In our continuing Edinburgh Fringe interview series we are speaking to artists and creatives who are taking shows up to the Scottish capital this summer.
In this interview Liz Coin discusses her show Lizzy Sunshine.
What can you tell me in your words about your show? This show is chaotic joy. Lizzy Sunshine's costar doesn't show up for their double act... but NO worries!! She'll carry the show and she'll make it look easy. I created a show with NONSTOP energy, like a comedy freight train (with an ending that'll hit you like a ton of bricks). Lizzy is my favourite character to play - she's childlike, surprising, relatable, SILLY and makes you feel big ol’ funky feelings.
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| Photo by Luke Stage. |
How have you approached developing the show?
You know when you're 7 years old and you put on a living room show with your cousins after Christmas dinner? Kind of like that. I play every day and I make myself laugh, then I write it down in a notebook and try it onstage in front of strangers at night.
Where did the inspiration for this piece come from?
My brother has struggled with addiction for 20 years! This show is inspired by the families of addicts - the support system and the shrapnel. Loving someone with addiction feels like being cast in a show you did not audition for and cannot get out of.
Being the little sister of addiction turned me into a clown, a cheerleader, a hope-filled hype woman. The real-life addiction show goes on and on and on. Your loved one never shows up in the way you hope, and you have to pretend it's all okay because what's the alternative? The show must go on!
How would you describe the style of the show?
Lizzy Sunshine is a farce. A comedic play where everything goes sideways. She scrambles to perform a two-person show by herself, leading to a lot of physical comedy, bits and gags, and audience interaction. Just when you think it's going to come together, SURPRISE! Another curveball.
Can you describe the show in 3 words?
Relatable. Chaotic. Hopeful. OR Really Freakin Funny
How do you mentally and physically prepare for a run like the Fringe?
You gotta be a lunatic to want to do Fringe, delusion is a prerequisite and I, for one, am locked in. Mentally listening to a lot of "Eye of the Tiger," physically I've done almost 5 push-ups.
Away from your show, what are you most looking forward to about being in Edinburgh?
I've actually never been to Edinburgh! I'm excited to see the gorgeous landmarks, feel the Scottish breeze, practice my Scottish accent (sorry). Basically an episode of Outlander.
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| Photo by Brennan Conley. |
Definitely check out "Nice Try" by Lily Blumkin, "Paperclip" by Douglas Widick, "Dolphin Mode" by Britt Miggs, and Chimp Cocktail Sketch comedy.
What was the first piece of theatre you saw which had a big impact on you?
I saw my older brother in a rural high school production of the musical "Chicago." It blew my tiny mind. Pop, Six, SQUISH! As an adult I'm like... damn maybe 15 year olds shouldn't do that musical, but as a KID? Best thing I've ever seen.
What do you hope an audience member takes away from seeing the show? I hope the key takeaway IS hope. I hope this shows folks that being positive, looking on the bright side, hoping for the best is an act of courage.
Where and when can people see your show?
Check out Lizzy Sunshine at Gilded Balloon's Patter House (Bothie Room) from 30 July to 10 August at 13:20! https://tickets.gildedballoon.
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