Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
Hello! My name is Katie Hurley, I’m an actor, writer and producer from Croydon and the associate director of Croydonites Festival. I have a cat called Skepta, a husband called Nic and a show named ‘You’re SO F**KING Croydon!’.
How would you describe You’re SO F**king Croydon?
Our official description is, it’s an exploration of noughties club culture, female resilience and home. Ft. David Bowie.
How I describe it to my mates is, ‘Love of huns meets Eastenders’. - It’s fun, it’s nostalgic, there's great music (if you like old school garage and 90s R&B) and I give out pickled onion Monster Munch 20 minutes in.
What is your favourite part of your show?
Hard to choose but probably the dance number at the end, I don’t want to give too much away but I recreate a moment from a famous noughties movie and teenage me is in her element! It was the one thing I was certain had to go in the show, but had no idea how it would fit. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!
Are there any particular themes or messages you hope the audience takes away from your performance?
Art matters.
Don’t give up.
Croydon is not a shit hole.
Can you describe your creative process and how you develop your ideas into a full-fledged performance?
I have to build in lots of processing and reflection time. I’m dyslexic (SUCH a hard word to spell!) and I’ve found doing this prevents me getting so overwhelmed.
I tend to break my R&D’s into 3 stages. Beginning, middle and end. Then have some time away to let it all digest before going into rehearsals.
I also work with amazingly talented people who are very patient and help me get what’s in my head onto a page/stage as well as feeding in lots of their own brilliant ideas.
What is the strangest thing that has ever happened to you while performing?
More embarrassing than strange. When I was doing my drama GCSE we had to go into a primary school and perform a pantomime we’d devised. Anyway I was playing a witch and wearing this really tight corset thing and at one point I was excitedly casting a spell and my boob popped out!
Who are some of your artistic influences, and how have they shaped your work?
Bryony Kimmings. The first time I saw her perform was in Phoenix Bitch and I stood up in the middle of the show and started cheering her on, it was like an out of body experience. I was just so invested in her story.
David Eldridge. I love how he writes dialogue. ‘Serving it up’ was the first play I read where people talked like me and my mates.
Luisa Omielan - I love the way she blends comedy with serious subject matters. There is always such a great atmosphere at her shows and really connects with her audience.
Michaela Coel - she’s such a bold and fearless storyteller and always one step ahead of the curve. I May Destroy you was a masterpiece. I would LOVE to work with her one day.
Is there a piece of feedback you've received from an audience member or critic after a performance that’s stuck with you?
The week that the Amy Winehouse film came out, a woman said to me, if ever they make a movie about Amy Winehouse, you should play her! I’ve got my heart set on Katie Price anyway.
Is there a show you’re excited to see when you’re up there?
Gotta shout out my friends haven’t I!
- ‘Jobsworth’ at The Pleasance starring my fabulous friend Libby Rodliffe.
- ‘Son of a Bitch’ at Summerhall directed by another super talented pal of mine Maddy Moore.
- Darkfield (one of my faves) are bringing up their new show Arcade which sounds incredible!
- Mat Wills: My Wife Took My Dad to a Brothel (I Drove)! - such a funny bloke.
How does performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe compare to other festivals or venues you've experienced?
I love Edinburgh, I know it’s a hustle and it has its flaws, particularly around access, but there’s so much magic in the air.
I love the fact I get to wake up every day and perform, it makes me feel like an artist. I don’t really get to do that at home juggling loads of bills and jobs. I am also so inspired by all the other great work I see. I just don’t think there’s anything else like it!
How has your experience at past Fringes influenced or changed your approach to this year's performance?
I didn’t have a clue what I was doing the first time round really. I mean the show was great and it was really well received by those who saw it, but it didn’t really get the audience numbers it deserved. I learnt that marketing is so important, having the right image and investing in outdoor posters if you can. People need to see it again and again and again. We didn’t do any of that first time round. We didn’t have the budget, but I also think our poster made the show look a lot more heavy going than it was which may have put people off.
What is your favourite thing to do in Edinburgh when you're not performing? How do you relax and look after your mental health?
Watch shows. Particularly comedy stuff, I love to laugh! I always try to go for a hike up Arthur’s Seat at some point.
Sneak into the Abattoir bar for a quiet cocktail away from the crowds. I’ll actually have a pass this year though, so no sneaking necessary!
What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone thinking about taking a show up to Edinburgh?
Do it! Send me a DM and we’ll set up a call. Lots of lovely people have been really generous with me in the past and given up their time to talk me through how it all works. I’d be happy to pay it forward now. Just after this August!
You can see Kaite in You’re So F**king Croydon at Underbelly Cowgate, Belly Dancer, 1 - 25 Aug 2024 (not 13), 16:10. Tickets available here.
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