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 writer Claire Wood about her show SHINJUKU.
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| Cast and Crew. Photo by Jed.Shots |
What can you tell me about your show?
It’s about Abby, single mum to 12 year old Baxter. She’s been called into school by Baxter’s class teacher because of ‘behavioural issues’. Abby’s astonished to learn that the class teacher thinks Baxter’s been radicalised by the manosphere. Abby thinks her son is a champion of women’s rights. Come and decide for yourself.
It’s about Abby, single mum to 12 year old Baxter. She’s been called into school by Baxter’s class teacher because of ‘behavioural issues’. Abby’s astonished to learn that the class teacher thinks Baxter’s been radicalised by the manosphere. Abby thinks her son is a champion of women’s rights. Come and decide for yourself.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
Perfectly formed feminist Fringe theatre. A 50 minute play. A gripping story. A talented cast of three. Stellar sound design. I’m hoping the audience will hold their breath from start to finish (though not in a way that endangers their health).
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
The actual lightbulb moment would be a total spoiler. The second thing that determined the direction of travel for the script was a chat with my friend’s wise beyond her years daughter, Mim. Another friend had suggested I write about toxic masculinity. I had a go at that. Then was recounting the story about the mother and the son and the class teacher to Mim and she said: “that’s not really a story about the son, is it?” Less like a lightbulb and more like the moment when a plug socket sparks.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
Andrew Tate. Jordan Peterson. Dan Bilzerian (look him up). Adolescence. Louis Theroux’s “Into The Manosphere”. Theatre needs to be talking about this stuff too.
Andrew Tate. Jordan Peterson. Dan Bilzerian (look him up). Adolescence. Louis Theroux’s “Into The Manosphere”. Theatre needs to be talking about this stuff too.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
That’s a better question for the cast. I’m just the writer. (And producer.) This is the first time the show will get an audience so I’ll be sick with nerves on opening night. In the meantime, I need to find lanyards, pink paint, fake ID cards and a logo for a school that doesn’t exist.
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 beautifully designed bottle of red pills.
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without at the Fringe?
Sugar. The form varies from Fringe to Fringe. One year, it was cinnamon buns. Another year, baklava. If you want to win my heart, just feed me a cupcake.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
If a fraction of our audience go home and have a chat with someone they love about the manosphere, I’ll be thrilled. It’s really easy to pretend it’s not out there. But things aren’t going to get any better for women any time soon if we don’t properly take this on.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
“Witches Corner” by Encapulus Productions is another show born and bred in Edinburgh. It’s a glorious exploration of misogyny at the time that women were still burnt as witches – though it comes with its own twist. It’s packed with original music, a talented cast of six and it’s also a new piece of writing.
“Witches Corner” by Encapulus Productions is another show born and bred in Edinburgh. It’s a glorious exploration of misogyny at the time that women were still burnt as witches – though it comes with its own twist. It’s packed with original music, a talented cast of six and it’s also a new piece of writing.
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
I am eternally devoted to the Mosque Kitchen (31 Nicolson Square, Southside). Canteen style, plentiful curries, rice, huge portions, bargain prices. It’s a fabulous place.
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
The cheat’s answer (and only 4 words): Will women ever win?
The answer you asked for: feisty, funny, twisty-turny, timely, thought-provoking.
What keeps you inspired?
All the things I think we could do better.
All the things I think we could do better.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
Once we’ve fled the performing space, we hope we’ll bump into people hotly debating whether or not Baxter’s an incel.
Once we’ve fled the performing space, we hope we’ll bump into people hotly debating whether or not Baxter’s an incel.
SHINKJUKU runs at Olive Studio at Greenside @ George Street from 7th to 15th August at 19:35 daily. For tickets visit https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/shinjuku
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