In our ongoing Edinburgh Fringe interview series, we are speaking to artists and creatives who are bringing their shows to the Scottish capital this summer.
In this interview Lauren O’Brien discusses his show Lolo’s Boyfriend Show.
What can you tell me in your words about your show?
Lolo’s Boyfriend Show is about what happens when Lolo’s life falls apart! Her tour is cancelled, she can’t keep a boyfriend, and she’s forced to move back to her childhood bedroom. As she sifts through the rubble of her life—and revisits the ghosts of boyfriends past—something magical wakes up in her…
Lolo’s Boyfriend Show is about what happens when Lolo’s life falls apart! Her tour is cancelled, she can’t keep a boyfriend, and she’s forced to move back to her childhood bedroom. As she sifts through the rubble of her life—and revisits the ghosts of boyfriends past—something magical wakes up in her…
Where did the inspiration for this piece come from?
It has nothing to do with my personal experience! Ok...maybe a little. I started writing Lolo while I was staying at my mom’s house. (See! I’m nothing like Lolo!) I was in a bit of a dark place, so I wrote funnydating stories to distract myself. Lolo was born from these stories. She was conceived through myexperiences, but she became her own person. Lolo falls in love even harder than I do! And she misses even more red flags…
How have you approached developing the show?
I approached developing this show with questions instead of answers. I started out writing stream-of-conscious, focused on humor. I held the question: what needs to be expressed and revealed? Gradually, something deeper about Lolo came to the surface. I refined the arc and story structure (an ongoing process). Then I let the characters play off the page. I’m always fighting the urge to “set” anything in stone. My wish is for there to be tremendous freedom in the development process. And for every audience to get a one-of-a-kind performance that we create through our synergy.
How would you describe the style of the show?
Lolo’s Boyfriend Show is a soul-baring solo show in the style of John Leguizamo and Phoebe Waller-Bridge. There are projections, music, and a simple (but fun) set. I play 18 characters and do about 12 costume changes, right there onstage (gotta sell tickets somehow!). Ok, I (mostly) change behind a clothing rack. But if you sit up front on the right side…
Lolo’s Boyfriend Show is a soul-baring solo show in the style of John Leguizamo and Phoebe Waller-Bridge. There are projections, music, and a simple (but fun) set. I play 18 characters and do about 12 costume changes, right there onstage (gotta sell tickets somehow!). Ok, I (mostly) change behind a clothing rack. But if you sit up front on the right side…
Can you describe the show in 3 words?
Lydia Darly of the NOVA Festival describes Lolo as “…Hilarious, Honest, Hot!”
How do you mentally and physically prepare for a run like the Fringe?
Great question! I practice Buddhist chanting, and that is tremendously helpful for preparing mentally. I’ve been chanting every day towards having a wonderful Fringe Festival. The chanting also helpsprepare my voice and deepen my breathing.
I do cardio and toning every morning to stay in shape for the show. (Even though it’s a solo show, it doesn’t feel like a solo show. So many characters are moving through me, it feel like there are a lot more people onstage!)
Away from your show, what are you most looking forward to about being in Edinburgh?
Seeing as many other shows as possible!! It seems a little bit like heaven to have access to so much new theatre.
Are there any other shows at the Fringe you’d like to recommend?
I’ve been dying to see Xhloe & Natasha at theSpaceUK. They seem so utterly wild, theatrical and eclectic. I also can’t wait to see The Marriage of Alice B Toklas by Gertrude Stein.
What was the first piece of theatre you saw which had a big impact on you?
My parents took me to see Annie when I was a little girl, and I became obsessed. I was jealous of those girls on the stage! My sister and I did endless reenactments and forced our mom to be audience.
What do you hope an audience member takes away from seeing the show?
I hope they are inspired to take a step towards achange in their life. Something that they’ve been yearning for…just beneath the surface. Maybe they haven’t been able to even admit their desire to themselves. But I hope Lolo nudges them to make a move that’s a little scary, but necessary for ultimate happiness.
I hope they are inspired to take a step towards achange in their life. Something that they’ve been yearning for…just beneath the surface. Maybe they haven’t been able to even admit their desire to themselves. But I hope Lolo nudges them to make a move that’s a little scary, but necessary for ultimate happiness.
Where and when can people see your show?
Lolo’s Boyfriend Show will be at theSpaceUK’sHaldane Theater August 1-16 (not 10) at 20:30-21:35.
Tickets are available from https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/lolo-s-boyfriend-show
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