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 Laura Stearns, writer and performer of The Woman In The Mirror
What can you tell me about your show?
The Woman in the Mirror is an unusual and uplifting comedy about a daughter navigating her mother’s Alzheimer’s journey while trying not to completely lose her own mind in the process. It’s based on my real-life experience as a caregiver and somehow manages to make audiences laugh, cry, nod knowingly, and call their mothers afterward.
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| Photo by Mandee Johnson |
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
Imagine if a stand-up comic, a caregiver support group, and a heartfelt family drama all walked into a bar together. It’s funny, honest, emotional, occasionally outrageous, and ultimately hopeful.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
After years of caring for my mother, I realized that the stories everyone remembered weren’t just the heartbreaking moments. They were the absurd, hilarious, completely unbelievable moments that happen when life refuses to follow the script. I wanted to tell the truth about Alzheimer’s, and the truth includes laughter. And let caregivers know they are seen – at least by me.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
More families than ever are finding themselves in caregiving roles. Almost everyone knows someone affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia. The conversation is finally becoming less about statistics and more about the people living through it. This story reminds us we’re not alone. As former US First Lady Rosalynn Carter once famously said, “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.”
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
A combination of rehearsals, long walks, caffeine, hydration, and repeatedly reminding myself that taking a play to the world’s largest theatre festival seemed like a good idea when I said yes – and – Mom would have approved. Also, a healthy sense of humour.
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?
A small bag of M&M candies that have a warning attached: PLEASE DO NOT THROW AT THE ACTRESS. (You’ll just have to come see the show to see what that means.)
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without at the Fringe?
My Wonder Husband Charlie.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
Packed houses would be lovely. Great reviews would be wonderful. But success is hearing audience members tell me, “That was my family,” or “I thought I was the only one,” or “I finally felt understood.” If the show helps people feel less alone, I’ve done my job. One hug from a caregiver and I know I have done my job well.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
This is my first Fringe, so I’m approaching it like a kid in a sweet shop. I’m especially drawn to bold storytelling, smart comedy, and the kind of shows that make you laugh one minute and rethink your life choices the next.
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they’re not watching performances?
This is my first Fringe but my third trip to Edinburgh. For newbies, I recommend you walk the royal Mile, definitely do a castle tour, and I enjoyed the history behind The Real Mary King’s Close. For my fourth trip to Edinburgh, I hope to survive Fringe and the antics of my friend Bex Ewart. She tends to take me right to the edge of good trouble…
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Funny. Honest. Human. Heartbreaking. Hopeful.
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| Photo by Mandee Johnson |
What keeps you inspired?
People. Their resilience, their stories, and their ability to keep finding reasons to laugh even during life’s hardest moments. Human beings are remarkably stubborn that way.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
I hope they leave feeling seen. I hope they laugh at things they thought weren’t funny. Most of all, I hope they leave with a little more compassion for themselves and the people they love.
When and where can people see the show?
The Woman in the Mirror runs August 7–30, 2026, at ZOO Southside Studio as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, with performances daily at 3:15pm except August 12 and 19.
Venue: ZOO Southside (Studio)
Dates: 7th – 30th August (not 12th/19th)
Preview: 7th August
Time: 3:15pm (70 minutes)
Dates: 7th – 30th August (not 12th/19th)
Preview: 7th August
Time: 3:15pm (70 minutes)
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