In our ongoing Edinburgh Fringe 2026 interview series, we are speaking to artists and creatives who are bringing their shows to the Scottish capital this summer.
In this interview, we speak with Michelle Renee Johnson to learn more about their show Extra Dry.
What can you tell me about your show?
Extra Dry explores a young woman’s fixation on being memorable. Before college, MJ often notices the people she tries to impress seem to find her quite dull and ordinary. However, once she discovers the effects alcohol has on how others view her, and how she views herself, MJ fully embraces this new character, even if it leads to less-than-ideal scenarios. The audience is ushered through a chaotic array of stories ranging from exciting to embarrassing, but far from forgettable.
Extra Dry explores a young woman’s fixation on being memorable. Before college, MJ often notices the people she tries to impress seem to find her quite dull and ordinary. However, once she discovers the effects alcohol has on how others view her, and how she views herself, MJ fully embraces this new character, even if it leads to less-than-ideal scenarios. The audience is ushered through a chaotic array of stories ranging from exciting to embarrassing, but far from forgettable.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
The show is darkly comedic, physical, and technically driven. There are moments of cringe, moments of reflection, and moments of realization.
The show is darkly comedic, physical, and technically driven. There are moments of cringe, moments of reflection, and moments of realization.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
In 2023, I wrote a monologue for an acting class. After attending the Fringe that year, I decided I wanted to create my own piece and bring it to Edinburgh. As soon as I returned home, I pulled the monologue out from my documents folder and began writing!
In 2023, I wrote a monologue for an acting class. After attending the Fringe that year, I decided I wanted to create my own piece and bring it to Edinburgh. As soon as I returned home, I pulled the monologue out from my documents folder and began writing!
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
I hesitate to say Extra Dry is a piece about sobriety, because the vast majority is about the times when MJ is far from sober, but there are plenty of moments that may make people reflect on their own history with drinking. In recent years, there has been a movement away from drinking, at least in excess, as people search for alternatives.
I hesitate to say Extra Dry is a piece about sobriety, because the vast majority is about the times when MJ is far from sober, but there are plenty of moments that may make people reflect on their own history with drinking. In recent years, there has been a movement away from drinking, at least in excess, as people search for alternatives.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
Having performed this show a few times already, I now have an idea how I will feel before, during, and after each performance. However, I am fully aware that performing it day after day in Edinburgh will heighten my physical and mental load. I am working with a vocal coach this summer who will provide guidance on how to preserve my voice while onstage and off. Additionally, Extra Dry will be performed at the East to Edinburgh Festival in July, giving my team and I more practice in front of an audience right before jetting off to Scotland!
Having performed this show a few times already, I now have an idea how I will feel before, during, and after each performance. However, I am fully aware that performing it day after day in Edinburgh will heighten my physical and mental load. I am working with a vocal coach this summer who will provide guidance on how to preserve my voice while onstage and off. Additionally, Extra Dry will be performed at the East to Edinburgh Festival in July, giving my team and I more practice in front of an audience right before jetting off to Scotland!
If you couldn’t use a flyer to attract audiences, what ridiculous object would you hand out to people to get them into your show?
Dry quinoa.
Dry quinoa.
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without this month?
Extra hair ties!
Extra hair ties!
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
Even getting this far, I already feel a lot of success in working on Extra Dry. Making it to the end of the Fringe in one piece, having given my best in each performance (which I understand can change day to day), and making connections with like-minded people would all feel like a major success to me. I am excited for the festival, but also looking forward to the opportunity to reflect on the entire experience once back in the States.
Even getting this far, I already feel a lot of success in working on Extra Dry. Making it to the end of the Fringe in one piece, having given my best in each performance (which I understand can change day to day), and making connections with like-minded people would all feel like a major success to me. I am excited for the festival, but also looking forward to the opportunity to reflect on the entire experience once back in the States.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
&Taxes - my good friend’s clown show! We studied at The Barrow Group together.
How to Poop in an Outhouse at -58 degrees - saw this at NYC Fringe and it was a lovely story.
&Taxes - my good friend’s clown show! We studied at The Barrow Group together.
How to Poop in an Outhouse at -58 degrees - saw this at NYC Fringe and it was a lovely story.
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
The Water of Leith Walkway.
The Water of Leith Walkway.
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Thought-provoking, physical, reflective, comedic, engaging.
Thought-provoking, physical, reflective, comedic, engaging.
What keeps you inspired?
Witnessing others with an idea see it through. Especially when it is a self-funded project. I love when someone creates their own work and opportunities in the arts, performing or otherwise.
Witnessing others with an idea see it through. Especially when it is a self-funded project. I love when someone creates their own work and opportunities in the arts, performing or otherwise.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
I hope they walk away feeling like they can relate to some aspects of the story, and that they feel a little more seen. I wish I had experienced a performance like this when I was going through some of the events as seen in this show; I would have perhaps come to a few conclusions about myself a bit faster!
I hope they walk away feeling like they can relate to some aspects of the story, and that they feel a little more seen. I wish I had experienced a performance like this when I was going through some of the events as seen in this show; I would have perhaps come to a few conclusions about myself a bit faster!
When and where can people see the show?
Greenside @ Riddles Court - Willow Studio
15:05 - August 7-29 (not 16, 23)
Greenside @ Riddles Court - Willow Studio
15:05 - August 7-29 (not 16, 23)
Tickets are available from https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/extra-dry
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