Christopher York builds a rocket at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Tell me about your show, what it is all about?
Build A Rocket follows Yasmin, a teenage badass, who unbeknownst to herself, is armed with an arsenal of powers – not flight, invisibility or anything like that, but resiliency and wit. We follow her over 18 years as she calls the proverbial moon shot; to ‘raise someone amazing’ – despite the challenges in her way.

How long have you been working on this show and what is it that makes it relevant to audiences in 2018?
I’ve been working on the play for two years. It’s been developed with the help of the Stephen Joseph Theatre, HighTide and Women at RADA. This is a play about burying stereotypes and celebrating the strength and resolve of young women and kids from lower economic backgrounds, as opposed to demonising them. This isn’t a kitchen sink drama, it’s everything and the kitchen sink. It’s poetry, it’s dance, it’s science, it’s rap, it’s just some good northern fun.

Do you have any top tips for surviving the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – both for performers and visitors to the event?
When you get all theatred out, go recharge your batteries at the pitch and put golf pub. And plenty of veg.

What has been the funniest or most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you on stage?
While playing Hamlet in an outdoor production, a literal duck waddled up next to me and heckled during ‘To be or not to be…’ biggest laugh of the night. True story.

Who are your biggest inspirations in the industry and why?
It changes all the time, because new artists keep changing the game. Take your pick from Sally Wainwright, Alistair McDowall, Donald Glover, Alan Bennett, Kendrick Lamar, The National, Sally Hawkins, Brian K Vaughan, Michael Sheen, Caroline Aherne and Jim Cartwright. I’m going to be so annoyed when I read this and realise I missed someone out.

Do you have any pre-show rituals?
When in a show, chill out as much as possible, normally with music and a good warm up. Before watching something I’ve written, let the butterflies run wild.

What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at Edinburgh Fringe?
Really looking forward to seeing Dom Allen and Simon Maeder’s Providence at Assembly. And The Greatest Play in the History of the World at the Traverse.

Why do you think people should come and see your show over the thousands of others on at the Fringe?
I reckon it’ll be the most pleasant surprise they have all month. And if it isn’t, come find me and I’ll get you a haggis pie or a vegetarian alternative.

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