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 Jake Alexander (playwright and performer); and director Hayley Moir's about their show Like a Good Neighbor.
What can you tell me about your show?
Jake: This is my third solo-show. It explores friendship, bullying and the concept of the clothing chair. I tell the story of trying to save a stray cat in an alley, and everything that came after (trauma, blood, tears, etc), all while I attempt to help some of you with your day-to-day problems in real time.
Hayl: Jake invites you into the living room of an internal monologue- Like a Good Neighbor is a warm, welcoming and hilariously self-conscious show about just that: being a good neighbour.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
Hayl: Think stand-up meets storytelling meets self-help meets your best friend telling you a funny story over drinks.
Jake: This show exists in the world of Every Brilliant Thing and Mike Birbiglia and late night talk show interviews.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
Jake: It was Hayley's idea to include moments where I literally help members of the audience with their problems in real time. Until she pitched that, it was really just a story about a cat with some childhood trauma sprinkled in. As soon as she said "the show is about helping, so you should do just that: help", the show became what it is now.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
Hayl: People want honesty and vulnerability when they go to see theatre. In 2026, we have seen new shows push the limits of what the performers bring to the stage, and what audiences leave with. Now more than ever, it's important to engage not only with our own community, but with communities we may not interact with every day. We need to talk to each other. This show forces us to do that.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
Jake: I'm gonna talk to as many strangers as I can. And lots of water, I guess?
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 you couldn’t use a flyer to attract audiences, what ridiculous object would you hand out to people to get them into your show?
Hayl: Cats.
Jake: Yes, cats.
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without this month?
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without this month?
Jake: We've never been! So we look forward to hearing what other people bring and I'm sure we will discover we are woefully underprepared.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
Jake: A London or NYC run at an off-Broadway theater.
Hayl: He gave the "ambitious answer". I'm going to give the "beauty pageant answer": to help literally just one person with a problem they might be having, and have them walk away satisfied.
Jake: Damnit. That's better.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
Jake: A bunch of NYC-based artists that we know of and love! The Yellow Wallpaper, No Refunds, Doughboys, Most of My Moms Are Gay!
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
Jake: When I visited in college, I loved the pub "The End of the World" which is built into the old walls which ran around the city. It was literally "a pub at the end of the world".
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Hayl: intimate, Welcoming, Relatable, New York City (that's one word, please), Scratch
What keeps you inspired?
What keeps you inspired?
Hayl: Art that pushes boundaries. Whether that be a revival that tells the story in a new way, or a brand new idea come to life.
Jake: Truthful, honest storytelling and gripping ideas that challenge audiences.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
Hayl: A new way of how they can be a neighbor to the people around them.
Jake: That you can help even when it might be inconvenient. That it's important to help, because it connects us to one another.
When and where can people see the show?
When and where can people see the show?
Jake: We perform at the Vault @ Paradise Green for the first two weeks of the Fringe every night at 20:20pm! Come on by!
Tickets are available from https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/like-a-good-neighbor
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