Dale Adams talks about bringing BARK! THE MUSICAL to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Name: Dale Adams
Name of Edinburgh show: “BARK! The Musical”
Venue: -1, C Main, Chambers Street
Performance time: 17:25
Show length: 75 minutes
Ticket price: £11.50-£13.50

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and your performing background?
I’ve been performing since I was 9 years old. After completing my acting and dance exams at the East Sussex School of Performing Arts, I was fortunate enough to be awarded a full scholarship to study for 3 years at Arts Educational Schools, London where I completed a BA Hons in Musical Theatre. Since graduating I’ve been fortunate to take my career from the UK and across seas to places such as the Middle East and aboard cruises in the Caribbean.

Tell me about your show, what it is all about?
“Bark! The Musical” is the UK premiere of a light-hearted musical comedy that introduces the audience to Rachmaninoff, or “Rocks”, a Jack Russell puppy on his first day at the doggy day care centre. After revealing that he doesn’t know how to bark, he enlists the help and advice of 5 other dogs at the park.

How long have you been working on this show and what is it that makes it relevant to audiences in 2018?
I discussed the potential of being part of this show almost a year ago, but our rehearsals are just about to begin in Liverpool and we are all very excited to bring this piece to life. This show is not only about man’s best friend, the dog, an animal a lot of us know and love, but the characters we meet in the story also have habits and quirks that you can see in everyday people.

Do you have any top tips for surviving the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – both for performers and visitors?
Order or download the Fringe brochure as soon as you can so you know exactly what’s on in the City and you can plan and book exactly what you want to see so that you can get the most of the festival. So many artists will forget about this and be so overwhelmed when they arrive with the large programme that they might not get a chance to see everything they want to.

What has been the funniest or most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you on stage?
I was doing a production in a theatre at the back of a pub once, where we would get changed in the green room above and wander down to the auditorium prior to the house being opened before every show. I once forgot to put my costume on under my dressing gown when we were upstairs, so when I removed it in preparation to make my first entrance, we had to stop the show because I was wearing nothing underneath but a skin tone dance belt.

Who are your biggest inspirations in the industry and why?
I am inspired greatly by a lot of stand-up comedians and comic performers. Considering a great bunch of today’s household names started out at the Edinburgh Fringe. It is a true gift to have the ability to make people laugh. Some of my favourite comedians include Sarah Millican, Jack Whitehall, Russell Howard and Catherine Tate.

Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Every actor has their vice which makes them feel comfortable prior to or during a performance, mine is lemon and ginger tea. It keeps my voice awake and active, plus I find it really settles the stomach when I’m feeling nervous.

What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at Edinburgh Fringe?
“Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens” and “Six” a new musical about the six wives of Henry VIII.

Why do you think people should come and see your show over the thousands of others on at the fringe?
It’s simple, there’s only one production of “Bark! The Musical” in the UK and it’s at the fringe. Its book and music are truly sensational. If you’re not sure about how a musical like this could ever be, then come down and see it for yourself. Our canine antics will be sure to have you “howling” with laughter.

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