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, Ben Pope discusses their show The Cut.
What can you tell me in your words about your show? It's a storytelling stand-up show about some surgery I had last year - I got an adult circumcision. (Wince). It's a heaving show full of jokes and stories about the process that led up to that decision, about masculinity and my relationships, and why men don't go to the doctors. Basically, it's a very funny, very vulnerable, and (I'm told) surprisingly moving for a show about my penis.
Where did the inspiration for this piece come from? Well, the doctor told me it would be a good idea to get circumcised and, I won't lie, a part of me did immediately think 'yes! this could be more material!' - even though, in physical terms, I did end up with technically less 'material'. If you know what I mean.
How have you approached developing the show? I previewed the show loads over the course of basically a year and a half. I kept talking to friends and audience members (lots of men, but everyone really) about how they feel about their bodies and about self-confidence, and about getting medical help. And for a lot of the more personal stories in the show, I went back through old notebooks and tried to find small life moments that I could bring to stage that would really illuminate what I was talking about. There are some bits about my Dad in the show that I'm really proud I've managed to talk about in a funny way.
How would you describe the style of the show?
Big silly surprising stories sown together with genuine, slightly mischievous curiosity. A reviewer recently described my style as 'puckish' - which I think is actually pretty good.
How do you mentally and physically prepare for a run like the Fringe?
I haven't been to the Fringe with a show for 6 years, so I'm a bit out of the loop. But if I remember correctly, you can heal all mental and physical stress and ailments with two cups of coffee and a bacon and haggis bap.
Can you describe the show in 3 words?
Goofy anatomical fun.
What is one random fact about the show that you can share?
There is one costume change!
What is one hidden gem in Edinburgh that everyone should visit?
If you want a fancy meal, try Noto in the New Town.
Away from your show, what are you most looking forward to about being in Edinburgh?
I live in London, so I can't wait to be in a beautiful city where you can regularly see the horizon. It's very good for keeping perspective.
Are there any other shows at the Fringe you’d like to recommend?
Tons! I can't wait to see: Lou Wall, Sami Abu Wardeh, John Tothill, Ian Smith, Christopher MacArthur-Boyd, Liam Withnail. I also saw a preview of Sharon Wanjohi's show the other day, and she is absolutely magnetic, a really naturally funny performer.
What was the first piece of theatre you saw which had a big impact on you?
It might not be the first, but I saw a performance of Hamlet in a theatre in Kingston where the entire cast performed in jeans and T-shirts, they changed parts every night and used props from what the audience had brought with them. It was all about the words and the strength of performance, and the incredible feat of memory. It was so live! I love stuff that's well-written (eg. Hamlet, lol) but noticeably still 'in the room'.
What do you hope an audience member takes away from seeing the show?
Belly laughs and a great discussion in the pub afterwards. Oh, and deep inner desire to follow me on social media.
Where and when can people see your show?
30th July- 24th Aug (except 13th) 5.05pm at the Assembly Box. (And then on tour around the UK in the autumn). See you there!
Tickets are available from https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/ben-pope-the-cut
Post a Comment