EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Margarita Dreams

Tell us a bit about your show

Sipping margaritas on the beach in Mexico, Dave drifts off into a whirl of absurdities. Cross-dressing, community affairs, phone-induced paranoia, the Five-Minute Detective, a four-way divorce, a spirit-reading summoning a flasher, String Theory explained, the modern technology-addled brain (with robotic legs), the Geneva Convention's rules of comedy flouted, a very strange romance, Brad Pitt's ruined trousers, disappointed parents -- and finally, the Shy People's Encounter Group, where a riot breaks out, ending, harmoniously, in Disco Therapy. Welcome to the World of Margarita, where peculiar is the new normal.

Why bring it to Edinburgh?

I've been mentoring these performers since December by Skype from Los Angeles where I now live. What they needed was something to perform together and somewhere to perform it, so I wrote Margarita Dreams earlier this year for them, specifically with the Edinburgh Fringe in mind. The Fringe was seminal in starting my life as a writer when I was the age these actors are now. It is a pleasure to be returning to Edinburgh with them at the start of their careers.

What sets it apart from other shows at the Fringe?

I wrote four Fringe shows in the 1970s: two Oxford Revues (starring Mel Smith), and two later ones at the Richard Demarco Gallery. After one of those in 1976 I met Rowan Atkinson, which led to me writing the Schoolmaster sketch for him (performed at The Secret Policeman's Ball). I've written books, many TV shows, a dozen opera libretti, numerous song lyrics since then - and had forgotten what an absolute joy writing sketch comedy is. It's been like finding a long-lost friend. I can't thank these kids enough for being the inspiration to come up with all this strange and surprising stuff.

Who would you recommend comes to see your show?

Anyone who enjoys a good - and good-natured - laugh. I'm not a fan of mean-spirited, spiteful comedy. There is nothing sour in the world of Margarita. Our show is comedy to lift you up, not put you down. And to take you to places you have never been before. Expect the unexpected, and it will be along any minute.

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

Two excellent comedians: Alexei Sayle and Lucy Porter. Living in California I am not too familiar with the current British comedy scene and I am really looking forward to catching up with the best and brightest that this year's Fringe has to offer. I will definitely be keeping my ears open for word of mouth, and taking in as many shows as I can fit in.

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

Photo Credit: Garlinda Birkbeck

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