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 Cheeyang NG about their show LEGENDARY.
What can you tell me about your show?
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
Given the current state of theatre, I said: What is the most producible thing I can do, with the least amount of resources. The answer: A one-person show. I wanted a choir as my background is in vocal music, but instead of hiring 20 people, I decided that I’ll make the audience my choir instead.
Legendary is a solo ritual musical that examines the Chinese myths and legends I grew up with and why I can’t find myself in them as a trans Asian immigrant.
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| Photo and design by Jayden Tan. Illustrations by Asher Yeo Xinyi |
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
You’re invited to my childhood bedroom and I will tell you stories, and we’ll build an unforgettable evening of stories together.
You’re invited to my childhood bedroom and I will tell you stories, and we’ll build an unforgettable evening of stories together.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
Given the current state of theatre, I said: What is the most producible thing I can do, with the least amount of resources. The answer: A one-person show. I wanted a choir as my background is in vocal music, but instead of hiring 20 people, I decided that I’ll make the audience my choir instead.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
As trans rights are stripped away in every country across the world, this show is a reflection of trans joy. Something that is not restricted to only queer people, but it’s for everyone.
As trans rights are stripped away in every country across the world, this show is a reflection of trans joy. Something that is not restricted to only queer people, but it’s for everyone.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
Physically, I need to start to go to the gym. Mentally, I meditate.
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?
I don’t think this is too ridiculous, but on our way to our venue every day, we’re going to be carrying 10 yellow helium balloons. I heard the winds are strong in Edinburgh, but we are committed. Come find us and we’ll give you a free LEGENDARY pin.
I don’t think this is too ridiculous, but on our way to our venue every day, we’re going to be carrying 10 yellow helium balloons. I heard the winds are strong in Edinburgh, but we are committed. Come find us and we’ll give you a free LEGENDARY pin.
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without this month?
My bee propolis spray. The show is extremely vocally demanding, so I will be relying on that heavily!!
My bee propolis spray. The show is extremely vocally demanding, so I will be relying on that heavily!!
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
At the end of Fringe, if everyone who attended tells ten of their friends about the show, I would say that it is a success.
At the end of Fringe, if everyone who attended tells ten of their friends about the show, I would say that it is a success.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
Gianmarco Soresi’s special (I can’t wait to go see it myself); Grace McLean in Penelope (it’s at the same time slot as me, but you know what, I’m a huge Grace McLean fan and I will be seeing her show on my day off!)
Gianmarco Soresi’s special (I can’t wait to go see it myself); Grace McLean in Penelope (it’s at the same time slot as me, but you know what, I’m a huge Grace McLean fan and I will be seeing her show on my day off!)
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
This is my first time at Edinburgh, so please give me recommendations instead!
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| Photo bu Jayden Tan. |
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Let’s create a myth together.
What keeps you inspired?
Seeing new work. Listening to new music. Have you heard RAYE’s new album? It transcends pop music and has so much theatricality. See the littlest plays and musicals that are at the start of its inception.
Seeing new work. Listening to new music. Have you heard RAYE’s new album? It transcends pop music and has so much theatricality. See the littlest plays and musicals that are at the start of its inception.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
Let’s not leave anything unsaid. To your family. To your child. To yourself.
Let’s not leave anything unsaid. To your family. To your child. To yourself.
When and where can people see the show?
5-31 August at Underbelly, Bristo Square, Frieisan, 3:35pm daily, except 17 Aug. See you there!
5-31 August at Underbelly, Bristo Square, Frieisan, 3:35pm daily, except 17 Aug. See you there!
Ticket link here: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/legendary
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