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 Winnie Stack about their show @jenna.
What can you tell me about your show?
@jenna is a autobiographical solo show about how Pam on The Office was my gay awakening at age 11. The show features my unedited, completely raw journal entries from my childhood, lots of characters, dancing, and deeply embarrassing home videos.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
The style of the show is kind of like a theatrical TED Talk about my childhood. It’s comedic, fast-paced, and silly, but also poignant, thoughtful, and maybe even a little tear-jerking at times. The piece blends personal storytelling with sketch-like scenes to bring those memories and emotions to life.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
Several years ago, I read a handful of journal entries about my childhood celebrity crushes on the podcast “Mortified Live.” Afterward, I was really inspired by the conversations I had with people who connected to the piece and shared stories about their own childhood grapplings with identity. That experience made me realize I could build a more narratively structured show exploring the crushes that shape our identities when we’re young, and the long road to self-acceptance.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
As LGBTQ+ rights continue to require advocacy, 2026 feels like a particularly important time to present a brutally honest, funny, and relatable show that speaks to the universal experience of adolescence, regardless of sexuality.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
I am going to pack loads of vitamin C, make sure to carve out time for rest, and attempt to run the show as much as I can so that the 27 day Fringe run feels like second nature!
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?
If it wasn't such an annoying object to carry around I would be passing out staplers to passerbys! The stapler represents Pam's receptionist role in The Office. Maybe only Office fans would enjoy that though...
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without this month?
My mom just told me to start taking lavender pills for stress and they are doing wonders. It could be placebo, but I'll be taking them nonetheless.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
If I can leave having learned something about myself and the show, and feeling inspired by other productions I’ve seen that help inform my creative process, then I would consider it a success!
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
Yes! Dear Michelle Kwan, Stay, Megasquirt, Love in the Time of Fifth Grade, and Wisard are shows I've heard wonderful things about!
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
I've never been to Edinburgh so sadly I don't have any recommendations...YET!
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Intimate, funny childhood crush storytelling.
What keeps you inspired?
Watching actors and comedians I admire perform completely locked in the zone, laughing with my friends, challenging myself to new experiences and tasks (apparently brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand is really good for you?), and looking at nature (my cats) keeps me feeling invigorated and inspired.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
I hope they take away a sense of love for their younger selves and an opportunity to reminisce on their own first crushes that shaped their childhoods. Growing up is so universally confusing, and being brutally honest about an experience we all can relate to feels cathartic!
When and where can people see the show?
C venues Aquila studio Aug 5-30th at 7pm!
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