Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
Hello, I’m Lizzy, Essex gal, director and performer in ‘Murder, She Didn’t Write’.
How would you describe your show?
‘Murder, She Didn’t Write’ is an improvised murder mystery where we make up a new play every night based on audience suggestions. With the trusty help of their side-kick Jerkins our detective recounts a case for the audience to solve. Will they work out whodunit before the thrilling denouement?
What is your favourite part of your show?
I often play the detective Agatha Christie so my favourite part of the show is the denouement where I gather the suspects and solve the case. Because it’s completely improvised I love telling the audience and the actors on stage the convoluted and often embarrassing way the crime was committed. Mainly because I know they are going to have to act it out. It’s the ultimate shaft moment and I often hide little silly Easter eggs in there to try to make the other actors corpse on stage.
If your show had a theme song, what would it be and why?
Oooh, maybe ‘People Are Strange’ by The Doors because we are a bunch of goofballs being silly on stage.
Are there any particular themes or messages you hope the audience takes away from your performance?
We’re just here to spread a bit of joy and happiness. We’re a playful bunch and we just want people to come and play.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe? What differentiates it from other festivals?
The Edinburgh Festival has our hearts. It’s our 10th year here and it’s how we measure our success in a sense. We are moving up to bigger and bigger venues and it’s somewhere we have really put in the hard work being a part of. It’s the backbone of our journey so far.
How has your background, upbringing and education had an impact on your artistic career?
Well growing up in Basildon in Essex, there wasn’t a particularly big arts or comedy scene. So, as I started doing more performing when I was studying science at Bristol university I saw no problem with being part of my own group and making my own opportunities rather than spending time auditioning for other people’s shows. If you want to perform but don’t have many avenues to do it, then the main option for me is to be part of a group and keep casting yourself in shows. Mwahaha!
Can you describe your creative process and how you develop your ideas into a full-fledged performance?
We are a bunch of people who get along and are friends, and I’m a big believer in joy sparking the best creative stuff. I try to make sure we are having fun and hanging out and I think it’s impossible to have so many talented people in the same room having a good time and not have something great come from it. Keep it silly. Make it a safe space to fail and laugh off the stuff that doesn’t work.
What is your favourite thing about performing for a live audience?
I love getting to know an audience over the performance. They vary so much and it’s my happy place getting to know what makes them tick and what they find funny. When I’m the detective I love the first few minutes when it’s just me and the audience and it’s our time to connect. Fielding suggestions from the crowd is a great way to find out if they are cheeky/flirty/thinky/rowdy and I love it.
What is the strangest thing that has ever happened to you while performing?
Oh all sorts. Once during a show it was inferred my eccentric character ate weird things. Peter Baker (@bakerist) came on stage with a candle and said “Madam, your midnight snack” and offered me the candle in its holder. So, I started eating it. And I’ll be honest I don’t recommend trying to eat and swallow a candle.
What's the most challenging or unconventional venue you've ever performed in, and how did it impact the overall experience?
We once performed at a charming marquee theatre in Devon one summer but we didn’t realise until our tech that when we called for a blackout and the tech turned off the lights that we were still illuminated by the broad daylight shining through the tent and the open sides. So we would end a scene and then awkwardly run away fully light and in view of the audience. But hey it was a good laugh and we made light of it during the show, if you’ll pardon the pun.
Who are some of your artistic influences, and how have they shaped your work?
I mean personally I always love Peter Cook and Dudley Moore and the Monty Python crew. I like how they always seemed to be mates just being silly together. That resonated with me and it’s what I’m striving for with our troupe Degrees of Error and ‘Murder, She Didn’t Write’.
Is there a piece of feedback you've received from an audience member or critic after a performance that’s stuck with you?
I think over the years we have sometimes had people wishing we’d do X or Y to the show, which often contradict each other. So I think I have decided to start doing what brings us joy and not sweat over any single piece of feedback.
Is there a show you’re excited to see when you’re up there?
Oh so many, Defence Mechanism by Hannah Platt (@hannahtheplatt) at The Pleasance (@thepleasance), The Adventure Of The Improvised Sherlock Holmes (@improvsherlock) performing at Just the Tonic (@justthetonic), Austentatious (@austentatious) who are up the first two weeks at Underbelly (@underbelly), Showstoppers: The Improvised Musical (@TheShowstoppers), who are aso at The Pleasance.. Oh and the hilarious and talented Dan Wye (@Dan.Wye) in their show Séayoncé Res-Erection.
How does performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe compare to other festivals or venues you've experienced?
It’s electric! The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is my happy place. Part of it comes from how big it is, part of it is that it was my first arts festival I ever performed in.
How has your experience at past Fringes influenced or changed your approach to this year's performance?
It’s made me more appreciative of where we are today. Our first few fringe festivals we were six to a room, sleeping on floors and beanbags and sofas. Even until very recently we shared rooms and beds and financed the show ourselves. So now when we are staying in student accommodation and still flyering for our show and putting the work in, it keeps us thankful for how far we have come.
What is your favourite thing to do in Edinburgh when you're not performing? How do you relax and look after your mental health?
I sneak off and get my acrylics done at a local salon, maybe binge watch some reality shows on Netflix. I expect to get through a fair few series of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills this fringe. I’m not one for hikes or long walks in nature.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone thinking about taking a show up to Edinburgh?
Go for it! But go easy on yourself. The best time to flyer is the hour or two before your show. It’s not worth exhausting yourself out all hours of the day. Look after yourself.
What is one thing you would change about the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
The accommodation. It’s so so expensive. And I’m sure everyone will say the same.
When and where can people see your show?
3:50pm - The Gordon Aikman Theatre at Assembly on George Square
And where can people find you online?
@degreesoferror | www.degreesoferror.com
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