EDINBURGH 2023: Nathan D'Arcy-Roberts Q&A

BWW caught up with Nathan D’Arcy-Roberts to chat about bringing Present/Tense to the 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Tell us a bit about Present/Tense

My show’s about the time I found out a parent was in jail after getting stoned and watching a BBC Three documentary. It’s an hour of storytelling/observational stand-up about how we reconcile our pasts with our present and face up to the things we could spend a lifetime avoiding. 

Why did you feel this was an important story to tell?

It’s a story I’ve always wanted to share. The arc of the show is very specific to me, and something I thought only I alone had gone through. But after having previewed it around the country I’ve found that more people than I imagined have experienced something similar. 

Having performed at the festival before, do you think you know what to expect?

I’ve been coming to the Fringe for years, so I consider myself a hardened veteran at this point. 

Who would you like to come and see Present/Tense?

Everybody. There’s something in this show for everyone. Except for the people I talk about in the show. They should probably stay away. Otherwise next year’s show will be about the libellous lawsuits I’ve found myself involved in. 

What would you like audiences to take away from the show?

I’ll be hiding a £1 coin underneath one seat every show so if nothing else I’d like for one audience per show to take away that £1 coin. (Disclaimer: I might sometimes forget the £1, this interview is not a legally binding contract). 

Nathan D’Arcy Roberts:  Present/Tense.

4:20pm,  2nd - 27th August (not 14th) at Gilded Balloon Teviot

Tickets: https://tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk/event/14:4961/