“No gatekeepers, no committees — just anyone with a story and the guts to perform it.”
WHO: Cyrus Deboo
WHAT: “A heartfelt and uplifting one-man show about an Indian-Persian gay man navigating the complexities of his identity. Born to immigrant parents, Cyrus takes audiences on an intimate journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Through dynamic multi media and the celebration of Madonna and Taylor Swift’s music, he finds his authentic voice and learns to embrace his cultural heritage and sexuality. With sharp humor and raw vulnerability, Cyrus shares his story of breaking free from expectations, risking authenticity, and ultimately learning to live unapologetically in his truth, celebrating the universal quest for belonging and self-love.”
WHERE: The Penny at Gilded Balloon Patter House (Venue 24)
WHEN: 14:20 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
Yes—my first time at EdFringe, and I’m beyond excited! I’ve been dreaming about bringing There’s Something Seriously Wrong With Cyrus to Edinburgh! As an Indian-Persian gay man born to traditional immigrant parents, putting my story on that stage represents so much: visibility, celebration, and representation. Edinburgh Fringe is more than just a festival — it’s a creative explosion! It’s the world’s biggest performing-arts event with thousands of shows popping up in theatres, bars and even parks. No gatekeepers, no committees — just anyone with a story and the guts to perform it. I am excited to bring There’s Something Seriously Wrong With Cyrus, a story told to the soundtrack of my life: Madonna’s boundary-breaking energy and Taylor Swift’s unapologetic selfhood. Community, audacity, creative freedom and support! And thousands of artists and audience members passionate about the arts! Ed Fringe has it all!
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2024 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
Great question! The biggest is to prepare, prepare, prepare and then be open and embrace all the unexpected surprises! Even a moment on stage that may not go as you planned is a chance to be alive and celebrate live theatre! In a world full of curated and edited content on social media, the audience is craving live truthful connections! Also seek support and offer support to fellow artists and production team members. We are all connected and part of an incredible moment.
Tell us about your show.
My show is produced by the fantastic team at Fringe Management (Mike Blaha and Nigel Miles-Thomas and directed by Jessica Lynn Johnson of Soaring Solo Studios Inc. I was invited to see a solo show and sat next to a mystery woman who was unrelenting in pushing me to write a solo show. I had never met her before and she knew nothing about me. After the show, she persisted again and I left thinking that I had either met an angel or the devil! This led me to connect with Jessica Lynn Johnson of Soaring Solo Studios who inspired, guided and co created the show with me. I wrote the show over the course of one year and it premiere at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, where it received a Zephyr Zest Nomination and earned an encore performance. After that, the show moved on the Stars Series in LA, Orlando, United Solo Off Broadway in NYC and the Santa Monica Binge Fringe. After Edinborough I plan on taking it to college and theatre markets and back to New York City!
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
I am fortunate to call the hilarious comic Amy Veltman my friend and fringe flatmate. She has a hysterical and educational show called “PSA Pelvic Service Announcement” performing at Haldane Theatre at theSpace at Surgeons’ Hall.
I am also a fan of Yolanda Mercy, she has been involved with the show “Love Me Like A Chai Tea Latte” by Sanjay Lago. Other shows on my list are Mike Blaha’s show “International Joke”, Nigel Miles-Thomas’s show “Sherlock Holmes-The Last Act”,and “Lola’s Boyfriend” by Lauren O’Brien.
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 