait to get there, hear the buzz, and just see where my curiosity takes me! Last time, I happened upon a “Naked Brunch,” where everyone– performers, technical crew, waitstaff, ticket-takers, even the audience– was naked. I watched Jennifer Coolidge eat a dozen donuts while talking about her sex-life (turns out we’re eskimo sisters– who knew?!). I saw a solo show by a life drawing model, who encouraged us to draw him as he regaled us with stories in the nude. I watched Bryony Kimmings actually collect audience members’ pubic hair in her one-woman show, “Sex Idiot,” all about chlamydia. So I’m sure there’ll be a whole new array of crazy, new experiences in store!

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EdFringe Talk: Elizabeth I: In Her Own Words

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“In 2023, I woman a approached scolded me for having flyers at all (it’s true that they are horrible for our environment), at which point, I told her I didn’t plan on giving it to her, it was merely a visual aid and could I please tell her about our show. She came and loved it!”

WHO: Penny Cole

WHAT: “Intrigue. Betrayal. Unconsummated love. Danger. Step into the world of Elizabeth I as she navigates the stormy waters of late 16th-century England. Ascending the English throne in a vibrant but turbulent time she was a brilliant and canny stateswoman, politician and ruler whose own letters provide a captivating peek into her inner thoughts, desires, heartaches, fears, doubts and joys. Intertwined with speeches from the plays of Shakespeare, the letters of the Virgin Queen paint a unique portrait of this remarkable and complex woman.”

WHERE: theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall – Haldane Theatre (Venue 53) 

WHEN: 13:55 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is not my first time to Edinburgh. I started bringing students from the University of Colorado in 2001 and have since attended multiple fringe festivals over the years as producer, director and audience member. In 2019 I formed Flying Solo! Presents to promote and support new American work and emerging American artists on the international stage, i.e. Edinburgh, although we also perform in Denver (Colorado is home) and New York. Edfringe is the most inspiring, exciting, mind expanding experience I have ever had, allowing me to learn so much about theatre, performance, and humans. It can also, at times be a soul sucking experience when you are playing to an audience of one, with no reviewers in sight and no one will take your flyer. Those are the times you find out just how resilient you are and how to make a great show for all audiences, no matter the size. As a small company the community we build throughout fringe is truly special. I love talking to other performers and companies about their shows and going to see them. I so appreciate how many of us support each other in a multitude of ways. Every year, I make new friends, have my mind blown by new work, and appreciate our art more and more.

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

Hoo boy! So many lessons over the years, some still to be integrated! I learned in 2019 I need the help of a publicist! I can write press releases but the daunting task of sending out 100s of them and following up is not my strong suit, and somehow I become tongue tied when pitching my show to reviewers. In 2020 and 2021 I learned how to produce virtual shows, prefer not to do that again any time soon, I live for the live audience interaction. In 2022 I learned what I call focused flyering. Instead of dealing out our flyers like a deck of cards, I engage in conversation, sometimes lengthy talks, with fringe goers from across the globe. I don’t give out a flyer unless someone is honestly interested in us. In 2023, I woman a approached scolded me for having flyers at all (it’s true that they are horrible for our environment), at which point, I told her I didn’t plan on giving it to her, it was merely a visual aid and could I please tell her about our show. She came and loved it! This year I am working on creating more connections with other companies pre-fringe and committing to cross-promoting in unique ways.

Tell us about your show.

Our show is about the Tudor Queen of England who cut off Mary Queen of Scots head, Elizabeth I. Can’t wait to have a Scottish audience! Elizabeth never traveled to Scotland during her lifetime but she had a tremendous influence on the governance of Scotland and the ultimate creation of the United Kingdom. The text, created by Elizabethan scholar, Carole Levin and performer, Tammy Meneghini, is taken directly from Elizabeth I’s letters, hence “In Her Own Words”, as well as from letters from Mary Stuart, Robert Dudley, and the Spanish Ambassador. Elizabeth was a great fan of Shakespeare so many speeches from his plays are interwoven into the text as well. It is a unique window into the Elizabeth the woman as well as the Queen that I think will surprise you. The script was originally created to celebrate a traveling exhibit of the first Folio. The play toured in 2019 as a two-hander. It has been revised as a solo show which previewed at the Denver Fringe this June and after further revisions will preview for 2 performances in New York before we land in Edinburgh. While in Edinburgh we are going to begin the process of creating a companion piece about Mary Queen of Scots, to ultimately play in rep with Elizabeth I in the future.

