Tell me about your show Electric Eden and why people should come and see it?
Electric Eden is a brand new site-specific production about a group of disgruntled misfits who take over a local night club to take on 'The man'. It's a play with a lot of heart and with the political climate they way it is at the moment we hope it will strike a chord our audiences. There are also absolute tunes in it that you'll no doubt want to shake your ass to. Party and protest, a winning combination!
Which performers have inspired you & how?
Both me and Jimmy Fairhurst (the director) have worked with Cheek by Jowl so their ethos on ensemble and how they use space has been big influence on our work.
I often say choosing a favourite gin is like choosing between my children (which is why I don't have any) - What's your desert island gin & why?
Recently got given some SW4 - London Dry Gin and it was mighty fine. Plus I'm a born and raised Londoner so have to stay loyal!
I have many different favourite bars depending on the occasion. What's your favourite venue for:
A. A Dry Martini & Date Night?
B. A Red Snapper (Gin Bloody Mary) & Brunch? C. Gin & a party?
Why Edfringe? What's the best bits?
There's no other place like it! Where do people play as hard as they work? We're called Not Too Tame for a reason and the festival is the perfect place to debut our work.
How did you get into performing?
Well, I wasn't good at much at school but when you start doing drama in year 7 or whatever, I seemed to be able to make my class mates laugh doing stupid voices or whatever. Then the Unicorn Theatre came to our school looking for young people to be in their show and I got a small part in it, and I think that's when I realised it is actually a proper job. I got involved in the National Youth Theatre and then Drama School, and that was that.
What do you love most about performing?
Without sounding too worthy, when you get an immediate reaction from the audience and the feeling that gives you. When something touches someone and you see they are moved to tears by it. Or the one I'm always hungry for, when you make them laugh and that immediate gratfcation you get as a performer.
And the worst bits?
When you do stupid stuff like I do and fall on your ass during a bow!
Do you have any recommended reads for performers?
Hmmm... I think 'The Actor and The Target' by Declan Donnellan is a one good.
What are your Edfringe / Performing goals?
Think as a company we'd love to come away with best ensemble award.
What advice do you have for aspiring Edfringe Performers ?
Make sure you ask loads of questions of people who have done it before and have had succsess up there. Don't go in assuming or guessing. It's loads of work and you don't want to fall short.
If you could share a Dry Martini with anyone who would it be?
Stevie Wonder. I loves him!
If you aren't drinking Gin what is your tipple?
Rum and Gingerbeer!
Any other pearls of wisdom or Edfringe rants?
Comfortable shoes, a brolly, and a hip flask. It can be pricey!
Where else can I send our readers to find you online?
What's the dates & venue for your Edfringe Show?
ELECTRIC EDEN 3rd Aug 2016 - 29th Aug 2016 Pleasance Pop-Up: The Club Venue: 320 Electric Circus 36-39 Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DF Our other show;
EARLY DOORS 5th Aug 2016 - 29th Aug 2016 Pleasance Pop-Up: The Pub Venue: 395 Jinglin' Geordie Pub, 22 Fleshmarket Close, Edinburgh EH1 1BX.7
Get tickets to The Gin Whore Tour - enjoy tasting 4 gins & plenty of giggles at a venue near you!