Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and your performing background?
I’m Adam Small and I’m from the leafy fields of Cheshire! I moved to London to study as an actor at RADA and then Mountview. Since graduating, my acting credits include: Finborough Theatre, London Palladium, The Other Palace, London Theatre Workshop and Novello Theatre. WildChild Productions is my company and Kensuke’s Kingdom is my directing debut.
Tell me about your show, what it is all about?
Kensuke’s Kingdom is a children’s theatrical adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s adventure novel. We have puppetry, an original score and a voiceover by Jenny Agutter!
Off on the adventure of a lifetime, Michael and his parents set sail around the world. Then, disaster strikes. Washed overboard, Michael finds himself stranded on an island in the pacific. But he is not alone…
How long have you been working on this show and what is it that makes it relevant to audiences in 2018?
The show has been in development since last August! As a company, WildChild are passionate about engaging Children in the arts. Therefore, we’ve created a theatrical adaptation of this exceptionally popular book, studied at Primary School’s all over the UK, to bring theatre to children through a world they already know and love! Next year, will be the 20th anniversary of the novel’s publication.
Do you have any top tips for surviving the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – both for performers and visitors to the event?
Performers: get some sleep, help out other companies in need and alternate between halloumi fries from Assembly Gardens and vegetables.
Visitors: Don’t take every flyer you’re offered, (You’ll end up like Buddy from Elf!), take a risk on the shows you see and enjoy the city as well as the festival!
What has been the funniest or most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you on stage?
In 2016 at Edinburgh Fringe, I leapt on stage to begin a song, caught my foot and landed face first. Luckily the guitarist just kept vamping. All street cred – gone!
Who are your biggest inspirations in the industry and why?
Emma Rice for her consistent theatricality. Nigel Lilley for always creating outstanding work. Daniel Evans for carving an incredible career.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Something different for each show, but I need to listen to a song or do an activity to drop me in to character. As a director? We will have to see…
What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at Edinburgh Fringe?
Spies Like Us have a production of Woyzeck I’m really looking forward to. The Guilty Feminist has been booked for months and there’s a show called ‘And before I forget I love you, I Love You’ that sounds heartbreaking but wonderful.
Why do you think people should come and see your show over the thousands of others on at the Fringe?
We have striven to create an imaginative experience to really match Morpurgo’s incredible book. With stunning puppetry, the most sumptuous musical score, a stellar cast and Jenny Agutter (!) we’ve created a show that will plant the seed for a whole new generation of theatre-goers and… entertain the whole family too!
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