In our ongoing Edinburgh Fringe 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 Max Davidson about their show Strangers.
What can you tell me about your show?
Strangers is an interactive mindreading show. So, while the structure of the show is the same every night, the information is always different, because it’s wholly reliant on the audience. I also make use of storytelling to bring the audience into the fold beyond just the magic.
Strangers is an interactive mindreading show. So, while the structure of the show is the same every night, the information is always different, because it’s wholly reliant on the audience. I also make use of storytelling to bring the audience into the fold beyond just the magic.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
It’s a combination of magic and storytelling, but I keep it laid back. I created the show in the New York comedy and variety scene, so it’s supposed to be down-to-earth and gritty, not high and pompous.
It’s a combination of magic and storytelling, but I keep it laid back. I created the show in the New York comedy and variety scene, so it’s supposed to be down-to-earth and gritty, not high and pompous.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
The show came together after years of touring and performing. After last year’s fringe, I realized that if I combined the stories I told with my touring material, I could have a strong, cohesive piece.
The show came together after years of touring and performing. After last year’s fringe, I realized that if I combined the stories I told with my touring material, I could have a strong, cohesive piece.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
We’re in the age of everyone contenting with technology and AI, and there seems to be a general consensus that while that technology is useful, the need for human interaction is at an all time high. A show that is decidedly about the audience, and that’s almost entirely analogue, is vital right now.
We’re in the age of everyone contenting with technology and AI, and there seems to be a general consensus that while that technology is useful, the need for human interaction is at an all time high. A show that is decidedly about the audience, and that’s almost entirely analogue, is vital right now.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
I’m a very active runner, so I think of Edinburgh as an endurance event. I’m big on eating healthy and getting enough sleep—beyond that, Fringe is a whirlwind and I’ll just try to stay healthy.
I’m a very active runner, so I think of Edinburgh as an endurance event. I’m big on eating healthy and getting enough sleep—beyond that, Fringe is a whirlwind and I’ll just try to stay healthy.
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 have a custom magic trick for Fringe, so instead of being handed a flyer, everyone will get a business card with a magic trick built in. Hopefully, it will draw a crowd!
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without this month?
Running shoes! It’s going to be my escape from everything (and, believe it or not, a part of the show).
Running shoes! It’s going to be my escape from everything (and, believe it or not, a part of the show).
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
More than anything, I want the show to be great. That’s what I can control. Anything else, like crowd size and who comes or doesn’t, is out of my control. I’m going to prepare myself daily to put a great piece into the world and give my all to everyone who sees it.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
Absolutely. Olivia Raine Atwood’s Oops is a phenomenal one-woman storytelling show about matchmaking, where she set up her college ex boyfriend with the girl who bullied her in high school. It’s heartfelt, hilarious, and satisfyingly original. I also have friends doing a unique magic show called The Duo: A Three Person Magic Show, and it has remarkable magic while also being hilarious.
Absolutely. Olivia Raine Atwood’s Oops is a phenomenal one-woman storytelling show about matchmaking, where she set up her college ex boyfriend with the girl who bullied her in high school. It’s heartfelt, hilarious, and satisfyingly original. I also have friends doing a unique magic show called The Duo: A Three Person Magic Show, and it has remarkable magic while also being hilarious.
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
It’s cliche, but hike Arthur’s Seat! It’s far enough away from the hustle of the city, that it feels serene and quiet.
It’s cliche, but hike Arthur’s Seat! It’s far enough away from the hustle of the city, that it feels serene and quiet.
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Interactive mind-reading with the audience.
Interactive mind-reading with the audience.
What keeps you inspired?
I love following elite endurance athletes. I’m so impressed by raw consistency, because I think it’s vital to success in the arts. And endurance athletes in particular are so good at just paying their dues. I also love following the careers of great writers. It all seems to come down to the same thing—consistency over time is the main metric of success.
I love following elite endurance athletes. I’m so impressed by raw consistency, because I think it’s vital to success in the arts. And endurance athletes in particular are so good at just paying their dues. I also love following the careers of great writers. It all seems to come down to the same thing—consistency over time is the main metric of success.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
Strangers are beautiful when we slow down enough to see each other.
Strangers are beautiful when we slow down enough to see each other.
When and where can people see the show?
I’ll be performing Strangers nightly at The Subway (Just the Tonic) at 5:50 PM. I hope to see you there!
I’ll be performing Strangers nightly at The Subway (Just the Tonic) at 5:50 PM. I hope to see you there!
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