Phoebe McIntosh performs in her new show, Dominoes, at Assembly Rooms’ Studio Five, during August.
- What is your Fringe show about?
It’s is a one woman show about Layla McKinnon, a history teacher who is about to get married to a man whose surname she already shares. In the lead-up to the big day she discovers that the reason for this initially funny coincidence is much darker; her enslaved ancestors were owned by her fiancé’s slave owner forefathers. With her white fiancé on one side and her black best friend on the other, mixed-race Layla is forced to pick a side. No spoilers – people will have to come and see the show to find out if she makes it down the aisle!
- How many times/many years have you appeared at the Fringe?
This will be my second appearance at the Fringe. My first was in 2013 with a two-hander called The Tea Diaries which I also wrote, and performed in with actress Natalie Loader. As my very first experience of the Fringe as both a punter and performer, it didn’t disappoint. The show sold out its site-specific tea room venue, where audiences watched the story unfold with pots of tea and homemade cake on each of their tables. There’s a creative electricity in the air in Edinburgh during August unlike anywhere else.
- What’s your most memorable moment from the Fringe?
Last time, I randomly bought a ticket to a mime show at Greenside called ‘All or Nothing’ by Speechless Theatre Company. It was about a man living in the world of mime with no physical possessions, who crosses over in to the ‘real world’ of a woman who appears to have everything she needs but is stifled by materialism. It’s about how they interact and what they learn from each and it was full of jazz, wit and humour. It was one of the most moving things I’d ever seen. I love that you can stumble on to something unexpected like that at the Fringe and it always sticks in your memory.
- What’s the worst thing about the Fringe?
I’m sure I’m not the first, and won’t be the last, to bemoan how expensive everything is! Taking part, eating, sleeping, moving around the city – everything comes with an inflated price tag which is a big consideration for a production like mine.
- If you were not a performer what would you be doing?
I’d be teaching yoga (I’ve just finished a two-year diploma to qualify) and I’d be writing novels and scripts. I also have a romantic notion that I’d like to be an interpreter or translator as I love languages but my Romanian, Spanish and Italian still have a very long way to go before that could ever be a real Plan B.
- How do you prepare for a performance?
I always make sure I have my yoga mat in the dressing room, so I start with a little sequence to help me focus before doing a vocal warm up. I’ve also created a playlist for the half hour before I go on stage. It’s an eclectic mix of tunes that get me energised and excited and ready to perform. I also drink lots of ginger beer and eat a banana or two. This is a new thing. I’m not sure where it’s come from, but it seems to help!
- Favourite thing about being in Edinburgh?
I love the atmosphere. There is nothing but support and excitement from most of the people you stop and talk to as you flyer or see other shows. And not forgetting what a beautiful city it is. It reminds me a lot of York, where I studied, and has an olde-worlde feel that makes it a nice change from London for a few weeks. 8 What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve ever done?
On our way to a friend’s wedding in Aviemore, my husband and I went walking for three days and “bagged” a few Munros (as I’m told the expression goes). We climbed Cairn Gorm (or at least most of it) and usually ended the day with haggis in a local pub. We also took the Caledonian Sleeper train up there and were woken by one of the train guards proffering a tray of Scottish shortbread and cups of tea. Very Scottish indeed.
- Favourite Scottish food/drink?
I’m not a big drinker by any means but I when I’m not enjoying a pina colada, I like a single malt whisky with a little bit of ginger beer. I actually talk about whisky in the show. It’s one of many key Scottish connections the play makes so it’ll be interesting to see how locals respond.
- Sum up your show in three words
Black or White?
Show summary
Layla McKinnon is days away from saying 'I do' to Andy McKinnon. Already having the same surname as her fiancé used to be a funny coincidence but now threatens to drive them apart. Piecing together her family tree, she tries to hold onto her best friend and husband-to-be and find out who she is and where she fits in. This bold new solo show, written and performed by Phoebe McIntosh and directed by Stephen Wrentmore, asks if the difficulties of the past will always pose a threat to the future and if discovering your identity means picking a side.
Phoebe McIntosh performs in her show, Dominoes, at Assembly Rooms’ Studio Five, during August. For tickets, please visit www.edfringe.com
You can follow Phoebe on Twitter at @Phoebe_McIntosh
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