As part of 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 Katie Kirkpatrick about Seconds To Midnight.
Where did your arts career begin?
I grew up performing in musicals, before getting to uni and realising my talents definitely lay in the directing/producing side of things instead! During my four years at Oxford, I spent a huge amount of my time working on student theatre, doing everything from directing to marketing to script editing. I picked up all my skills in the world of student theatre, and have loved now being able to use them in the real world.
What can you tell me about your show?
Seconds to Midnight tells the story of two best friends, Jo and Eddie. The pair met in a game of 7 Minutes in Heaven, ironically ending up coming out to each other in a literal closet. Now, years later, a different kind of countdown puts their lives and their friendship into perspective, as the nuclear clock is counting down.
The show tackles queer friendship, platonic love, and nuclear anxiety, as well as incorporating verbatim audio from real life best friends. We’re really hoping the show will resonate especially with young queer audiences, and are excited to showcase a dynamic less often seen onstage.
How would you describe the style of the show?
Seconds to Midnight falls somewhere in that tricky realm of drama/comedy theatre. It’s more serious than not, but there’s also a lot of lighthearted moments and hopefully quite a few laughs. Beyond that, it’s a show designed to make you think and feel: with two timelines slotted alongside each other, audiences can really get to know Jo and Eddie and understand the complexities of their relationship.
How have you approached developing the piece?
The idea for the show came to me in around October this year, and it’s been gradually building up into an actual show ever since. I approached Mati to co-direct pretty early on, and then we went about commissioning our brilliant writer Jessica and holding R&D sessions. We also did a few improv sessions with our cast, which proved hugely useful for finishing the script and really finding the characters.
How do/will you prepare yourself for a run at the Fringe?
What we learnt last year was that a lot of Fringe is about resilience and sustainability – when doing the full festival, it really is a marathon not a sprint. Cast and crew welfare is really important to us, so we’re making sure to build a group that can rely on one another during the festival, as well as having fun and really enjoying ourselves! There’s also been a lot of logistical planning: lots of us are working other jobs alongside doing Seconds to Midnight at the festival, so it’s schedules and spreadsheets galore.
Other than the show, what’s something you’re looking forward to doing in Edinburgh this year?
It’s the obvious answer, but seeing lots and lots of other shows! I’m particularly looking forward to using my Pleasance pass to see as many of the other companies at our venue as possible, as we found some amazing shows that way last year. I’m also super excited about the Paines Plough Roundabout programme, which always features some of the most exciting new theatre. Other than seeing shows, I’m excited to get back to some of my favourite food and drink spots in Edinburgh, including Mosque Kitchen and Black Medicine Coffee!
What keeps you inspired?
Watching as much theatre as I can, especially shows I wouldn’t normally go to! As a critic, I often find myself at shows I wouldn’t typically choose to buy tickets to, but it’s been a great way to see beyond my theatrical comfort zone and get inspiration from other forms and genres. Edinburgh Fringe is absolutely one of the most inspiring places when it comes to making theatre, as you’re surrounded by so many exciting artists and everyone is so friendly!
What do you hope an audience takes away from seeing the show?
Most of all, we’re hoping audiences walk away with a new appreciation for the friendships, and the impetus to say the things they would otherwise leave unspoken in all their relationships. We’re also keen to showcase that platonic love stories can be just as important and impactful as traditional romances, especially for queer people.
Where can audiences see the show?
Pleasance Courtyard, Bunker One, 11.45am for the full festival!
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