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, Henry Naylor discusses their show Monstering The Rocketman.
What can you tell me in your words about your show?
Based on a true story, it’s about Britain’s biggest-ever libel case - when Elton John sued the Sun. The tabloids were at their peak - and Elton was perhaps the most famous star in the world - so it was a clash of the titans!
Where did the inspiration for this piece come from?I’m old enough to remember the story as it happened. It was extraordinary - Elton was on the front pages for nearly a year. Gangsters got involved, Princess Diana, Michael Parkinson - there was a 10 million divorce case, devil dogs, punch-ups… am amazed that it’s almost forgotten. Thought it should be remembered!
How have you approached developing the show?
Spent four months researching it in the British Library - reading every mid-eighties tabloid I could find. Although my formative years were in the eighties - I really wanted understand them; and remind myself of a world which is often misremembered. A lot of it was shocking.We’ve come a long way..
How would you describe the style of the show?Theatrical Storytelling, basically. It’s a Monologue where I play one of the journalists covering this extraordinary story.
Can you describe the show in 3 words?
‘80s tabloid caper.
How do you mentally and physically prepare for a run like the Fringe?
Badly. I have ADHD and I apply the hyper-focus to creating my shows. It becomes obsessive and unhealthy. I barely sleep, eat terribly and forget to exercise. Typically, the worse I look after myself, the better the show..
Away from your show, what are you most looking forward to about being in Edinburgh?
Seeing all my buddies from the Fringe circuit and beyond. One of the joys of doing the job is rocking up in a city - and discovering a load of your best buddies are doing the same thing. There’s a real international fringe circuit now - and you’ll find yourself bumping into your mates in Adelaide, New York, Prague, Brighton, L.A. Etc.
What is one hidden gem in Edinburgh that everyone should visit?
Am a caffeine addict - so I have to say the coffee. Am a big fan of Leo’s Beanery, in particular. But also love Wellington Coffee, Black Medicine.. there’s loads.
Are there any other shows at the Fringe you’d like to recommend?
Have to recommend my old buddy Andy Parsons.. tip-top stand up. Beautifully crafted jokes.
I also love Gary McNair’s writing: his ‘A Gamblers Guide to Dying’ is back for a 10-year anniversary run at the Traverse. It’s fab.
Nigel Miles-Thomas’ ’Sherlock Holmes: The Last Act’ has been tearing it up on the international fringe circuit for the last couple of years. Lovely performance.
And am excited to see Jack Doherty’s ‘The Chief.’ He’s a top bloke and always makes me laugh.
What was the first piece of theatre you saw which had a big impact on you?
QEGS under-10s talent show. It was the first time I realised that the school misfit could be elevated into pseudo-rockstar status, just by telling a few gags.
What do you hope an audience member takes away from seeing the show?
A few laughs, a few gasps and a shedload of talking points.
Where and when can people see your show?
I’m at the Pleasance AceDome (Venue23) at 16:10 from July 30th - August 24th.
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