It is festival season and that means that in the next month there is so many great comedy 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!

The Nature of Forgetting

Location:  Grand at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33)

Dates:  J9th -12th Aug, 14th-19th, 21st-23rd

Time: 13:15

Price: £21 Concessions £20

Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-nature-of-forgetting

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

Hello everyone!

My name is Guillaume Pigé. I am originally from France, and I have been living in the UK for the past 18 years. I am the Founder and Artistic Director of Theatre Re – an artist-led theatre company bringing original live music with striking visual performance to create world class, deeply moving non-verbal productions about universal human challenges and the fragility of life.

Tell us all about your show!

The Nature of Forgetting deals with the inability of a man to recollect his life and explores what is left when memory is gone.

Our main character is Tom; a middle aged father living with early onset dementia, being cared for by his daughter Sophie. We present him on the day of his 55th birthday. As he struggles to get dressed for his party, the feel of his clothes sparks him into life.

Ultimately, The Nature of Forgetting is about the fragility of life and that eternal ‘something’ we all share which is left when memory is gone.

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

I have not scouted the whole programme just yet but for now I am very excited about:

Léa Tirabasso’s In the Bushes at Summerhall

Spy Movie: The Play at The Pleasance

Skye at Summerhall

Amazons at Summerhall

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 our sixth Fringe! I would say try to enjoy it. It can be a very challenging environment at times so it’s important to remember that it should be fun and joyful otherwise it’s too hard.

If this is your first time – what are you looking forward to?

It is not our first but our last time was in 2019… So it does feel a little bit like it’s our first time! I am looking forward to seeing how the industry has changed since Covid. We want to connect with new partners and re-connect with old ones.

Talk us through your daily routine for a day at the Fringe

We are on at 13:15 from Aug 9th to 23rd.

It will have to start with a long and thorough warm-up. The Nature of Forgetting is a very physical piece of theatre so it’s going to be a very intense 2-week run. This warm-up time will also be the opportunity to catch-up with the team and address notes from the previous show.

We will then need to do our get-in. The Nature of Forgetting is a large mid-scale show so there will be quite a lot to do. Then, it’s show time! After the shows, some of us will be chatting with the audience – probably recording feedback and responses, while everyone else will be doing the get-out and making space for the next company. I will then need to rush out to go and look after my children (3 of them and they are all coming up!) as my wife will be performing her show in the afternoon. With them I will probably try to get some lunch, watch a few shows, do some flyering… And then go home. Sleep. Repeat!

Ok, where is your favourite place to eat at the Fringe?

I have sweet spot for Levels on Holyrood road by the Courtyard.

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

For me it’s about doing a long run and all the creative discoveries that it brings. It’s rare for us a company to do more than 4 or 5 shows in a row. This time we will be doing 13 shows and I cannot wait for every single one of them.

What is the hardest part about performing at the Fringe?

Well, the exact same thing. To be on top form and come together as an ensemble 13 times in a row! The Nature of Forgetting is a tightly knitted ensemble piece with physical actions, music and lighting constantly responding and feeding off each other so coming together is crucial. We will also be joined for all 13 performances by BSL Actor & Interpreter Anna Kitson and I am very excited to be adding this extra layer to the work as well.

Do you bring anything special from home to make it feel more special whilst you are away?

This time I will be bringing my whole family with me and I am excited to share this adventure with my children.

What are your best hacks to save money whilst at the Fringe?

Levels once again!

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

Kneepads. Essential oil. Water bottle.

What’s the secret to successful flyering?

Avoid flyering but have conversations. 

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

@Theatrere

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

Because: ‘We are unique’.

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