Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
Dearest reader, my name is Lizzy Skrzypiec, director and improviser with troupe Degrees of Error in our show Murder, She Didn't Write.
How would you describe your show?
Murder, She Didn't Write is an improvised comedy show where we make up an entire murder mystery on-the-spot based on audience suggestions. The audience then have to guess whodunnit and help catch the killer. It's like a game of Cluedo meets Whose Line Is It Anyway meets an Agatha Christie novel. Hold on to your deer stalkers!
Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
We adore the Edinburgh Fringe (it's our fifth year) and our show is an experimental and unusual take on a classic genre. We feel at home performing there each year in such a beautiful city. It'd be a crime to miss it.
What differentiates it from other festivals?
Aside from the fact it's the biggest comedy festival in the world and an absolute juggernaut of talent and absurdity, it has a wonderful vibe. The Fringe brings a whole new life to the city. It's a very friendly festival too.
Do you think the Fringe has changed over the years? If so, how? Are these changes positive or negative?
Edinburgh Fringe changed most noticeably about five years ago when a series of unusual murders took place almost daily. It's a real mystery and has nothing to do with the fact it times perfectly with our show's arrival at the festival.
What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?
We were inspired by other amazing shows who seemed to be making a killing in the improv world: Showstoppers!, Austentatious, Parallelogramophonograph. Most of us have been performing improv for a long time and it's time for us to be making some killings of our own.
If you didn't have your current job, what would you probably be doing?
Why, I'd probably be a health and safety officer, I have a good eye for hazards and dangers in the workplace.
If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?
The widow of a wealthy billionaire. That can be a full-time job and I'm definitely a mourning person.
What is your earliest childhood art memory?
I remember doing a rather spectacular finger painting of the Little Mermaid. I didn't draw her lover Eric though, best not to leave any finger Prince.
Do you ever feel any pressure to be a social commentator, or constantly update material to respond to events?
As a period improvised comedy, we can't comment overtly, but allusions can often be made. We take suggestions from the audience at the start, and some are often very topical, but we always use them in an unexpected way. We may do a referendum, for example, but it won't be the one you expect!
Equally, do you think there has been a shift in public sentiment that has affected your work?
Only in such that both improv and crime drama have surged in popularity.
Describe the last year in 5 words or less.
One big fat red herring.
If you could work with anybody, from any point in history, who would you pick and why?
I reckon Angela Lansbury would love to be in the show. Can someone get her on the line?
Murder, She Didn't Write is performing at Pleasance Courtyard at 17:00 on 2nd – 28th August. For tickets and more information visit the Ed Fringe website.
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