“Edinburgh Fringe is the Mecca for performers, and I say that as a Muslim person.”
WHO: Lubna Kerr
WHAT: “Lunchbox is about the impact of bullying, through the eyes of a troubled Scottish boy, Steven and Pakistani girl, Lubna. Can two teenagers brought up in the same street in Glasgow have different outcomes in life? Can Lubna navigate being bullied without telling her parents about it, not wanting to add to their burden? What role do school lunchtime clubs play? Can Steven the bully be redeemed and find his purpose in life? Do teachers have influence in shaping their students’ lives? Or is a life of crime destined for Steven? This play examines the nature vs nurture debate.”
WHERE: The Green at Pleasance Courtyard(Venue 33)
WHEN: 16:45 (60 min)
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Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
I first performed at the fringe in 2013 when I did my first 5 mins of stand up. Well, it was meant to be 5mins but ended up being 6mins 30 sec. It was a fabulous experience, and in my eyes stand up is like doing a monologue on stage.
Edinburgh Fringe is the Mecca for performers, and I say that as a Muslim person. It’s the place to be in August, it’s where you will bump into people in the coffee queue and start up conversations which could take you to perform in places you can’t even spell.
I produce all my own shows, it’s easy as it’s a one woman show but it’s not easy as there is so much to do and no one to pass it onto. It’s been a long time since I’ve been a proper punter I can’t remember what that feels like.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
I have learned a lot of things in my many years at the fringe. Pacing is crucial. Do not attempt to do more than my body and mind can take. Remember I am not 25 anymore though I might feel it. Look after myself better, take appropriate rests and find places to sleep. The latter is not easy, but I have secret sleeping places.
When you perform having the right eating pattern is very important. Eat healthy, cut the cakes and drink more water. In fact these could be lessons for all year round!
I flyer for my own shows and actually enjoy it. It allows me to engage with people and tell them about the show. I mean who better? I wrote it, I’m in it and it’s my life story. The only issue is that this takes about 3 times longer, but I think its worth it. This way I get audiences who want to be there and are invested in me.
When flyering, only approach people who look open and want to talk to you.
Tell us about your show.
Lunchbox is about bullying in high school as seen through the bully’s eyes.It’s the final part of the box trilogy. I wrote it, and then my son improved it!
I worked with Jen McGregor as dramaturg, followed by Charity Trimm as editor, followed by my son Ihsan Kerr and finally with Emily Ingram as director. I am planning to work with Adam Gibson as music director.
It will premiere at Buxton Festival fringe in July which is really exciting as it’s a lovely part of the world. I will take it to Dundee festival and Pleasance London as my two previous BOX plays have been. Then who knows where else, I’m open to taking it anywhere in the world. I am also performing my show Chatterbox too, after being asked to bring it back by Pleasance. This will occur from the 18th August to 25th at 1pm and is to help engage with school children.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
I want to see shows that come from abroad that will be cheaper to see them at the Fringe.
“Kanpur 1857” by Niall Moorjani at Pleasance courtyard.
“She’s behind you” by Johnny McKnight at Traverse.
I will go to a book launch by Chris Barkey of his first novel at Blackwell on the 7th August and apart from that I will rest.
I am actually performing two of my own shows, my choir SING IN THE CITY is in the Edinburgh tattoo and I will also be in Singin’ I’m No a Billy Jr, He’s a Tim Jr at the EICC with Scott Kyle et al.
We get free access to shows at the Pleasance so I will try and see as many as I can as they have world class acts on there.
Any free time I have will be spent sleeping and resting.
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