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 Meg Wilson who stars in Juniper and Jules.
Where did your arts career begin?
My love for the arts and performance started when I was nine - I was given the chance to perform my poetry at a slam at a Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Being on that stage was so terrifying, but so exciting. From then on, I knew I wanted to pursue performance and storytelling.
My love for the arts and performance started when I was nine - I was given the chance to perform my poetry at a slam at a Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Being on that stage was so terrifying, but so exciting. From then on, I knew I wanted to pursue performance and storytelling.
Juniper and Jules is such a beautiful show - it's funny, poignant and touches on some real home truths about relationships. It explores queerness, coming out and how to navigate going from being in a monogamous relationship to an open one. It perfectly captures how delicate, loving and complicated relationships can be.
How would you describe the style of the show?
The show is naturalistic for the most part - perfectly capturing the small joys, grievances and nuance of being in a long term relationship.
How have you approached developing the piece?
With the direction of the wonderful Craig Legg, Carmella and I uncovered the characters of Juniper and Jules over the course of several weeks of rehearsals. We also worked with an intimacy coordinator and vocal coach, who also helped us to discover the dynamics and intimacy in Juniper and Jules' relationship.
How do/will you prepare yourself for a run at the Fringe?
I'm going to prepare myself for the run by reading over Steph's wonderful script again, watching some great theatre in London while I can, and getting lots of rest. I've heard Edinburgh can be quite full-on, so I'm definitely going to pack plenty of supplies for physical and vocal support too!
Other than the show, what’s something you’re looking forward to doing in Edinburgh
this year?
I'm looking forward to catching up with family friends who live nearby, as well as seeing some of the sights of Edinburgh too.
What keeps you inspired?
My incredibly creative friends and colleagues keep me inspired every day. Especially my theatre collective Flawstate- it's so exciting being around like-minded and hardworking individuals who are driven to create great work. I wouldn't be able to make theatre without their guidance and support.
What do you hope an audience takes away from seeing the show?
I hope that the audience identifies with Juniper and Jules' relationship, and that in doing so they are able to feel some compassion. We all make mistakes in relationships, we all do and say things we regret - but it's so important to be compassionate for your partner and yourself in order to grow from it. I hope that the play encourages conversations around open relationships and the importance of trying out what works for you, even if that exists outside of heteronormative expectations.
Juniper and Jules runs at Pleasance Courtyard Bunker Two from 31st July until 26th August. Tickets are available from https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/juniper-and-jules
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