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 Annika Foster (writer and performer) about her show Gridlock.
What can you tell me about your show?
GRIDLOCK is an intimate two-hander played out entirely between the claustrophobic confines of a car stuck in traffic, and in flashbacks of the memories we hold onto in a relationship. It’s a show for the broken-hearted, the misunderstood, the lost and lonely souls out there. It’s the all-too-relatable conversations between two people who love each other dearly but are miles apart, forced to confront each other and themselves while trapped in a car together.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
The style is intimate, cinematic and tense. As an audience member you will go on the journey with Alexa and Thomas - stuck in the car and in tension together as it builds. The show almost creates the illusion of eavesdropping. Peering in another’s window only to discover that their lives, conversations and relationships are eerily similar to your own.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
In full transparency it was born from desperation. I needed a new Visa to stay in this country and somehow putting on a play became the answer. When I realised I had our talented writer and friend, Kathryn Mincer in my corner, and I had a story as a jumping off point for us, my own story – that was the scariest moment, and the moment I knew we had to do it.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
There’s no time like the present, right? Maybe it’s the year of the Fire Horse, maybe it’s the end of my Saturn return – whatever governing power, it felt like the right time to tell a story about two people who are running out of time to say what needs to be said.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
A lotta lists, a lot of deep breaths, and a whole lot of blind optimism.
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 plate full of spaghetti.
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without this month?
Our tiny but mighty team.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
If we have fun and make new friends/connections with other creatives.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
Go see Tamsyn Kelly’s ‘Rat’s Ass’ at Monkey Barrel (you’ll laugh your ass right off) and Caitlin O’Ryan’s poetry with SpitNights at theSpace. They’ll both blow you away with their authenticity and talent in entirely different ways and you won’t regret it.
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
Arthur’s Seat at sun down.
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Intimate
Amusing
Honest
Heartbreaking
Bittersweet
What keeps you inspired?
People.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
That you’re not alone. I hope people come away feeling more seen and understood and a little braver. Have the hard conversations, see the other side, ask for what you need. It’s always worth it.
When and where can people see the show?
5th-17th August, Gilded Balloon Patter House, Coorie Room, 1pm daily.
Tickets are available from https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/gridlock
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