Harriet Madeley - Outpatient - Edinburgh Fringe Interview

As part as our Edinburgh Fringe 2024 coverage we are running a series of interviews with artists and creatives that are taking part in the festival. 

In this interview we speak to Harriet Madeley about her show Outpatient.

Where did your arts career begin?

Doing am dram with my parents in the local theatre company. Not sure if that counts as ‘career’!

What can you tell me about your show?

It’s a comedy based on real events, about a writer working on a ‘hot take’ piece about dying. Half way through interviewing people with life limiting illnesses, she gets diagnosed with a strange and mysterious illness of her own, and reacts… let’s say very badly.

How would you describe the style of the show?

It’s very much a comedy. It explores the dark absurdity of facing mortality.

How have you approached developing the piece?

I’ve adapted real events and characters from what really happened to me back in 2018 when I was diagnosed with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. It’s been a long and daunting process, but ultimately very liberating.

How do/will you prepare yourself for a run at the Fringe?I’m heading into rehearsals next week with the brilliant director Madelaine Moore, where I’ll be practicing how to deliver the show whilst not falling off a treadmill.

Other than the show, what’s something you’re looking forward to doing in Edinburgh this year?

I’m taking my newborn baby up with my wife. I suspect we will smash the early morning shows and have a daily beer in the sunshine before many VERY early nights.

What keeps you inspired?

Excavating complicated questions. Community. Humour. 

What do you hope an audience takes away from seeing the show?

I hope people will leave the show with a fresh perspective on approaching mortality.
Where can audiences see the show?1st – 26th August at the Anatomy Lecture Theatre at Summerhall… bright and early at 10:30am!

Tickets are available from https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/outpatient