Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
I’m Adam, I’m the co-creator/director of Showstopper! The Improvised Musical. I also direct shows for Mischief Theatre – Peter Pan Goes Wrong, Magic Goes Wrong – and consult on their improv show, Mischief Movie Night.
I’ve written a play for this Fringe called Boris III, inspired by the true story of Boris Johnson playing Richard III in a school play and not knowing his lines. Aaaand, I’m doing another show with some of the Mischief Team called Starship Improvise – a brand new sci fi improv comedy show.
How would you describe your show?
Showstopper has everything you could possibly want from a musical – song and dance routines, great characters, big stories – it just so happens that everything is 100% improvised, made up on the spot. The audience get to see us create the whole thing live in the moment. They discover everything at the same time as we do. More than that, they get to tell us what to do – move the story around, get us to improvise in different song styles etc. It's wild fun, like a high-wire act for singing clowns.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
It’s the biggest arts festival in the world! It’s totally magical and filled with inspiration. It’s a joy to be at the heart of it all. Great city too.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
The sheer scale of it. It simply has no peer or rival. Anything you can imagine (and plenty of things you can’t) are here.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
I think I was motivated by a need to escape. Childhood was not fun. But making things up is. I was inspired early on by the likes of Tom Waits, Harold Pinter, Stephen Sondheim, Complicite, and a whole bunch of friends that I used to make up sketches and shows with.
How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?
My parents were both dancers, which obviously had a huge impact on my going into theatre. I also went to a school in which we were encouraged to explore and experiment so we put on lots of plays ourselves. According to a childhood neighbour, I have been organising people to put on shows since the age of six. It’s probably in the DNA.
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
Probably seeing a traditional old-school panto at Mountiview Theatre School, where my mum used to teach.
If you didn’t have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
I often think I might be doing something more useful. (I do play for a living, tbh.)
Did Covid-19 change the way you create work? Do you approach shows with a different mentality now?
I don't think so. I’m just hungry to get on. There are so many things I want to do. And so many showstopper musicals I am longing to discover.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Emerging from the dark.
Do you subscribe to the idea that art should be exempt from ‘cancel culture’?
The problem really is that we cannot talk about it, here or on social media, because it needs to be a conversation in which people are prepared to listen and to learn from each other. Everyone has a point to make. Social media is not the forum to explore these points in.
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
My younger self. He needed the help.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
Make sure you have some money, a thick skin, and an indefatigable spirit.
When and where can people see your show?
9.30pm at the Pleasance Grand. And on tour beyond August.
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
adammeggido.com and @adammeggido
SHOWSTOPPER! THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL will be at the Pleasance Courtyard Grand at 9.30pm for the month of August for tickets go to edfringe.com
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