EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A - Gutted

Tell us a bit about Gutted.

Gutted is all about my journey as a patient diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (an Inflammatory Bowel Disease)- my life in and out of hospital, the relationships I build and the shame I feel living with such an exposing illness. It's a one woman show which attempts to welcome in people from all walks of life and tap into a story which might be relative to their own lives in some way or other.

Why make a show about it?

As a jobbing actress, freshly graduated from acting school, I found it very difficult to find ongoing acting work after being diagnosed with Colitis. I spent so much time in hospital and experiencing flare-ups that had a lot of recovery time. It was then that I started to write about my experiences and 'characterise' some of the people I had met along the way. When in remission, these scenarios and characters were brought to life in stand-up but I wanted to make it a story with all the funny times and the tears, as more of a theatrical telling. This was made possible after meeting director and theatre-maker Tara Robinson.

Who would you recommend comes to see Gutted?

Everyone is the obvious answer! But really, this show isn't just for those who have the illness, or know someone with it. This show is for anyone who wants to share in a story about the makings of relationships, suffering and joy. I like to think of Gutted as a hope-filled story which sometimes makes you feel uncomfortable, but like in real-life, can reward you with feelings of elation, relief and love for others.

What's next for you after the festival?

After Edinburgh, we will be doing a couple more hospital showings whilst in Scotland. Last year we toured around parts of the UK bringing Gutted to hospital support groups, the general public and anyone in particular who maybe can't or wouldn't necessarily see the show in a theatre. This was a great success and made the show accessible to so many more. We hope to be touring the show around UK theatres in early 2018.

And it's a slightly shorter run?

Yes, this is because we are sharing the month run in the Pleasance space with another theatre company (out of choice). With doing the show leading up to Edinburgh at HOME theatre in Manchester and with having already toured and had a sell-out show last year, we felt a full month wasn't necessary at this point. I also have a young toddler at home and it's hard to keep away from her for too long!

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

Photo credit: Chris Payne

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