EDINBURGH 2016: BWW Q&A - Team Viking

We speak to James Rowland about his 2016 Edinburgh Fringe show Team Viking.

Tell us a little about Team Viking

It's a ridiculous, true story. A while ago my best friend Tom died of heart cancer and his last wish was for a Viking funeral. This is that story.

Terminal illness and death aren't typically known for their lightheartedness - was it a challenge to write?

There were challenges in the writing of it - i's the first show I've done on my own. Most of these were overcome with the advice of my talented, long-suffering friends, especially Daniel Goldman the director (without him the show wouldn't exist). The subject matter wasn't a particular boundary to the writing - in times of real sadness the phrase "You have to laugh" may be trite, but the alternative is pretty bleak.

Why bring the story to Edinburgh?

I really hate money and I need to get rid of it. Also it's the most inspiring place I have ever been. Probably over half of the things that I have most enjoyed watching I saw at the Fringe. The idea of making a show and not bringing it to Edinburgh would have been very strange so I'm very grateful to Just The Tonic for giving me a space.

Does the music play an important part?

It does. I've always used a lot of music in all the things I've done before - it complements spoken word and is vital punctuation for this show.

Who would you recommend comes to see Team Viking?

Well, if you're reading this and are interested in a story about friendship, death and Viking funerals then come down...

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

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