EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Sarah Milton

Tell us a bit about Tumble Tuck.

Tumble Tuck is a comedy drama that explores body image, the modern definition of success and self-confidence through the eyes of Daisy; a young woman who has surprisingly found herself on her local swimming team. She's swimming a relay she has no intention of winning, and after the race you go into a rapid journey, finding out what got Daisy in the water in the first place.

What inspired the show?

Tumble Tuck was written on the Soho Theatre's Writers' Lab 2015/16, and was inspired by a few things. Firstly, my own battles with mental health which fed into the story. But also, more broadly, the pressure on young people to look a certain way, attain certain grades, and achieve certain life goals. It can be incredibly overwhelming in the judgemental society we live in today.

The character of Daisy swims because that's where she feels free, and Tumble Tuck explores what an achievement it is for her to feel just that.

And the music is original?

Yes - the incredible Harry Blake has composed a score to map the journey of the play and of Daisy's experience. Director Tom Wright wanted to include some choreography for the sections that take place in water, and wanted to explore the use of music with that. Harry read the play, instantly understood it, and tapped in to Daisy's psyche. The music is an utter compliment to the show.

Why bring it to Edinburgh?

An extract was first presented at Wilderness Festival by Old Vic New Voices, for one showing and the atmosphere was electric - we had a 200-strong audience and the show really took off.

It then did a night at The Soho Theatre as part of their Soho Rising season, as the play was written on the Soho Writer's Lab in 2014. The one piece of feedback from audience, producers and the Soho's team was 'get it to Edinburgh!' so I started putting the feelers out and the wonderful Back Here! Theatre picked it up.

I think it's going to suit the fringe so well. It's witty, it's strong and it's broadly accessible in its material - Daisy can't wait to put on her swim cap for an entire month!!

Who would you recommend comes to see Tumble Tuck?

Anyone who's ever wondered whether they're successful, doing enough, or being enough. Anyone who's questioned their worth, or felt overwhelmed and self-conscious by the fear of other people's opinion. Anyone who's forgotten to celebrate the little achievements in life, whether that's simply getting out of bed, passing a test or remembering to send a birthday card in time... Also, anyone who also loves cheese and KitKats.

Timings and ticket information for Tumble Tuck is available on the edfringe website.

Photo credit: Scott Rylander

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