EDINBURGH 2016: BWW Q&A - Stack

BWW speaks to Ed MacArthur, writer and lead performer of Stack at the 2016 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

What can you tell us about Stack?

Stack is a very silly musical comedy play about Stackard Banks, an explorer who attempts to make a documentary about a lost Amazonian tribe. It's a highly ridiculous blend of character comedy, music and storytelling, produced by DugOut theatre.

What was the inspiration for the show?

I was reading Ranulph Fiennes's autobiography and found his attitude to death amusingly flippant. There's an abundance of celebrity explorers these days, and given that our maps have been drawn and most records have been broken, I liked the idea of an egotistical adventurer struggling to remain relevant in the modern day. Bear Grylls has just joined Cirque du Soleil, for example. That's where we're at now.

And the score is original?

The score is original and full of comedy songs, all sung live. It's been arranged and designed by Max Perryment. The guy's a total genius.

Do you think you know what to expect from the Fringe?

After six years of Edinburgh I often walk around the Fringe advising young companies to 'expect the unexpected'. But when the unexpected happens (no tickets sold/all tickets sold/no takeaways allowed after midnight) I'm still surprised. I tend to unexpect the unexpected.

Who would you recommend comes to see Stack?

Stack is a light comedy play with an original musical score and funny characters, and it features the hilarious Annie McGrath from Twins. Sound like your kind of thing? Then I highly recommend that you come to see it.

Timings and ticket information for Stack are available on the edfringe website.