“The story is told with a heartfelt protagonist, larger-than-life Greek chorus, and big, catchy songs.”
WHO: George Oates
WHAT: “Pop is a gig-style musical about a songwriter who leaves their hometown and moves to London to pursue their dream of being heard on the biggest stages. This fast-paced show explores the highs and lows of being an aspiring creative and mixes this relatable sincerity with catchy songs and amazing vocals. The cast of five combines the energy and fun of a pop concert with the intimacy of musical theatre storytelling.”
WHERE: Big at theSpaceTriplex (Venue 38)
WHEN: Varies (55 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
No, I was actually lucky enough to go as a performer last year, but this is my first time bringing my own material to fringe or anywhere! I’m super excited to have POP performed as part of the world’s largest performing arts festival, where the eclectic mix of shows means there’s an audience for almost everything. However, the rest of the POP team (both performers and behind the scenes) are making their fringe debuts, so as a company, we are very excited to experience all that fringe has to offer!
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
When I first went to the fringe last year, I think I properly realised how big it was. It sounds silly but everyone tells you how much entertainment and theatre there is and you nod your head and agree, but until you’re there I think it’s really hard to grasp how much is actually happening! My experience of the fringe last year really helped shape what kind of show POP is. I really hope it appeals to all the creatives, writers, and performers who come to Edinburgh to experience the buzz of taking a show and trying to get a little bit closer to their big dream!
Tell us about your show.
POP is a musical that explores what it means to write music and embark on the dream of it being heard by many. The story is told with a heartfelt protagonist, larger-than-life Greek chorus, and big, catchy songs. I started writing the show in 2022, and put it forward for Chevron Theatre’s (a company formed by Leeds University Union Musical Theatre Society) 2025 show. Apart from 2 preview performances in Leeds, Edinburgh will be POP’s debut run!
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
POP is a musical all about what it means and what it takes to create music, so it would be rude not to point you in the direction of some of the other fantastic musical entertainment at Fringe. I am personally super excited to see Northern Lights Acapella for some exceptionally performed vocal music, and Hot Mess for a very fun and intriguing take on the break-up musical.
As well as being an exciting new musical, we are also very much a student theatre company, and there is plenty of student theatre from Leeds at the fringe this summer (and hopefully for many years to come!!). There are 4 plays written and produced by Leeds-based student theatre companies – Loose Threads, Lost Paws, Hands Up and Erica Plays Mr Waddiger – that all promise to be great watches. Likewise, the inimitable Leeds Tealights are back again this summer with a brand new sketch comedy group, and I, of course, have to give a shoutout to The Songsmiths, Leeds student a cappella group (who I also musical direct!).
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