Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
If you don’t know me by now (and there’s a good chance you don’t know me by now) I am Will Pickvance. I play the piano and I tell stories – at the same time.
How would you describe your show?
It’s amazing how many stories one can gather whilst sitting on a piano stool. Reliving these stories for an audience is my job. This year’s show features celebrities, a police raid and a wedding. Held together by piano inventions and underscores.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
F.O.M.O. - I can’t just sit there and watch.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
I’m always hearing performers, actors and writers talking about ‘Edinburgh’. What they mean specifically is August and the Edinburgh Fringe; the king-pin of arts festival in the calendar year. I live in Edinburgh, so what differentiates this festival for me is that it’s the only festival I play at where I can mow the lawn between shows.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
As a young boy, I wanted to be a spaceman, but after seeing a number of rockets explode, I decided pretending to go to the Moon for a living would be safer. And possibly more fun. Plus, I was better at the piano than astro physics.
How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?
My Dad was a doctor, his dad was a mill manager, and his dad was a fairground boxer. I would have had to become an astrophysicist to keep up with this trend. Somewhere in my genes, the fairground was obviously calling me. I don't box though; I might hurt my fingers.
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
When I was 4, I saw a picture of Goya’s Saturn Devouring his Son. I remember thinking, it seemed a bit harsh on the boy.
If you didn’t have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
When I was 8 years old, I thought I’d invented perpetual motion. I won’t go into detail, but in short, I hadn’t. But I’ve always been interested in harnessing energy from the sun, or the wind, or the waves.
Did Covid-19 change the way you create work? Do you approach shows with a different mentality now?
I made a dedicated Zoom show with Lu Kemp and Horsecross Arts during the pandemic. I feel that this live online medium is largely untapped. It’s different from pre-recorded material.
Now we are hopefully returning to more traditional theatre settings, I suppose I am more accepting of short-notice disruption and the extra uncertainty in the industry.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
I can’t complain.
Do you subscribe to the idea that art should be exempt from ‘cancel culture’?
I don’t subscribe to the idea that this is a binary question. Context, awareness, integrity and sensitivity are all important to progress on this issue, but I don’t think art should ever be cancelled.
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
Charles Dickens. He always wanted to be an actor. I would love to work with Dickens on a show.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
There’s a book in this but ... play a small venue and fill it rather than playing a huge place with empty seats.
When and where can people see your show?
Will Pickvance: Half Man Half Piano
Assembly George Square Gardens - Piccolo Tent
19:25, 3-28 August
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
https://www.instagram.com/willpickvance/
Will Pickvance: Half Man Half Piano is playing at Assembly George Square Gardens at 7:25pm from 2-28th August. For tickets and more information visit edfringe.com.
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