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 Dee Allum to learn more about the new show Raumdeuter.
What can you tell me about your show?
It’s a show about being in an in-between phase of life, with parents, partner, and most pertinently, the prospect of getting bottom surgery. It takes its name from the footballer Thomas Muller, who called himself a Raumdeuter, meaning ‘space interpreter’, because he floated around generally causing mischief without being entirely one thing or another. This show is about football, so if you like football you’ll love the show, but also it’s not really about football so if you don’t like football you will also love the show.
It’s a show about being in an in-between phase of life, with parents, partner, and most pertinently, the prospect of getting bottom surgery. It takes its name from the footballer Thomas Muller, who called himself a Raumdeuter, meaning ‘space interpreter’, because he floated around generally causing mischief without being entirely one thing or another. This show is about football, so if you like football you’ll love the show, but also it’s not really about football so if you don’t like football you will also love the show.
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| Photo by Matt Stronge |
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
Quite acerbic, dry, witty, sometimes quite silly. I like to think of myself as incredibly self-aware, but maybe by definition that means I can’t be?
Quite acerbic, dry, witty, sometimes quite silly. I like to think of myself as incredibly self-aware, but maybe by definition that means I can’t be?
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
It’s been arriving in bits and pieces really. Lots of very small, individually flashing lightbulbs, like Christmas lights or the end of The Substance.
It’s been arriving in bits and pieces really. Lots of very small, individually flashing lightbulbs, like Christmas lights or the end of The Substance.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
It’s a World Cup year which is helpful. If football comes home it will be a great arc for the story, and if it doesn’t then I will have to come up with another show I guess.
It’s a World Cup year which is helpful. If football comes home it will be a great arc for the story, and if it doesn’t then I will have to come up with another show I guess.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
Usually a lot of stress and tears and sleepless nights. I don’t know if they help but that tends to be most of it.
Usually a lot of stress and tears and sleepless nights. I don’t know if they help but that tends to be most of it.
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?
Something incredibly ungainly like a bowling ball or a small chest of drawers, so at least they will remember the interaction.
Something incredibly ungainly like a bowling ball or a small chest of drawers, so at least they will remember the interaction.
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’ live without at the Fringe?
Rare earth metals.
Rare earth metals.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
If I’m being honest, just one person telling me it made a difference to them. And if I’m being more honest, just an endless waterfall of critical and commercial success.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
Tons! Abi Clarke, Abby Wambaugh, Adam Flood, Alex Franklin, and that’s just the As. Special shoutout of course must also go to Mothman: The Musical, which I can’t believe hasn’t been done before.
Tons! Abi Clarke, Abby Wambaugh, Adam Flood, Alex Franklin, and that’s just the As. Special shoutout of course must also go to Mothman: The Musical, which I can’t believe hasn’t been done before.
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| Photo by Matt Stronge |
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
Lots of Leith is very nice and there are lots of really lovely cafes and restaurants, but it’s so far from most of the Fringe that nobody ever seems to go there. But I am a big fan! Well done, Leith!
Lots of Leith is very nice and there are lots of really lovely cafes and restaurants, but it’s so far from most of the Fringe that nobody ever seems to go there. But I am a big fan! Well done, Leith!
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
1. Funny
2. And
3. Moving
4. And
5. Comeandseeit
1. Funny
2. And
3. Moving
4. And
5. Comeandseeit
What keeps you inspired?
A combination of love of the art form and ruthless personal ambition.
A combination of love of the art form and ruthless personal ambition.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
My favourite shows are ones that I remember jokes from years into the future, so a bit of that would be lovely.
My favourite shows are ones that I remember jokes from years into the future, so a bit of that would be lovely.
When and where can people see the show?
16.10, Upstairs @ Pleasance Courtyard, 5th-30th (not 18th)
16.10, Upstairs @ Pleasance Courtyard, 5th-30th (not 18th)
Tickets for Dee Allum: Raumdeuter are available from https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/dee-allum-raumdeuter
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