“As an artist (in my case for this year, a writer), it can be difficult to dedicate time to your craft, especially as a working-class person. With inflation, rising costs, rent increases, loss in business’ resulting in loss of jobs etc., finding time to focus on the work you love can be incredibly difficult, and at some points, impossible.”
WHO: Mikael Philippos
WHAT: “A vital new comedy play by Glaswegian playwright Mikael Philippos about the real struggles, judgement and most importantly, laughs, a family affected by the incarceration of a loved one experience. Four years into her husband’s 16-year prison sentence, Dawn struggles to navigate her family through their new “normal”. With two teenage kids, a comical best friend, puberty, washings, sex, Universal Credit and the price of fabric softener going through the roof – who’s really serving time? Inspired by Mikael’s life, this is a story about family, friendship, compassion, and finding joy in difficult situations.”
WHERE: Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose – Dram (Venue 24)
WHEN: 19:40 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
Yes, this is my first time taking part in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as an artist. For years, I have been coming to the Fringe and seeing as much variety as possible, so it’s exciting to peak behind the curtain and see just how this amazing festival comes together.
I grew up in Glasgow, so Edinburgh Fringe has always been a dream of mine to take part in and I am still taking-in the fact that it is finally happening!
The Edinburgh Fringe is such a magical part of Scotlands culture. Without it, there would be hundreds, thousands even, of Scottish born artists that may not have had their creative spark ignited if not for this festival. I know it definitely ignited mine.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
The big things I’ve learned are balance and trust. As an artist (in my case for this year, a writer), it can be difficult to dedicate time to your craft, especially as a working-class person. With inflation, rising costs, rent increases, loss in business’ resulting in loss of jobs etc., finding time to focus on the work you love can be incredibly difficult, and at some points, impossible.
For me, I had to learn how to balance the scales and use my time to keep creating and keep creative. It has been difficult, but with that, I wouldn’t have been able to balance my own time and passions with working to survive if I didn’t also learn how to trust people around me with my creative projects. I had to learn how to let go a little bit and ask for collaborators, support, advice, and trust in my support network and peers.
Tell us about your show.
NOCSOS was written by myself and is being produced by Under the Rug Theatre (UtRT) company, presented by Gilded Balloon. UtRT is a new theatre company based in Glasgow, which seeks to support and collaborate with emerging writers & artists based in Scotland. The company was formed in response to a lack of representation & opportunities for emerging artists in Scotland, but also to show the UK (and hopefully the world) what Scottish artists have to offer.
A snippet of NOCSOS has previosuly been staged at UtRT’s first scratch night, Cuttin’ a Rug, and at the University of Glasgow Playwrighting & Dramaturgy showcase event.
In the future, myself and UtRT hope to expand on NOCSOS and eventually create a touring production of the full-length show (for fringe, we have condensed the show into 60 minutes), as the topic and themes at the heart of the piece are highly important and unbelievably relevant to thousands of families across the UK.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
At Fringe this year, there are THOUSANDS of great shows to see. However, my personal top picks as MUST SEE nuggets are:
Sex Diaries of an Ex-Catholic – theSpace @ Surgeons Hall. This is a show which is sure to have its audience laughing. Sex, God, Vulva’s and a 25 year old abandoning her life-long chastity pledge, what more could a Fringe audience need!?
Scott Murphy: About a Buoy – Gilded Balloon, Patter Hoose. Scott is one of the funniest performers I’ve ever seen, and I don’t doubt this show will promise some right sore belly laughs. With one of the most creative minds in theatre/comedy, I can’t wait to see what About a Buoy has in store!
Crash and Burn – theSpace @ Niddry St. Getting political now, Crash and Burn is a new piece of writing which has an important message about climate terrorism and the Scottish oil industry. A well written & directed piece of theatre, this is sure to have its audiences engaged and thinking.
Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story – PleasanceDome @ Kingdome. I mean, this one, I’ve only seen the online reviews and marketing campaign and I’m genuinely not more excited about anything else this Fringe. Looking into Diana’s stance on social & queer issues, drag, puppetry, a knife? I’m buzzed for this.
Almost Adult – Gilded Balloon Patter, Hoose. The tragicomedy of the north-west comes to Scotland and I. AM. GAGGED! Charlotte Anne-Tilly has already received some amazing praise for her work, and it’s clear why! This is 2023’s Fleabag without a doubt!
LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!
INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!
Get Your Coats On 