EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Under My Thumb

Tell us a bit about Under My Thumb

Under My Thumb is set in a non-specific time and place where five women have been imprisoned for alleged crimes against society - a society that refuses to acknowledge inequality or abuse against women, preferring to hide the victims in a growing network of women's prisons until they agree to accept the blame, or deny that the event even happened. United by their belief in their own innocence, the uneasy peace that the five women have built between themselves is disrupted by the arrival of a sixth woman - but is she another victim brought down by the increasingly oppressive society outside or is there something more sinister going on? The show is a bold thriller played entirely by women, a social and political manifesto inspired by injustice, and a great hour in the theatre.

Why bring it to Edinburgh?

Edinburgh Fringe is the biggest and most renowned performing arts festival in the world! It's the place where new work can be showcased and the perfect environment to explore social and political issues through theatre. Our company was launched at Assembly the Edinburgh Fringe in 2015 with our debut production - a revival of John Retallack's Hannah and Hanna. Now that we are refocusing the company to work on new writing we couldn't be happier to be coming back to Edinburgh, and to a new venue at Assembly. The Snug, downstairs at Assembly Roxy, will offer the perfect claustrophobic, intense atmosphere for the play, presented in the round and making it almost immersive.

What sets it apart from other shows at the Fringe?

It's a bold political thriller played entirely by women. The experiences of the five women are all based on true events - and the issues of the play are affecting women today all around the world.

Who would you recommend comes to see you?

Everyone (aged 14+) - but particularly those looking for strong new writing, for a theatrical thriller, those looking to be entertained and to still be talking about the show days later.

Why is it important for people to see it?

In an industry in which male actors and writers still outnumber their female counterparts, this is a new play in a genre typically dominated by men that is produced and performed by an all-female theatre company with an all-female cast. In a world which still has not achieved gender equality, too many people think we have and are complacent. When a story of abuse or sexism hits the news, it is too easy to assume that it's being reported because it's out of the ordinary, rather than a single example of a prevailing state of affairs. Under My Thumb will change how some people think and reinforce how others think, but whichever group audiences fall into it will provide them with a high impact thriller and an unforgettable hour of theatre.

Timings and ticket information for Under My Thumb are available on the edfringe website.