EDINBURGH 2016: BWW Q&A - Mermalade

Tell us a bit about Mermalade

I first met Mermalade as a young heroine in a children's book bearing her name.

She wanted to find a pearl.

She asked the moon, sun, stars, and Thor - god of thunder - where could could find one, all along ignoring the tiny voices from the oysters beckoning her below.

She refused to think such disgusting creatures could make such beautiful things like a pearl, so she ignored them.

Thor - in his thunderous approach - questioned her. She admitted she didn't listen when the oysters tried to tell her the truth.

She learned a lesson, apologized to the oysters and got her pearls.

Merm and her quest resonated with me and I knew there was more to her than just finding a pearl. Thus, an adaptation and a play for the stage was born.

What's in it for the adults?

Subtext and humour! Mermalade's quest finds her in the path of three life-size oysters acting as narrators, and certainly comedic relief throughout the tale. Each oyster represents a different generation: Oyster 1 (60 years old), Oyster 2 (30 years old), Oyster 3 (11 years old). Their perspectives and comments on Mermalade's quest bridge and highlight the story as it's told. (Different generations will get it - respectively.)

And you're moving the show once the schools return?

I am committed to moving this production based upon need and request. Our 2015 Fringe premiere, The Last of the Dragons, garnered solid critical acclaim, audience numbers and brief tours in Warsaw, Poland and Biggar, Scotland. It would be a privilege to take Mermalade to other venues both inside and outside of Scotland. With that said, I would fully commit to producing in Scotland for schools and communities, should the opportunity arise.

As per the mission of Manhattan Children's Theatre, I have allocated complimentary tickets on August 3 and 4 to local youth groups throughout the community, as well as offering discounted tickets during the run of the performance. To date, we have over 100 reservations from local groups including: Family Circle, Scotland, Hilton Community Health Project, One Parent Families (Scotland), Muirfield After-school program, and Teen+.

What sets Mermalade apart from the other shows at this year's festival?

There is no moral. Mermalade, and the characters she meets along the way, never tell anyone what to do or think. It's a quest driven by asking "WHY?".

Of course, fabulous lighting, sound effects, pop music interludes and oyster shells made out of toilet seats - with actors in them, interacting with the audience - add to the overall experience.

Who would you recommend comes to see Mermalade?

"Why do I have to answer this? Why doesn't anyone listen to me? Why don't you just come and see it for yourselves!!!" said Mermalade.

Anyone of any age, origin or culture (minus screaming babies) should see this show.

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

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