This month I will be talking to different acts that are taking part in the Brighton Fringe Festival. Today I speak to Georgie about the solo show Sunsets.

Location: The Rotunda Theatre: Squeak
Date: 13th & 14th May
Time: 16:45
Ticket Price: £12 Concession £10
Link: https://www.brightonfringe.org/events/sunsets/

Hello! Tell us about your act? 

My play, Sunsets, is a solo show, written and performed by me, and it’s about romantic comedies. It is set during a live podcast event and follows one woman’s journey as she attempts to find her own walking off into the sunset moment. While recording it, of course. The question is; will there be a happily ever after?

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

I actually came up with the title before I wrote the show! I knew I wanted to write about rom coms and it was this idea of heading hand in hand towards the ‘sunset’ that sprung to my mind. 

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

When I first performed it, one audience member said it gave off a stand-up comedy vibe, which I am flattered by. It’s very much a play but there is some audience interaction in there. It lends itself nicely to this because of the live podcast recording element. But don’t worry; I won’t make anyone join me up on stage.

What can people expect from your Brighton Fringe performance?

There’s an opportunity to get nostalgic as the show references a few films like You’ve Got Mail and even Maid in Manhattan. Remember that one? But you don’t have to like the movies to enjoy it. Sunsets is also about family and I hope that there are some moments in there that resonate with people. 

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

I’d like to watch other solo plays as it’s nice to support performers in a similar position. I have such respect for everyone who spends an hour on stage by themselves.

How are the rehearsals going?

It’s interesting seeing the changes since I first was in the rehearsal room with it. By the time I bring it to Brighton Fringe, it will look different to how it was on stage in London at Theatre503 a few months ago. I always forget how much a show evolves!

Have you done the fringe before? What have been some of your favourite shows to date and why?

This will be my first time to Brighton Fringe but Sunsets started its life at the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe. Recently, I enjoyed the solo show, Colossal, which transferred from Edinburgh to Soho Theatre. I thought the direction and the sound design were excellent. 

What advice would you give to others who want to perform at Brighton Fringe next year?

Enjoy the process. That’s what it’s all about.

What is the best thing about performing at the Brighton fringe?

I’m excited to see other people’s work; it feels like there’s so much at your fingertips at Fringe festivals. It will also be great to perform in front of my friends and family who are coming to support me and will be enjoying a day by the seaside.

What are your three favourite things about Brighton?

The fact you can get there from London so easily! And the sea air and fish and chips, of course.

Leafleting and promotion through the streets of Brighton is a huge part of the festival – what are your tips for flyering?

Get friends to help you. Know what your elevator pitch is and try to have a conversation with the people who you give your flyers to. Also, it sounds obvious but put a description about your show on your flyers. I learnt a lot through trial and error in Edinburgh last year.

Tell us about your average day on a festival show run?

My previous experience was; flyer, flyer, flyer. Prepare for my show. Perform. Flyer some more. Try to see other shows. Wake up and do it all over again. 

Performing by the sea as well, that surely makes the fringe all that much more fun?

Absolutely. I want to try and steal a moment by the sea to soak it all in. I’ll throw an ice cream in there too and imagine I’m in my own rom com.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Nancy Meyers because she’s an icon in the romantic comedy world. Or Margot Robbie as I love the productions that her company, LuckyChap Entertainment, makes and then she could cast me in her next film….

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

I’m on Twitter at @georgie_grier and on Instagram and TikTok at @screensteruk. You can tag my play using the hashtag #sunsetstheplay. The name Screenster comes from my podcast, The Screenster Podcast, where I interview guests from the film and television world. We chat about the shows they are making and what they like watching so if that sounds interesting to you, have a listen! It’s available across all podcast platforms. 

And Finally finish this sentence – ‘you should see our show at Brighton Fringe because….

You can laugh, you may even cry and you can find out what one woman’s version of walking off into the sunset is.