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!

MARIUPOL

Location:   Beneath at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33)

Dates:  Jul 30th -5th, 7th-17th, 19th – 24th

Time: 13:00

Price: £13 Concessions £12

Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/mariupol

Hello! Tell us about yourself?

My name is Katia Haddad, and I’ve written the play MARIUPOL. I’m also producing this run of the play.  

Tell us all about your show!

MARIUPOL is an emotionally charged modern drama for two actors. The war in Ukraine has affected me deeply: I frequently visited Mariupol in my youth, spending my summer holidays with my best friend’s family. The beginning of the play sends us back to the summer of 1992 – the last summer I spent on Belosarayka- the beautiful sandbank outside Mariupol, – together with my friend and a few young, cool and gregarious Ukrainian Merchant Navy officers, whom we got to know well over the years.

I lost touch with them afterwards and moved to England in 1995. But I’ve always had those warm memories of the city and the people I met there. What happens next to my characters, Steve and Galina, over the next 30 years until their final culminative meeting in the bunker of the bombed Azovstal Steelworks in April 2022, – is my attempt to continue their story, to show what could’ve happened, and to highlight how this war affects the lives of ordinary people on both sides. 

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

We’re sharing some of our creative team with another Pleasance show, Dear Annie, I Hate You. So, I’m really looking forward to seeing it at the Fringe. Also, I heard, that Complicité are bringing their dance show, Figures In Extinction, to Edinburgh. I’m a big fan of the company, so I will definitely go to see it. I also like to make spontaneous choices. I’ll try to see as many different shows in different genres as I possibly 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.

I’ve never done the Fringe before. I’m very excited about this very new and very full-on experience. There were a few key pieces of advice given by the Fringe veterans. Book your accommodation early and spend on traditional outdoor marketing, like posters and flyers. 

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

To everything that will come my way! I’m ready to be a part of this unique and crazy space. And to watch lots of live shows!

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

Our show is at 13:00 which is a perfect time for me, an early riser. I’ll go for my morning run and do my compulsory stretchers afterwards (I’m a bit old), – that makes me ready for the day (plus a couple of coffees) I’m planning to be at the venue for every show. We have 25 in total. And afterwards I’ll do everything that’s needed to promote the play, including flyering! It would be nice to meet other professionals, as well. I’m hoping to have regular meals (or drinks!) with our small, but mighty team. For most of the run, it’s going to be me, Bea, our SM, Nathalie and Ollie, our actors. I won’t do too many late nights, though (early riser syndrome)

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

I used to visit my daughter when she studied at Edinburgh university, and our favourite place was Kanpai Sushi. I’m looking forward to revisiting it. I love Japanese food, and Edinburgh has many great Japanese restaurants. 

Best thing about performing at the fringe?

Best thing is that I’m not performing! My part of the job as a playwright is done! Now it’s over to the actors!

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

I’m probably very boring, but I’ll definitely bring my own pillow and a coffee machine. And a few books to read!

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

We’re renting a student flat with a kitchen, so I’ll be making most of my meals. And walking everywhere! I’m bringing my most comfortable trainers. 

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

I’m not a performer but my top three items would be my pillow, coffee machine and my books!

what’s the secret to successful flyering?

To be engaged with the content of the show. And to use as many family and friends as you can! 

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

I have LinkedIn and Facebook accounts. 

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

Love wins. Always. 

Thank you again for all your support in reading and engaging with the website.

If you want to help support the website then you can! You can buy Holly a cup of tea (and a biscuit!)