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 Donaghy chats about BED: A One Man Show.
What can you tell me in your words about your show?
BED is a personal piece that tells the story of a boy who has taken a step back from engaging with society because he fears the possibility of judgement from other people. When the audience first meets him, he seems full of life and highly charismatic, but slowly the façade is ripped away to reveal someone clearly stuck in the past, struggling to cope with his own thoughts. It’s probably best described as a dark comedy as it goes rapidly back and forth between making the audience feel joyful and sorrowful. It’s a bit of a rollercoaster actually!
BED is a personal piece that tells the story of a boy who has taken a step back from engaging with society because he fears the possibility of judgement from other people. When the audience first meets him, he seems full of life and highly charismatic, but slowly the façade is ripped away to reveal someone clearly stuck in the past, struggling to cope with his own thoughts. It’s probably best described as a dark comedy as it goes rapidly back and forth between making the audience feel joyful and sorrowful. It’s a bit of a rollercoaster actually!
Where did the inspiration for this piece come from?
I did a show at the Durham Fringe Festival in 2023 called EVERJOY that centred around someone exploring different parts of their brain, triggered by objects found when looking through their room. This idea then got mixed up with the feelings I had when going through a break up in 2024 which brought up a whole host of new emotions that came into play when writing what would eventually become BED. I liked the idea of having a show that captured the feeling of someone not being able to move on from a break up and still living as if their partner exists in the space with them. It felt like something that could have been my real life had I not had a reliable support network around me.
I did a show at the Durham Fringe Festival in 2023 called EVERJOY that centred around someone exploring different parts of their brain, triggered by objects found when looking through their room. This idea then got mixed up with the feelings I had when going through a break up in 2024 which brought up a whole host of new emotions that came into play when writing what would eventually become BED. I liked the idea of having a show that captured the feeling of someone not being able to move on from a break up and still living as if their partner exists in the space with them. It felt like something that could have been my real life had I not had a reliable support network around me.
How have you approached developing the show?
I first performed a version of BED in 2024 at the Durham and Camden Fringe Festivals which were brilliant ways to try it out in front of audiences at the start of its journey. I then knew that Edinburgh Fringe was something I’d want to do so began to re-write the show to feel much more personal. I can only really write based on my own life experience, so I thought the best way to make the show reach its full potential was to feed off my own highs and lows. I performed a section at the Old Red Lion Theatre Pub as part of their monologue night and also auditioned from a grant from a Newcastle based charity called ‘Sunday For Sammy’. I was so grateful to receive their support as it has allowed me to expand the production of the show beyond what my production company and I can afford.
I first performed a version of BED in 2024 at the Durham and Camden Fringe Festivals which were brilliant ways to try it out in front of audiences at the start of its journey. I then knew that Edinburgh Fringe was something I’d want to do so began to re-write the show to feel much more personal. I can only really write based on my own life experience, so I thought the best way to make the show reach its full potential was to feed off my own highs and lows. I performed a section at the Old Red Lion Theatre Pub as part of their monologue night and also auditioned from a grant from a Newcastle based charity called ‘Sunday For Sammy’. I was so grateful to receive their support as it has allowed me to expand the production of the show beyond what my production company and I can afford.
How would you describe the style of the show?
It’s funny but sad, endearing yet thought-provoking. I’d say it’s letter to all the people of my generation who feel pressure to fit in but never will.
It’s funny but sad, endearing yet thought-provoking. I’d say it’s letter to all the people of my generation who feel pressure to fit in but never will.
Can you describe the show in 3 words?
ONE MAN SHOW! In every sense.
Can you tell me an interesting fact about the show?
ONE MAN SHOW! In every sense.
Can you tell me an interesting fact about the show?
When I did this show in Durham and Camden last year, I was set on the fact that I wanted to have a full double bed in the show. That meant that we had to carry a metal bed frame and double mattress across London to get it to the theatre. It’s fair to say we got many strange looks. Luckily this year I’ve downscaled the show and have a folding single camp bed!
How do you mentally and physically prepare for a run like the Fringe?
Since I was a kid I’ve performed in shows every year and so I’m used to the toll long runs can have on your health. For six years I did professional pantomimes, doing 60 shows across two months! I think for Edinburgh though, I have a really supportive team who will help to take some of the pressure off and allow me to focus on making the most of my time there.
Away from your show, what are you most looking forward to about being in Edinburgh?
My best friend is working in Edinburgh this month and we usually don’t get to see each other much since we live in different cities. I’m so excited that we’ll be together for a few weeks and get to see loads of shows!
What is one hidden gem in Edinburgh that everyone should visit?
Oh Plagues at C Venues from 11th to 24th. My friend and fellow Equity student member has written a show which is set to be fabulous! Check it out if you’re heading up.
My best friend is working in Edinburgh this month and we usually don’t get to see each other much since we live in different cities. I’m so excited that we’ll be together for a few weeks and get to see loads of shows!
What is one hidden gem in Edinburgh that everyone should visit?
Oh Plagues at C Venues from 11th to 24th. My friend and fellow Equity student member has written a show which is set to be fabulous! Check it out if you’re heading up.
What was the first piece of theatre you remember having an impact on you?
I’m a musical theatre fan first and foremost and when I was 5 I saw my first musical, Wicked. Since then it’s been my biggest interest and I owe so much to that show. It showed me how powerful music is in theatre as it has the ability to tell an unspoken story.
What do you hope an audience member takes away from seeing the show?
I hope that audiences leave questioning what they just watched. There’s a lot in the show that’s open to interpretation, so I’d love to know how people respond to it. As well, it’s a very personal piece but speaks to a whole host of issues that I know many will be able to relate to. I hope it makes people feel seen.
I hope that audiences leave questioning what they just watched. There’s a lot in the show that’s open to interpretation, so I’d love to know how people respond to it. As well, it’s a very personal piece but speaks to a whole host of issues that I know many will be able to relate to. I hope it makes people feel seen.
Where and when can people see your show?
I’m on from 9th to 24th August at 2:20pm every day except the 16th.
Gilded Balloon at Appleton Tower (Pip)
https://tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk/event/14:5833/
I’m on from 9th to 24th August at 2:20pm every day except the 16th.
Gilded Balloon at Appleton Tower (Pip)
https://tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk/event/14:5833/
Post a Comment