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, Darryl J Carrington discusses his show Out Of The Box.
What can you tell me in your words about your show?
It's the best job I’ve ever had! Under the umbrella of clown / comedy, I’ve been able to find a home for all of my different passions which are, circus, music, comedy, tech and art.
Having ADHD I’ve spent most of my life learning things really quickly and not knowing what to do with them, so I love that I’ve now got a place to play with all my favourite things under one roof.
I've got a really silly brain that imagines in a cartoon style so it's such a joy to be able to bring those silly cartoons in my head to life!
Music is a big passion , even though I'm not musical myself, being a non verbal act, the music or soundtrack is so important, so I get to put some of my favourite artists into the show, and I genuinely think there’s something for everyone in there!
So in short its celebration of many different creative mediums all presented by a chaotic and gentle clown.
Where did the inspiration for this piece come from?
I've been a circus performer for over 20 years and used to be a flying trapeze catcher, I had a moment where I wasn’t sure what was next for me so I took a hiatus from being professional performer and had a retail job, which I really enjoyed but after 5 years I was feeling inspired to get back into the performing world. So whilst working in retail, I used to do loads of comedy and cabaret gigs trying out lots of very silly ideas some were terrible! But this show is a culmination of all the silly ideas I’ve had over a long time! So this was my first step back into the performing world as a non verbal clown.
I was inspired by Herbie Tree Head to work non verbally, without him I'd still be talking on stage! I was also inspired by Fraser Hooper, who helped me with the show for a few weeks.
I loved the idea of the show starting with just a box on stage and a whole circus and world emerging from it! I wanted to make a show that I could play anywhere, at street festivals, comedy clubs, theatres, busking cabaret, burlesque, variety and circuses, and I wanted everyone to feel welcome, this is why I love working non verbal!
I wanted to be able to perform in as many different settings as possible so I could learn to communicate and connect with as many different audiences as possible.
I also wanted the show to be unique, and to approach using audience volunteers in a gentle and kind way to make them feel like they’re the star of the show rather than just a tool onstage.
How have you approached developing the show?
I used stand up open mic gigs and scratch nights and the street (busking) to develop ideas.
I imagine the routine, buy the props and music and then take it to an audience as quickly as possible, they’re the ones that will let me know whether the idea is any good or not.
I then worked with Fraser hooper to put the show together, he’s a great director and a wonderful clown.
When I'm performing the show I usually make one change every show, so its constantly evolving, and the beauty of clowning is that you have to be so present and the audience and the world often give you moments of gold and joy, which are hard to replicate but if you give them the correct space In the moment its wonderful!
I also wanted to make the show without any funding; I saved up in my retail job to create the show. I've ADHD and dyslexia, so always struggled with the application processes of funding applications.
I was also aware that I was developing it into a family friendly show, I initially thought it was an edgy alternative comedy, but it turns out I'm just a big silly lad! So when this became apparent I made a conscious decision to make sure the show was like a Pixar movie, the kids are welcome and have a lovely time but I'm playing to the adults, they the ones that have to pay to watch and they often enjoy the show as much as they’re kids do.
Working at outdoor arts festivals meant that I perform to everyone, every age, race, social class which is what I love. I love looking out into the audience and seeing so many wonderfully different people.
How would you describe the style of the show?
Its a gentle yet chaotic comedy show with elements of high skilled circus and technology.
If I'm handing out flyers to folks, then my strap lines are:
Its like Mr Bean with tricks, or if Vic and Bob were in the circus.
Can you describe the show in 3 words?
Fun, skillful, chaos
How do you mentally and physically prepare for a run like the Fringe?
Before every show I have a preshow ritual that’s gratitude based, I tell the audience I love them (in my mind ), and I look up to the sky and tell my friends and family that aren’t here anymore that I love them too. This always reminds me to be present and to enjoy my job! Its such a joy!
But I ride my bike everywhere in Edinburgh and I love a good swim and make sure that I eat in many of Edinburgh's great restaurants, and try to have as much fun with friends and family up there as possible. It's my passion but it's also my job, so I try to not take it home with me. Sarah Millican had a wonderful exercise, where you forget about the previous day's show at 11am, so whether it was a success or a failure, after 11am it's a new day. I love this.
Away from your show, what are you most looking forward to about being in Edinburgh?
The weather!! I love a Scottish summer, I like the sun but prefer it in the shade and with a breeze so the Scottish summer for me is awesome. I've got family up here so I'll be spending time with them and teaching my nephew to juggle. Swimming in the sea, listening to the bagpipers and generally just soaking up the amazing times that come with bringing so many incredible people to one city to celebrate art in all its shapes and sizes for the month! And the restaurants!! Oh my goodness!! I love them!!! I'm a huge fan of the Scottish breakfast too, I love a bit go haggis for breakfast!
What is one hidden gem in Edinburgh that everyone should visit?
Well, if I told you, it wouldn’t be a hidden gem anymore!!! But my recommendation would be to go and see something or someone in the free fringe, you never know what gold you might find. And the West Parliament Street pitch as part of the street events is a wonderful place to see some of the world's best street performers! (Bring cash :) ) its like a theatre on the street its wonderful!
Are there any other shows at the Fringe you’d like to recommend?
Absolutely - Bec Hill, FRANCISCO DE NATA, Kev Mud, Pete Anderson Unstable acts, Able Mable, Doktor Kaboom, Boxtail Soup, Marcel Lucont
What was the first piece of theatre you saw that had a big impact on you?
It would have been the theatre and circus big top at Glastonbury! I saw so many amazing acts and the one that really struck me was Space Cowboy and Fraser Hooper.
What do you hope an audience member takes away from seeing the show?
It's an hour of silly joyfulness that everyone's welcome to, so I hope people go away having had a laugh with everyone. There’s only one language that’s truly universal and that’s laughter and I hope everyone gets to share that experience together. Also your kids might try to throw toothbrushes into a cup on their heads!
Where and when can people see your show?
I'm with Underbelly - Bristo Square, the Jersey at 11:30am for the whole run bar Wednesday the 13th. And I'll be popping up in mixed bill shows including Comedy Club for Kids, the Pick of the Family Fringe, The Best Of Edinburgh Fringe For Kids, and many more so keep your eyes peeled on my website www.darryljcarrington.com and my socials @darryljcarrington on IG and Darryl J Carrington on FB for dates and times!!
Out of the Box is performing at Edinburgh Fringe 30th July - 24th August (not 12th)
at 11.30 (60 mins), Underbelly Bristo Square - Jersey (venue 302)
Tickets are available to purchase online from underbellyedinburgh.co.uk and edfringe.com, at
the venue box office, or from the Fringe Society at 180 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QS
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