EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Plan B for Utopia

Tell us a bit about Plan B for Utopia.

Plan B for Utopia is a show about how we choose to live our lives: about having a dream, giving it up and trying again, but above all, it's a story about friendship. The piece combines dance, theatre and storytelling with a good dose of humour to create a space where audience and performers can come together to re-imagine the world, which to be honest, is in a bit of a state at the moment!

Why bring it to Edinburgh?

There is something in the air of Edinburgh during the month of August that opens people's minds and hearts, possibility becomes tangible... With this show, I wanted to render the complexity of global issues to something less overwhelming and closer to human scale. The intensity and intimacy of the Fringe is the perfect frame for the work, an opportunity to get up-close and feel like everyone in the room has gone through something together...

What sets it apart from other shows at the Fringe?

I could talk about how indecently talented and versatile our performers are (honestly, you should see them!), but I think that what gets most people is the sincerity of their performances and how generous they are onstage. After spending an hour with them, you feel like you've known them for years and want to go for a glass of wine with them... (which they might quite enjoy!)

Who would you recommend comes to see your show?

It's easier to say who shouldn't come: don't come if you're happy with the way things are, and if you want dance shows to be tedious, overintellectual and slick. We are very serious about being silly, and we won't stop doing it until we have changed the world! We have deliberately chosen a theatre rather than a dance venue because we believe (in fact, we know!) that the show appeals to comedy and theatre audiences who don't usually 'do' dance.

Are there any other performances you're hoping to catch at the festival?

Many! This year I am particularly excited about the work made by several female artists, from the cheekiness and irreverence of Leeds-based Gracefool Collective to the intensity and physical rawness of Czech choreographer Lenka Vagnerova. Oh! And I can't wait for my yearly dose of Camille O'Sullivan...

Timings and ticket information for Plan B for Utopia are available on the edfringe website.