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

So many!! I have really eclectic tastes and will be seeing dance, music, and circus as well as theatre. Here are just a few highlights:

Recent Cutbacks is producing Hold Onto Your Butts, a shot by shot parody of Jurassic Park, the movie, performed in 60 minutes by two actors and a Foley artist. I had the pleasure of seeing the company in NY years ago and thought then their work was a perfect fit with Edfringe. This is their first year in Edinburgh and you’ll love them, they are so talented and funny!

Square Product Theatre based in Boulder, Colorado is also coming to the fringe for the first time. Their show, Things We Will Miss, is a personal meditation on the climate crisis. Their story telling is non-linear, driven by light, sound, and images creating a powerful and visceral experience. Their work is lyrical, challenging, and thought-provoking. The climate crisis impacts all of us and we must pay attention.

I can’t wait to see June Carter Cash, The Woman, Her Music and Me, produced by Grid Iron (one of my all time favorite companies) and the National Theatre of Scotland. The quality of the work these two companies have produced over the years means I have rarely been disappointed in anything I’ve seen. I also think there are some parallels to be found between Elizabeth and June in that they were daughters of ultra famous fathers who followed in their Dad’s footsteps to emerge as successful leaders/musicians in their own rights.

Banned the Musical by April Alsup Productions, another Colorado based company is a new musical that follows a group of misfits as prepare a new production all the while navigating the divisive narrative around gender norms. Timely topic, new music, and a committed company will make this a must see. I missed their show last year as they performed at the same time we did but this year you’ll see me in their audience at last.

Come and find me in front of theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, everyday but Sundays, at 1:00 pm (13:00) and tell me about your show, I’d love to see it, seriously!

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EdFringe Talk: Broken Planet: The Absurd Cabaret of Apocalyptic Proportions

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2024 by

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“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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EdFringe Talk: Bad Clowns: HOSTAGE

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“There’s no better feeling than when the streets are packed with lovely potential audience members and a rotating cast of different acapella groups.”

WHO: The Bad Clowns

WHAT: “It is the opening night of the Fringe theatre show The Worrisome Troubles of Timothy Potts. However, the playwright has escaped from prison to see his “masterpiece”. He takes control of the show and audience! Are you ready to be taken HOSTAGE? ‘Slick, briskly paced and wonderfully anarchic production’ ***** (LondonTheatre1.com). ‘Witty and entertaining’ ***** (WestEndBestFriend.co.uk). ‘Fast-paced hour of idiotic nonsense’ **** (Daily Express). ‘Takes high-concept comedy to new and perilous heights’ **** (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘Fast-paced hour of delectable silliness’ **** (ThreeWeeks).”

WHERE: Gilded Balloon Patter House – Nip (Venue 117) 

WHEN: 19:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Unfortunately not. This is our fifth time at the EdFringe, but like all professional comedians we don’t count the first three. We can’t wait to return to the absolute chaos that is the EdFringe. There’s no better feeling than when the streets are packed with lovely potential audience members and a rotating cast of different acapella groups.

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

Every time we look at the mirror (and yes, we do that collectively as a group of 3), we realise how poorly we are aging. But that’s okay, because we all looked amazing to begin with.

Tell us about your show.

The show was actually written by three up and coming playwrights. 33.3% of the credit must go to the acclaimed Sam Walls. Another third must go to the wonderful John Bond. And finally, 3/10 of the glory must lie at the feet of the controversial Christian Dart. Coincidentally, they are the 3 members of the Bad Clowns. During the show, audience members will experience a shoddy, poorly put together theatre play. But fear not! The show quickly gets taken over by a madman with a gun – and he also takes over the audience!

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

We are actually bringing two further shows to the Fringe this year – Bad Clowns and Good Friends (a comedy compilation every Friday and Saturday) and Christian Dart: Bigger than the Christmas Turkey (the solo show of one of the lads – it’s 20 minutes after us!). But we’d also like to plug the wonderful Will Sebag with Will of the People, Katie Pritchard with I Kiss the Music, and Sam Dodgshon with Memory is Full. They’re all hilarious and cool.

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EdFringe Talk: Love’s Concordia Bar

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“I can’t don’t think I can express in words how excited I am!!! I am obsessed with theatre, and this is THE event for the theatre-obsessed.”

WHO: Edoardo Tesio

WHAT: “Imagine a bar owned by Love itself. Only people who are in love are allowed in. A couple of young lovers enter the bar. After sultry musical and dance performances, and after meeting many of the guests embodying different types of love, the lovers realise that once someone enters the bar – once someone falls in love – it is hard to get out of it because romantic love can become addictive. Sultry performances. Obsession. Purity. Sex. Are you ready to enter Love’s Concordia Bar?”

