EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Fix

Tell us a little about Fix.

It's a brand new play (with songs!), based on a long period of research and development on behavioural addictions. One of the characters is a recovering gambling addict, and another is trying to cope with her partner's addiction to porn. The story is tied together with by their counsellor, and all three of them share different insights into a world that's often not talked about, but affects millions.

Fix has been a long time in the making - about 2 years from idea to first preview - so we can't wait to get it in front of audiences and immerse ourselves in Fringe once more.

Why is it important for people to see Fix?

Addiction is a health issue that is sometimes overlooked. From our research, this is especially true of behavioural addictions such as pornography and gambling, for which more and people are now seeking treatment. There's a concern among professionals in the field that the increased role of technology in our lives, coupled with a lack of education about its impact, could be driving addictions to such behaviours at much faster rate.

We often make work about things we can research heavily, and there was certainly no short of homework for this show. We want Fix to feel intoxicating: fun and exciting as well as stark and sad, all in one relentless cycle. We always want our shows to send people away talking, and to see themselves in places and people they might not have beforehand. Most people wouldn't consider themselves addicts, but it does seem that the wiring in our brains that makes addiction possible is present in everyone.

What kind of research was done for the show?

We spoke to addicts in various stages of recovery as well as professors, researchers and counsellors. We've also met people who have family members or close friends who battle addiction. And we did lots of second hand research - books, documentaries, talks, etc. Something that became clear early on is that very few people agree. Whether or not addiction is a disease, what can be classed as addictions, how much someone has to use before they're considered an addict - all of these things are still being debated and contested.

Something else that became clear was that changing policy and uncertainty over funding is impacting both the professionals giving help, and those seeking it. On a personal level, looking at how cravings and rewards systems function in the brain has opened our eyes to why we all spend so much time on our smartphones!

Are you feeling the pressure after the success of your previous Edinburgh show Labels?

None of us thought Labels would have travelled as far and wide as it has done, and it's so lovely that it's still resonating with people. It's been useful to remember there was time when Labels wasn't finished: when it was messy, when we had doubts, when we got stuck and couldn't unstick ourselves. As we type this, we're in the middle of a Fix rehearsal, and as with any process there are days where you feel like everything's really flying, and days where you're wading through mud. You're never going to know for sure until you let go of it and it's out there in front of audiences, but knowing the difficult days are as vital as the ones with all the breakthroughs is a good way to have faith and keep going!

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

We have a feeling we might not be able to see as much as last year: we're not only taking Fix but another new show called Monster, as well as Labels, so we may be a little short on free time! That said, Fringe 2017 is looking like a really exciting year: off the top of our heads, Selina Thompson, The Last Great Hunt, Hugh Hughes and the Sleeping Trees are just a few of the artists whose work we're hoping to see!

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

Photo Credit: Benjamin Borley.

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