EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Louise Reay
Click Here for More on Edinburgh Festival
Tell us a bit about Hard Mode.
It frankly sounds very odd for a comedy show - on paper. It's an immersive show where the audience experiences life in an authoritarian regime. It's set in the year 2020, in a world where the BBC has been sold to the Chinese government, dun dun dun!Why bring it to Edinburgh?
I've been writing this show since December 2016 and built it live over 27 shows at Adelaide Fringe. I might be biased because I'm a British comedian, but I do festivals everywhere and anywhere and for me there's no doubt Edinburgh is absolutely the most exciting and important festival.
What sets it apart from other shows at the Fringe?
Despite it being comedy, the audience feels genuinely oppressed, so I'm told. I'm really trying to play with what comedy can be and to make the audience feel a bit complicated and hopefully a little bit reflective? Failing that - the show features a cast of masked figures watching the audience which is quite sinister and probably mercifully rare.
What are your top tips for surviving the festival?
What are your top tips for surviving the festival?
As a performer: don't drink too much, get enough sleep! As a punter: drink tons, don't waste time sleeping, see and do as much as you can!
Who would you recommend comes to see you?
Who would you recommend comes to see you?
I'm grateful to anyone who'd like to come. This is a political, provocative and experimental show - so people who are up for having their buttons pushed perhaps!
Timings and ticket information for Louise Reay: Hard Mode are available on the edfringe website.
Photo Credit: Alex Dubus.
Get Broadway News on WhatsApp
Receive the latest updates, breaking news, and exclusive coverage from Broadway directly in WhatsApp.
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Sound Design - Top 3
1.
Adam Fisher - The Lost Boys
36.5% of votes
2.
Tony Gayle - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
11% of votes
3.
John Shivers - Chess
7.2% of votes
Videos
|
Spin Cycle Underbelly (Clover) (8/05-8/31) |
|
Copycat Pleasance Dome (Jack Dome) (8/05-8/31) |
|
Shamilton! The Improvised Hip Hop Musical Assembly George Square Studios - One (8/05-8/30) |
|
Sapphire McIntosh: Squeaky Bum Time Unerbelly Bristo Square - Daisy Room (8/05-8/30) |
|
Trainspotting The Musical Alhambra Theatre (3/01-3/06) |
|
Man or Bear Summerhall (Red Lecture Theatre) (8/06-8/30) |
|
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Alhambra Theatre (10/07-10/10) |
|
Patient 13 Zoo (Playground 2) (8/07-8/30) |
|
Big Stuff Assembly (Roxy Boxy) (5/05-5/30) |
|
Collaborator Pleasance at EICC (Pentland) (8/06-8/22) |
| VIEW ALL SHOWS ADD A SHOW | |
Get Scotland's #1 Theatre Newsletter
Get the best news & discounts for Scotland Shows & beyond.