WHERE: C ARTS | C venues | C aquila – studio (Venue 117) 

WHEN: VARIES (90 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes, it is! It’s the first time for all of us in the theater company, Theater Company della Luna— though we have been planning this adventure for over a year now. I mean, Fringe is such a huge opportunity, not just to share work, but to see it. It’s something that I personally have always wanted to do, and I am beyond thrilled to finally make it happen. And it took a lot of planning— not only the fundraising part, but the convincing people that this crazy idea would be worth it! Our theater company came together on its own, we were just a few friends meeting at NYU who all came from different countries across the world. I mean, I’m from Italy, one of us is from Dubai, one of us is from Japan… everyone from the United States is from somewhere different. And we all have different things we specialize in, which is what I think makes us so strong as a group— but the fact that we are all international always makes the logistical part of what we do a challenge. Coordinating everything amongst ourselves, and then getting our incredible actors on board was no small feat, but after a little over a year of planning, it’s finally happening!!! And honestly, I can’t don’t think I can express in words how excited I am!!! I am obsessed with theatre, and this is THE event for the theatre-obsessed.

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

2023 was a year full of ups and downs, but I think the biggest thing I personally have been thinking about recently is the necessity of saying “yes” to yourself. In this industry, in the arts, It can be so easy to feel discouraged at times, or wonder, “Will my ideas work? Can these huge projects I am envisioning I have actually be as big as I want them to be?” But the answer is yes, of course, if only you say “yes” to yourself, without worrying too much about the criticisms of others. Making art is supposed to be fun, and at the end of the day, nobody knows your artistic vision better than you do. And some of the best ideas come from taking risks. I mean, 9 times out of 10, whenever I, or someone else on the team was faced with a risky idea- an idea that we were scared might be “too silly” or “too sexy” “too cringe” or “too much”— the risky thing has been the thing the audience liked most, and the thing we had the most fun doing! I mean, as much as we might want to, we artists can’t read the minds of the audience— so even though it’s hard sometimes, we HAVE to stand strong, and have minds of our own. So many of the jokes in “Love’s Concordia Bar” are just things that we personally thought were funny, or interesting… if they resonated with us, maybe they’ll resonate with others. I am so proud of the work I am doing currently, following my gut and my imagination…. and I know that this is just the beginning, and there is so much more incredible work to come!

Tell us about your show.

Our show is called Love’s Concordia Bar. I co-wrote and produced it with Marjorie Murillo, and the all-original pop soundtrack was written by Olivia Amicangioli. Costumes by Tomoka Takahashi, choreography by Bridget Spencer (that’s Theater Company Della Luna!) This version of the show is debuting for the very first time at Fringe, but we did workshop a different version of this same show- a draft of the same concept, a bar owned by Love Itself- in New York City in 2022. Since then, we have entirely re-written the script, and some of the music has been re-imagined, but the idea is the same: once you fall in Love, it’s not easy to get out of it. I think it’s something a lot of people can relate to, and Love as a broader topic is something everyone has to engage with, one way or another. Whatever your personal relationship to Love, it’s not really something you can escape, societally. So we had people write letters about what Love meant to them, and looked into different names for all different kinds of Love, and from that, made up these insane larger-than-life characters, who we’ve all since become very emotionally attached to. Because now they’re more than concepts, they’ve become complicated people, too… people are complicated!! That’s why we are trying to produce this show on a larger scale, to be honest: because it’s not just a show, it’s a conversation. A very fun, flashy, sexy and burlesque-y conversation!!! We want to make you think, AND we want to make you dance.

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

With this being our first Fringe, I’ll admit I am not as familiar with the other people putting on shows this year as I would like to be— but there are a few shows I can definitely, confidently recommend, including some of my former classmates from NYU Tisch School of the Arts, whose work I personally cannot wait to see!

Number one is Gianna Milici’s musical comedy “Pretty Delusional”, as well as Catrin Ody’s “Sent From My iPhone”, which are both going up at @theSpaceUK . Gianna and Catrin are both incredible artists, and I promise you would be doing yourself a disservice by skipping out on catching their work.

As well, I would recommend the “Non-Player Character: Live Virtual Reality Musical” by Brendan Bradley, Maurice Soque Jr, and Michael Morran. It’s an interactive show, combining virtual reality with theater, which I think is such a cool concept! So many people have been innovating the possibilities of theater lately, and I am always in awe of anyone who finds new ways to stretch its limits.

But the show I am looking forward to most right now though is Tit Swingers by Le Gasp! Productions. We just saw one of Le Gasp’s other shows, Julie The Musical in London, and it was fantastic. Such amazing musicians, hilarious comedy, and such an interesting story!!! If you don’t know who Julie d’Aubigny, it’s worth looking into! I can only imagine what other great stories they have to tell. But mostly, I can’t wait to discover brand new shows and artists I haven’t heard of before. There are so many! It’s going to be a dream come true.

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