Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
We are The Noise Next Door.
How would you describe your show?
Both of our shows are pretence free, high energy and anarchic hours of pure entertainment. The afternoon show is a fun for everyone romp through an epic fantasy themed world, and the late show is similar. But with more swearing and less theming.
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
It's our 10th consecutive year, so not completing the decade would play havoc with our OCD.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
The length. And the rain.
Do you think the Fringe has changed over the years? If so, how? Are these changes positive or negative?
It's definitely changed, no question. 8 shows in its first year to well over 3000 last year! In recent times, the addition of the Free Fringe has helped out performers who can't (or won't) pay the sometimes exorbitant amount of money to play at the bigger venues, and in turn this means that audiences aren't as priced out. In terms of general atmosphere, it's still as vibrant as ever.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
In honesty, the idea that we didn't have to settle into a 9-5 desk job was just too glorious to turn down. We formed our little company and knew our product was strong, and at first we didn't really know what industry we were entering into. We carved our niche and found our voice as we went along. Our inspirations are hugely varied, from the original 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?' to South Park, from Jim Carrey to Tommy Cooper and everything in between.
If you didn't have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
Three of us would be probably be teachers. The other one would be a hilariously successful director of commercials, which his mother reminds him of. Daily.
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
We'd like to be in the Avengers.
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
Painting with potatoes. Which we would now consider just a waste of good chips.
Do you ever feel any pressure to be a social commentator, or constantly update material to respond to events?
With the very nature of our improvised shows, audience suggestions often echo the major events that dominate social consciousness. It's less of a pressure and more of a necessity to commentate on these issues. We have to retain an up to date knowledge of everything that goes on, from politics to reality TV!
Equally, do you think there has been a shift in public sentiment that has affected your work?
The country is currently very politically charged. More so than at any other time in our career and this can certainly alter suggestion taking.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less?
Loads of famous people died.
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
Jesus. His magic would really help with the improv. And having him on board is just a really good sell.
Why would a performer opt to do either a ticketed event or participate in the free fringe? What are the benefits and limitations of both?
The upfront costs of a putting on a ticketed event can be crippling, particularly if your show isn't successful. On the other hand, if you can front the cash and your show is successful, you can reap the rewards. It's like life - you need to have money to make money. In terms of how it affects audiences, in our experience, it doesn't necessarily are much difference. If you have a quality show, people will come.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?
Know exactly what you're taking up. Understand the content and quality of your product. Be selective with your marketing. Buy a sturdy rain mac and some good shows. Don't burn out.
When and where can people see your show?
You can see our afternoon show, The Really Really Good Afternoon Show (With Swords), in The Debating Hall at the Gilded Balloon at 3pm, and our late show, '10', in Pleasance Two at the Pleasance Courtyard at 1050pm.
And where can people find, follow and like you online?
- Website - thenoisenextdoor.com
- Facebook - NoiseNextDoor
- Twitter - NoiseNextDoor
- Instagram - NoiseNextDoor
- YouTube - NoiseNextDoorVideos
- Myspace - Grow up.
The Noise Next Door's Really Really Good Afternoon Show is performing at The Gilded Balloon at 15:00 on 2nd - 27th (not 16th). For tickets and more information visit the Ed Fringe website.
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