It is festival season and that means that in the next month there is so many great festivals to look forward to! This month we are looking at some of the great shows that you can see at the Edinburgh Fringe. So take note because we are going to give you all the information you need for just a handful of some of the great shows happening this year! We have also been able to interview some of the acts that are heading up to the Fringe as well.

My Own Private Shakespeare

Location:  Greenside @ Riddles Court – Willow Studio (Venue 16 )

Dates: Aug 5th-6th, 8th-13th, 15th-20th, 22th-27th

Time: 22:05

Price: £15 Concession £10

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/my-own-private-shakespeare

Hello Justin! Tell us about yourself?

I’m a Toronto-based actor, born and educated in Scotland. I have a background in diverse performance styles, including improv comedy, Shakespeare and musical theatre. This is my first solo show, my first time performing my own work, and the first time performing in Scotland in 32 years.  

How did you come up with the name of your show that your taking to the fringe?

The show combines personal reflections with passages from Shakespeare – it seemed a natural fit and lets the audience know what they’re in for: an intimately personal take on Shakespeare.

Tell us all about your show!

From a single fateful phone call taken reluctantly from the toilet, a Shakespearean actor finds his world collapsing around him. As the story unfolds, the unforgiving realities of his shattered life intertwine with Shakespeare’s radiant, immortal text, while the man teeters dangerously close to the brink. The play draws on some of the greatest and most powerful passages from Shakespeare to ask: Is it possible to find peace with the impossible paradoxes of life?

Written and performed by Canadian actor Justin Hay, known for his performances in the filmed adaptations “Richard III: Unto the Kingdom of Perpetual Night” and “Julius Caesar: In Shallows and In Miseries”.

Directed by Mona Zaidi, award-winning South Asian Canadian director known for “Julius Caesar: In Shallows and In Miseries” and “Richard III: Unto the Kingdom of Perpetual Night”, and described by Sir Kenneth Branagh as “excitingly ambitious… and full of imaginative talent”.

What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at the fringe?

Hotel Elsinore by Susanna Day Hamnett – a fellow UK-Canadian playing with Shakespeare

Playing God by Meg Undressed – looks to be an equally intimate solo show

Two Woman Hamlet by Sherman and Friends – another inventive take on the Bard

Have you done the fringe before? What are the key pieces of advice you have been given or would give to new groups or people performing at the fringe. 

This will be my first year.

Favourite one liner you have done in a show and why?

In Moliere’s The Miser, Valere misunderstands Harpagon’s questioning him if he has left his moneybox intact, thinking him to mean Harpagon’s daughter.

As Valere, I respond: “Intact, sir?”

The audience’s laughter was directly proportional to the distance I retreated in indignation. (A brilliant insight into comedic effect from the play’s director, Harry Anderson.)

The best thing about performing at the fringe?

A chance to perform among the world’s greatest lovers of theatre.

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

Keeping my voice.

What would be your top three items every performer must take to the fringe?

Throat lozenges

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Kenneth Branagh

If people want to find out more about you where can they follow you on social media?

https://www.facebook.com/ModernClassicTheatreCompany/

And Finally in three words – Why should people come and see the show? 

Shakespeare meets IRL