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 Kristina Libby about their show I Almost Died For This?!
What can you tell me about your show?
I Almost Died for This?! is a solo show about being a woman who believed in a Disney-like romantic ideal and what that ultimately cost her. But it's also very funny and warm and a story about how creative life allowed me to grow and become a more real version of myself. It is in some respects a story about soulmates but it's also a story about people who can touch your soul and help you become who you're always meant to be.
I Almost Died for This?! is a solo show about being a woman who believed in a Disney-like romantic ideal and what that ultimately cost her. But it's also very funny and warm and a story about how creative life allowed me to grow and become a more real version of myself. It is in some respects a story about soulmates but it's also a story about people who can touch your soul and help you become who you're always meant to be.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
A funny but moving solo show for fans of Fleabag who want a happier ending, Sex & the City but with more meet, and anything by French pulitzer prize winner Annie Ernaux.
A funny but moving solo show for fans of Fleabag who want a happier ending, Sex & the City but with more meet, and anything by French pulitzer prize winner Annie Ernaux.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
I’d be thinking about writing a memoir but I didn't know how it would end. I really couldn't nail the ending. And a friend suggested that I try a solo show writing class, which I had never considered, but she thought the show could work in theater. I ended up taking a class from Matt Hoverman who really taught me the framework for writing a great solo show. In doing that he really made me think about my wants and needs and how those drove this whole storytelling journey and also how they almost killed me. That created a lightbulb moment where I finally understood both what I had been through but also what the resolution was of the story.
I’d be thinking about writing a memoir but I didn't know how it would end. I really couldn't nail the ending. And a friend suggested that I try a solo show writing class, which I had never considered, but she thought the show could work in theater. I ended up taking a class from Matt Hoverman who really taught me the framework for writing a great solo show. In doing that he really made me think about my wants and needs and how those drove this whole storytelling journey and also how they almost killed me. That created a lightbulb moment where I finally understood both what I had been through but also what the resolution was of the story.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
I think there are two things. The first is that in many parts of the world women's rights are being stripped back and this is a show that is in some way about the “patriarchy” but is also really about the narratives that we tell ourselves, or specifically, that women tell themselves, that keep us small and how to shed those narratives in the hope of truly becoming who you're meant to be. I think now more than ever we need to understand that we can shake those stories and do new things.
I think there are two things. The first is that in many parts of the world women's rights are being stripped back and this is a show that is in some way about the “patriarchy” but is also really about the narratives that we tell ourselves, or specifically, that women tell themselves, that keep us small and how to shed those narratives in the hope of truly becoming who you're meant to be. I think now more than ever we need to understand that we can shake those stories and do new things.
At the same time this is also a story about discovering your creative voice and talents. And I think in an age of AI that is the future and so essential. I hope people come away with both of those lessons.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
This is actually something I'm really nervous about. It feels like a marathon. So I'm training for it like a marathon and really trying to be in peak physical and mental health. But also I'm renovating a house in Maine which is the hardest thing I've ever done in my life and a total endurance race. In some respect it's making Fringe seem like a vacation!
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?
A 1994 women's magazine. And I'd ask them to read itAnd think about how those words have changed our culture.
A 1994 women's magazine. And I'd ask them to read itAnd think about how those words have changed our culture.
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without this month?
A book. I always need a book.
A book. I always need a book.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
For me success is about breaking through: that people heard about the show, are they going to see it, are talking about it after. I believe so strongly in what I'm saying that I want that message to get out there and want people to come see the show and I want them to talk about the show
For me success is about breaking through: that people heard about the show, are they going to see it, are talking about it after. I believe so strongly in what I'm saying that I want that message to get out there and want people to come see the show and I want them to talk about the show
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
Yes Drew Lausch’s “Funniest” is gonna be there and Sophie Price is doing “Citizen Everywhere.”
Yes Drew Lausch’s “Funniest” is gonna be there and Sophie Price is doing “Citizen Everywhere.”
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
I like hanging out in Old Town!
I like hanging out in Old Town!
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Funny and inspiring.
Funny and inspiring.
What keeps you inspired?
New ideas.
New ideas.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
The only story you have to believe is the one you are writing.
The only story you have to believe is the one you are writing.
When and where can people see the show?
The Space UK at two different times:
Aug 7-15, 17-22 11:20 (55 mins)
Aug 24-29 18:35 (55 mins)
The Space UK at two different times:
Aug 7-15, 17-22 11:20 (55 mins)
Aug 24-29 18:35 (55 mins)
For tickets visit https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/i-almost-died-for-this-a-love-story-sort-of
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