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.

The Glass Imaginary

Location:  Greenside @ Infirmary Street – Forest Theatre (Venue 236)

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

Time: 15 :00

Price: £12 Concession £10

Ticket Link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/glass-imaginary

Hello! Tell us about yourself Stephen ? 

I’m an improv teacher and director, and have written two books about improv (Play Like an Ally and Improvising Gender). I work mostly with narrative and slow burn style improv, and the Improvised Play is a passion project that I’m so so excited about.

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

The Glass Imaginary is a play on words Tennessee Williams has a famous play called The Glass Menagerie

Tell us all about your show!

The Glass Imaginary is an improvised play in the style of Tennessee Williams. There’s a lot of drama, sex, violence, poetic imagery, and lush Southern accents. I love when improv has a balance of comedy and drama, and this show feels like it’s hitting all sorts of juicy spots. We’ve got grounded slow burn, charming characters, hilarious moments, and moments that push dramatic improv as far as I’ve seen it pushed.

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

Honestly, everything! After two years away from fringe I’m going to soak it all in and see as many things as I can.

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. 

Yes, I love it! I think if you’re new to fringe it’s best experienced as a learning opportunity. See as many things as you can, and enjoy the reps of your show- it’ll be so good by the end if you keep your eye on it. Relinquish any ambition to become rich or famous, certainly. Have a baked potato.

What have been some of your favourite shows to date and why?

We’ve been watching back videos of our last run of shows in preparation for the upcoming ones, and honestly I just think this cast is phenomenal. I’ve loved every thing we’ve watched back because this cast can act and improvise in a way that I just don’t see very often. I can’t pick a favourite show, I’m just patting myself on the back for casting these geniuses.

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

I don’t do one liners often to be honest, but I did once split an infinitive (broke a grammar rule) specifically to bother a character who didn’t like things to be split up. One person laughed and nobody else noticed, and that tickled me. It’s probably a good thing I’m not a comedian!

What three items are essential for a successful Fringe? 

An umbrella, a phone charger, and foldable cutlery for all of the eating while walking.

What have been some of the most unique and different comedy shows you have seen this year and why?

I’d love to see more to be honest, it’s been slow to come back!!! I love to see comedy shows with a clear point of view and cultural context, so for example I love a queer show with a mixed bill.

What is the best way to enjoy yourself at the fringe?

Let go of the idea of a specific experience, and go where the impulse takes you (but please do buy tickets in advance for my show!!!)

The best thing about performing at the fringe?

Getting to do the show so many days in a row with this fantastic cast. If you’re doing fringe right it’s an incredible learning experience too!

The most challenging thing about performing at the fringe?

Flyering, for sure. It’s a jungle!

What’s the secret to successful flyering?

Optimism! And I think doing it in teams helps, so you keep your spirits up and people see what your vibe is as a group.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

I’d love to see what folks from the South of America think of our accents!

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

The Improvised Play is on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/improvisedplay/I’m on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/stephendavidsonimprov and on Instagram I’m stephendavidsonimprov, and the show is theimprovisedplay I’m @yesandstephen on twitter, and the show is @glass_imaginary

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

It’s the best.