Lydia Larson talks about bringing FINDING FASSBENDER to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Name: Lydia Larson
Name of Edinburgh show: Finding Fassbender
Venue: This, Pleasance Courtyard
Performance time: 11.45am
Show length: 1 hour
Ticket price: £6.50 – £10.50

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and your performing background?
Hello, my name is Lydia Larson. I have a rescue dog called Kenny Biscuit, he’s changed my life – I didn’t know a love like this was possible. I’ve been acting for over ten years and have performed at the Edinburgh Fringe three times. Most recently in a play called Brutal Cessation by writer/actor Milly Thomas. We had ketchup, spaghetti and a watermelon on stage. This is my first time I’ll be taking my own work (no food, sadly.) I am excited, terrified and excited.

Tell me about your show, what it is all about?
It’s about a woman called Eve who has lived in Wolverhampton all her life. She’s comfortable and content living with her beloved boyfriend and cat, but for the first time questions if there might be something more out there for her. A work promotion takes her to London but she quickly learns the city can be a lonely place and decides to pack up and head home when she receives a letter addressed to a famous film actor.

How long have you been working on this show and what is it that makes it relevant to audiences in 2018?
I had the idea about five years ago when I received a letter. And the character of Eve started to form. I started to properly develop the piece last year with superwoman director Blythe Stewart when we were offered a slot at Vault festival.

As a performer I feel frustrated at the lack of west midlands voices I see on stage and Finding Fassbender was born out of me wanting to address this. I wanted to explore Eve’s relationship with the place she has lived all her life. It’s a late coming of age tale, exploring the allure of the city and the pull of home. And celebrity obsession!

Do you have any top tips for surviving the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – both for performers and visitors to the event?
I always try and pack as many shows as possible in to a day because FOMO but by show six or whatever, I stop enjoying myself so pace yourself; you can’t do it all. The Dagda is the best pub in Edinburgh and a great place to get away from the crowds and plan what to do next. Performers – leave the party before the sun’s coming up.

What has been the funniest or most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you on stage?
I can’t say. Sozza.

Who are your biggest inspirations in the industry and why?
Sharon Horgan, Michaela Coel and Jessie Cave are brilliant hilarious women who make really exciting work.

Do you have any pre-show rituals?
PSP (Pre-show poo)

What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at Edinburgh Fringe?
Frau Welt, Sheeps, Songlines, Fuck You Pay Me, Sparks

Why do you think people should come and see your show over the thousands of others on at the fringe?
I’m on at 11:45am so up against lots of Children’s shows so if your hangover can’t hack puppets come to Finding Fassbender. It’ll be a warm hug and set you up nicely for the rest of the day.

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