The Last Straw is on at Summerhall - Demonstration Room, during August.
Gareth Brierley of People Show, one of the two performers in The Last Straw, answers our questions.
- What is your Fringe show about?
The Last Straw is a darkly comic two hander that exposes the daily digital communication overload we face. In a world stricken by disasters of varying scale, the show explores the concepts of truth, trust, tolerance, and how to navigate love and loss in the complexity of today’s world.
- How many times/many years have you appeared at the Fringe?
The People Show have performed at the Fringe over 10 times since 1967.
- What’s your most memorable moment from the Fringe?
People Show winning the Herald Arc Angel Award in 2012, the same year I fell from the stage during a technical rehearsal and spent the night in hospital with a head injury.
The CT scan of my brain reported “Nothing of significance”!
- What’s the worst thing about the Fringe?
The quick turn - arounds between shows, although sticking to your time slot becomes an exhilarating sport.
- If you were not a performer what would you be doing?
Writing and directing or some kind flying doctor.
- How do you prepare for a performance?
We run a couple of scenes to get into the right mind-set.
- Favourite thing about being in Edinburgh?
Lovely people, dramatic scenery, and of course Bar Napoli on Hanover Street.
- What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve ever done?
Danced all night at a ceilidh.
- Favourite Scottish food/drink?
Porridge and single malt whiskey. Together or separately.
- Sum up your show in three words
Hysterical, unnerving, relevant and v funny.
Show summary
Imprisoned by the bombardment of modern media, sheltering from disaster and forced to guess at the truth, The Last Straw is a darkly comic take on fake news, the very real communications overload we face every day, and how to survive with your sanity intact.
The Last Straw is on at Summerhall - Demonstration Room, during August. For tickets, please visit www.edfringe.com
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