Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and your performing background?
I grew up in a remote part of West Penwith in Cornwall. I’m from a family of artists – my Dad, Granddad, Brother are all artists. I didn’t go down that road and went to Guildford School of Acting. My uncle is also an actor / comedian though – Stephen Frost – it’s a very creative family.
Tell me about your show, what it is all about?
Drenched is a moving but hilarious interpretation of classic Cornish tale of The Mermaid of Zennor, re imagined by Cornwall’s most prolific and unstable storyteller Daniel Drench – anything can happen! I play Daniel Drench and it’s written and directed by Eddie Elks.
How long have you been working on this show and what is it that makes it relevant to audiences in 2018?
We started working on the show in spring 2017. We created and developed it down in Newlyn and St. Ives with the help of FEAST and Arts Council England. We saw the potential in the tale of the Mermaid of Zennor of bringing out the theme of mental illness, which is rightly being widely spoken about at the moment.
Do you have any top tips for surviving the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – both for performers and visitors to the event?
It’s a marathon not a sprint is the old cliché. We’re trying to go jogging around the meadows each morning. Not sure how long that will last however…
What has been the funniest or most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you on stage?
My head was cut open by a broom handle during a performance and started to bleed quite heavily. Then the door of our wardrobe prop came off its hinges. It was a difficult show!
Who are your biggest inspirations in the industry and why?
Tony Hancock is a big inspiration of mine. I love the truthful, downtrodden character he portrayed along with his timing. Stewart Lee is the comedian I watch most and admire and we’re also fortunate that he’s a patron of Third Man Theatre. The way he plays with the audience and explores his on-stage persona is always fascinating and very funny.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Try and trust that all the preparation and work has been done and try not to ask myself why I didn’t go into plumbing.
What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at Edinburgh Fringe?
John Kearns. Paul Foot. Marny Godden and host of theatre shows – especially at the Pleasance and Summerhall.
Why do you think people should come and see your show over the thousands of others on at the fringe?
We’ve brought a fresh and absurd approach to the one-man-storyteller genre and the show is a lot of fun. It was inspired by and created in West Cornwall and we’re very excited to share it with such an international audience in Edinburgh.
Drenched
Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker 2), 60 Pleasance, Edinburgh, EH8 9TJ
Wednesday 1st – Monday 27th August 2018, 15:00
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