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 Katy Murphy to learn more about their show, (No) Refunds.
What can you tell me about your show?
(No) Refunds is an interactive gameshow play hosted by the dazzling, delightful, and only occasionally dastardly Tiffany Gold, an old-school American gameshow host and model presenter all-in-one who quite literally depends on your entertainment.
(No) Refunds is an interactive gameshow play hosted by the dazzling, delightful, and only occasionally dastardly Tiffany Gold, an old-school American gameshow host and model presenter all-in-one who quite literally depends on your entertainment.
Each show, one premium ticket holder (dubbed the “Star Player” for the evening) competes in three of nine possible games designed to amuse the audience and showcase their talents. Only those best-suited to handle the demands of STARDOM will walk away with a full refund. No two shows are ever the same!
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
A novel format that combines the best of immersive theater, stand-up, and televised gameshows.
A novel format that combines the best of immersive theater, stand-up, and televised gameshows.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
This all began as an idea back in quarantine, March, 2020, when I lost three jobs in one day and was terrified by my sudden and complete financial dependency on friends, family, and the state as an out-of-work artist. (No) Refunds interrogates what it means to create art under capitalism, the direct responsibility of audiences to compensate artists, and what a day’s work as an entertainer really feels like for our Star Players. To quote its host, Tiffany Gold, “could YOU do this every day?”
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
American artists are struggling now more than ever to get grant funding for their work due to cutbacks from the Trump administration. Artists must rely on audiences and crowdfunding, which means proving to fans why they should financially support your work. It’s humbling, exhausting, but ultimately rewarding. Our show gives a premium-price patron (the Star Player) the experience of true artistic labor, which I hope leads them to believe in the value of our work even more.
American artists are struggling now more than ever to get grant funding for their work due to cutbacks from the Trump administration. Artists must rely on audiences and crowdfunding, which means proving to fans why they should financially support your work. It’s humbling, exhausting, but ultimately rewarding. Our show gives a premium-price patron (the Star Player) the experience of true artistic labor, which I hope leads them to believe in the value of our work even more.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
I have an unhinged diva answer that I call: “BABY MODE”. I can only elaborate further in person. Sorry to gatekeep, but it is that serious.
I have an unhinged diva answer that I call: “BABY MODE”. I can only elaborate further in person. Sorry to gatekeep, but it is that serious.
My normal-person answer is daily vocal therapy exercises/warm-ups, staying sober, and relying on and TRUSTING my amazing producer (Olivia Winn), Director (Kelsey Robins), Stage Manager (Aaron Cawood), and co-star (Grant Kennedy Lewis) to do their jobs. You’re only as good as the people around you, and I’m lucky to have some really gritty, hard-working individuals on this journey with me.
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?
Tiffany Gold’s used chicken fillet bra inserts. We’re still fundraising by the way… If anyone wants to buy a pair off me ;)
Tiffany Gold’s used chicken fillet bra inserts. We’re still fundraising by the way… If anyone wants to buy a pair off me ;)
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without this month?
My Vocal Mist Nebulizer. VOCAL MIST, WE ARE STILL LOOKING FOR CORPORATE SPONSORS IF YOU’RE DOWN.
My Vocal Mist Nebulizer. VOCAL MIST, WE ARE STILL LOOKING FOR CORPORATE SPONSORS IF YOU’RE DOWN.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
We’re looking to sell out shows this summer. We are DYING to be sell-outs!!! If this show hits the way it's supposed to, Tiffany Gold will achieve her lifelong dream of becoming “a person who compromises their personal values, integrity, talent, etc., for money or personal advancement.” (Dictionary.com)
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
Lizzy Sunshine also going up at Gilded Balloon is a funny-until-it’s-real romp from friend-of-our-show, Liz Coin. I saw a preview at SoHo Playhouse in NYC this past Spring, and it has LEVELED-UP since its debut last year.
Lizzy Sunshine also going up at Gilded Balloon is a funny-until-it’s-real romp from friend-of-our-show, Liz Coin. I saw a preview at SoHo Playhouse in NYC this past Spring, and it has LEVELED-UP since its debut last year.
I also had the pleasure of sharing an immersive cohort at Theaterlab in NYC for the Meltingplot Festival with Jake Alexander. He’s the playwright behind Like a Good Neighbor, a one-man show going up at Paradise Green. Perfect for anyone looking for more audience-participatory work, and it’s his first time at the Fringe! (I’m sure it won’t be his last!).
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
Arthur’s Seat!!! Climb up there! Do NOT set fire to it!
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
No one way to win
What keeps you inspired?
Minimizing my screen time. Smutty fan fiction. Beating a dead horse with childhood friends. Caffeine. Dabbling in witchcraft. Staying open to the muses. Mania. Making my bed. Believing in people over institutions always.
Minimizing my screen time. Smutty fan fiction. Beating a dead horse with childhood friends. Caffeine. Dabbling in witchcraft. Staying open to the muses. Mania. Making my bed. Believing in people over institutions always.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
For our Stars, a deeper understanding of whether or not they value their own artistic labor (and a full refund, if they’ve earned it!). For the General Admissions audience, the competitive drive to sign up for the next available Star Player ticket and see if they fare any better than the one they saw.
When and where can people see the show?
21:40 at The Penny in the Gilded Balloon Patter House August 5-31 (except the 18th). Follow us at @norefundsplay for some exciting NYC-based preview announcements coming soon.
21:40 at The Penny in the Gilded Balloon Patter House August 5-31 (except the 18th). Follow us at @norefundsplay for some exciting NYC-based preview announcements coming soon.
For Edinburgh tickets, visit https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/no-refunds
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