“I went into the 2023 festival as a tourist with zero information on it other than that Fleabag originated there.”
WHO: Alex Christopherson
WHAT: “It’s been a bumpy few years in UK politics, and one story is particularly comical: Liz Truss’s stint as prime minister. In 44 days, Trussonomics tanked the economy, her cabinet made more U-turns than Mr Bean on a roundabout and, after one meeting, the Queen passed away. Who could be more fitting to tell this story than an all-male a cappella group of nerds from Imperial College London? Not just any group though: the only UK group to have won the ICCAs! Yes, that’s the competition in Pitch Perfect.”
WHERE: Gilded Balloon Patter House – Doonstairs (Venue 24)
WHEN: 11:30 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
Even though I actually put Edinburgh as my insurance university, the first time I ever visited was for the Fringe last year and I fell in love with both the city and the festival. I had never seen such an amazing and diverse display of the arts which, as a performer my whole life, was really special. It’s not the first time the group has been to the Fringe though – back in 2016 The Techtonics had a sell-out show, though none of the current members were there. Once the trauma of those stressful few months had been forgotten, talk of going back resurfaced, and that’s when I had this idea…. the alumni still think we are crazy.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2023 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
What haven’t I learned? I went into the 2023 festival as a tourist with zero information on it other than that Fleabag originated there. Now we’re about to start our run at the 2024 festival with a show I’ve written, directed, and am starring in! Safe to say there has been a lot to learn, and I’ve gained a real appreciation for just how much work goes into putting on a stage show. It seems endless, but it’s worth it!
Tell us about your show.
Weirdly, the group was formed as part of the Imperial College Croquet Society in 2008 when a group of guys realised they had a mutual love of A Cappella. Over many generations of “techtoddlers” we’ve released three albums, been on international tours and won and hosted competitions, but this show is something very new for us.
I came up with the idea myself just after Liz’s chaotic premiership back in Autumn 2022 as the group were planning what to do the following Summer. Eventually we decided not to go to Fringe and instead head on tour to the USA, but the idea stuck with me. When the same conversations happened ahead of the next academic year, I teamed up with Alex Li (together we are called Alex Squared) to pitch the show again. Our president, Robert Brickle, joined to produce the show and friend of the group Mari Dickenson came on to choreograph. Its been a roller-coaster ride putting this together, especially alongside Summer term at university! We did manage to preview the show back in June though, so are very excited to be coming to Fringe next week!
What have we got planned for after the Fringe? Well, that’s up to the returning and new members of the group! Sadly, this is my last project with the group, but it won’t be over right after our last show because we are making a film of the show too!
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
Where to begin? Of course I have to recommend our A Cappella partners in crime from the University of Bath, Aquapella. Unlike our show, theirs is just an hour of music (no politics!), but boy is their music good. If you see two A Cappella shows this year, make it them and us, and, better still, we’re in the same venue, one after the other!
My other university group recommendation is Musical Theatre Warwick: The Improv Musical. Every show is different and based on audience prompts, but somehow the singers and jazz band come up with a full soundtrack right in front of you!? I really don’t know how they do it, but its incredible and hilarious every time.
Moving away from student groups, I am super excited to see Newscast and No Such Thing as a Fish live at the Fringe! These two podcasts are where a lot of my random/topical facts come from for our own show!
Of course, my inpiration isn’t just podcasts… I am an absolute sucker for stand up comedy and topical panel shows, so I can’t wait to go see Hannah Gadsby and Tiff Stevenson.
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