INTERVIEW: BROMANCE is coming to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Name of Edinburgh show: BROMANCE
Venue: MUSIC HALL ASSEMBLY ROOMS
Performance time: 15:00HRS
Show length: 60MINS
Ticket price: £14 (concessions and deals)

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and your performing background?
I took up tai kwando when I was really young and discovered that I really preferred the demonstration shows to the competition. This began a passion for showing off to an audience rather than having to fight for a medal (although I did win several gold medals). Later on I did performing arts in college and then a year at drama school while still training acrobatics in my spare time. Eventually I found my way to the national circus school, made a swift exit from drama school and enrolled in the National Centre for Circus Arts where everything fell into place. I trained there for 3 years where I met Louis and Charlie both chiselled in their own right. This year is BMT’s 5th anniversary, it’s all at the Edinburgh Fringe. Great ride.

Tell me about your new show, what it is all about?
Bromance is about male companionship. It’s kind of based on the actual friendship between the three of us. We explore being young, male and gorgeous and not afraid to get up close and personal. It’s circus. Lots of touching and holding ………….and flipping

How long have you been working on this show and what is it that makes it relevant to audiences in 2019?
Actually Bromance was our first show. It premiered in Edinburgh in 2014 and it has since gone all over the world. We were younger then (obviously) and less world wise. We have now spent time in the lab with our amazing director Eddie Kaye and have matured the show. Feedback from audiences all over the world has informed Bromance and I think we are definitely having more fun with the show and our audiences! And I guess it is also now about the men we have grown to be.

Do you have any top tips for surviving the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – both for performers and visitors to the event?
Its over 3 weeks straight of performing but there is actually plenty of time. Resting is as important as playing (in all of the meanings!). We love training with the other circus artists who are in town from all over the world. Audiences should soak up the atmosphere as well as see the shows. Edinburgh is unique. Sometimes we meet people who are just running from show to show. Talk to people, follow top tips from audiences, listings and reviews, take a chance now and then. See something you wouldn’t otherwise go and see. It’s all at this festival!

What has been the funniest or most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you on stage?
Edinburgh 2015 when one of the chairs exploded into pieces. It gave us a great opportunity for some wild improv and, for that one show only, a whole new comedic scene blossomed. Never to be seen again. Scary but fun.

Who are your biggest inspirations in the industry and why?
This is easy! Archaos because when I was aged 0 to 2 years old, my parents toured with this legendary cutting edge circus that transformed circus in Europe. My Dad was the lead singer of the Thunderdogs who played the live music for the show. At this tender age I tried to mimic my favourite acts, especially the motorbike act which I copied perfectly on my toy plastic motorbike.

Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Energy drink and 10 lucky back flips.

What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at Edinburgh Fringe?
Our friends Niki & JD at Assembly Roxy with their great show Knot; they are in our show Kin which was in Edinburgh in 2017. And the excellent Gravity and Other Myths are at McEwan Hall with Backbone.

Why do you think people should come and see your show over the thousands of others on at the fringe?
Bromance is a proven hit show. It’s funny, skilled and it talks about friendship between young men and how we are in the world, so it has something to say. We have had so much fun with this show and as far as we can tell our audiences have a great time too.

Thanks for having Tea With Wilma
Cheers for a great cuppa.

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