Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
Matt Murphy, producer for Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man
How would you describe your show?
The most fun you can possibly have inside of a theatre in 65 minutes! With some helpful advice along the way!
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
Our show is very playful and interactive with our audience in unique ways and, though I have never been to the Fringe, it seems like the shows that stand out each year are those that bring something different to the festival. Sex Tips is an oddball comedy with many wild moments that you don’t typically see at your local performing arts centre, which is why I have a feeling at the Fringe, we’ll fit right in.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
As an American, what excites me about the Festival is how international it is in terms of the artists and the audiences. Sex Tips has recently started getting a lot of interest from international producers, so I am excited to see the show in front of an eclectic crowd.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
I always wanted to be in theatre from a young age. At first, I wanted to be an actor, but I quickly realised I wasn’t that good at it! It wasn’t until I was in college where I started stage managing shows and learning about the role of the writers, directors and producers, that I realised that that was the side of the industry I wanted to be on. I like creating shows and playing a role in supporting the creation of shows. Sex Tips started as an idea for a faux sex tips seminar and then became one of Off-Broadway’s longest-running comedies ever, enjoyed a multi-year run in Las Vegas, and now will be seen at the Fringe Festival! It’s amazing what can happen when you have a good idea and work hard to see it come to life!
How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?
My family did not make a regular habit of seeing live theatre, but we saw just enough to spark an early interest for me. When I went to college, my parents encouraged me to study whatever I was interested in, which turned out to be majoring in Anthropology and Classical Guitar and doing a lot of stage managing for the school’s opera programming. It was an eclectic education to say the least, and I think it perfectly set me up for the wide range of skills required for becoming a theatre professional.
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
I have a very clear early theatre memory. I must have been 6 years old or so, and my Mom had taken me to see a production of Jesus Christ Superstar. At the end of one particular scene, maybe even the end of the show, I’m not sure, there was a giant cross hanging above the stage and the lighting effects on the cross were such that they made the centre of the cross glow incredibly brightly as the rest of the cross faded into the background. Looking back, I suppose the designers were aiming to create a heavenly glow emanating from the centre of the cross, but whatever the purpose, it was the coolest effect and it really had an impact on me. I felt something. And I remember thinking how incredible it was that whatever that lighting trick was that they did made me actually feel something inside. I was hooked, but more than just wanting to see more theatre, I wanted to learn how to make moments like that happen on my own.
If you didn’t have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
Probably working in the tennis industry somehow. I’m fairly obsessed with tennis, partly because I like the show of it. I think it would be really cool to be a part of putting on any of those big tennis tournaments.
Did Covid-19 change the way you create work? Do you approach shows with a different mentality now?
It has not changed the way I create work, but it certainly has influenced the kinds of stories I am interested in telling. While I don’t want to fall into the trap of making every story I tell be about covid, it’s hard not to feel the urge to comment on how significantly our lives have changed since this pandemic began.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Optimism then pessimism, optimism then…
Do you subscribe to the idea that art should be exempt from ‘cancel culture’?
Oh man, that’s a big question. Will have to get back to you on that one haha.
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
Thornton Wilder during previews of Our Town, the biggest and smallest, and greatest, play of all time. How did he get it just right???
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
I’ll tell you after I get through my first Fringe! Right now, I’m the one who needs advice!
When and where can people see your show?
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/sex-tips-for-straight-women-from-a-gay-man
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
SexTipPlay.com, Facebook.com/SexTipsPlay, Instagram.com/SexTipsPlay, Twitter.com/SexTipsPlay
Sex Tips for Straight Women From a Gay Man is performing at Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose at 21:30 from 5-28th August. For tickets and more information, visit edfringe.com.
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