“I’ve now performed it over 35 times in various small venues around the country.”
WHO: Helen Anker
WHAT: “Celebrate the true-life story of one of the world’s most beloved icons, Audrey Hepburn. She was a stunningly beautiful actress and selfless humanitarian Ambassador for UNICEF. In this biopic play, learn of her loves and losses, remember her most famous film roles and discover the untold secrets of her traumatic early life. Bring your morning coffee and croissant and enjoy Breakfast at Audrey’s, as her remarkable journey is magically brought to life in this illuminating, funny and poignant homage to one of Hollywood’s greats.”
WHERE: Cellar at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33)
WHEN: 11:15 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
This is my first time performing at the festival. I have visited though once in the past and loved the experience. My Mum and her husband have been coming up every year for the past 10 years, and she’d always had a dream of me performing at it one day, so this all has a lot to do with making her dream come true.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
I imagine you’re asking about 2024 in relation to COVID and lockdowns ending? Or maybe I have that wrong? If so.. I have learnt so much since that time.. of enjoying life and doing what you can to make it better in all ways. I think that time taught us all how to be more grateful for what we have, and to change our lives if we’re not happy.. to make the most out of every day, as life is short, and anything can happen at any time to mix it up.
Tell us about your show.
I wrote my play, The Essence of Audrey, during lockdown in 2020. I had never written anything before, or had any desire to….. until that time, when my lodger commented that she thought I looked a bit like Audrey Hepburn. After looking into whether anyone had written a play about her (as I thought maybe I could learn and put on a play about her life) as I couldn’t find one I decided to try and write one myself. I own many beautiful coffee table books about her, and after watching many of her films and learning, we have a great many similarities, I did it.
I’ve now performed it over 35 times in various small venues around the country, and figured this would be a perfect time to bring it to the fringe as I have a 2-month break from the show I’ve been touring the country in this past year of Dear Evan Hansen. I hope to get some good reviews to help get my play out there more, and maybe take it abroad. And I really want to experience the excitement of performing at the famous Fringe, and everything it brings you.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
I hope people who see my show will be reminded of what a wonderful lady and generous humanitarian of UNICEF Audrey Hepburn was…. and that people will re-visit her old timeless films.
With regard to supporting other shows. I hope people will support other small venues and performance spaces. I’ll hopefully get to see: All fired up: an 80s mix tape musical, Beth wants the D, The nature of forgetting, An ode to the casting director, Funny Though and Motorhome Marilyn.
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