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 Lizzie Bean about her show Phuckets and Rainbows.
What can you tell me about your show?
"Phuckets and Rainbows" is a one woman show, about surviving the mcfuckery of being human, in a world that cares very little for our hearts! It's funny and sad, relatable and true!
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
It's an unscripted show that takes its cues from the props in my suitcase. It is a comedy of sorts but explores themes that will make your heart ache. It's a romp of an autobiographical adventure, energetic, chaotic. Yet amid the colour of it all, lessons we could all use.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
I found myself, at 48, at the precipice of another nervous breakdown. And rather than quash the feels, with wine. I decided, to use wit and words. Truth and vulnerability. To face the feels, and to share how that really is!
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
The world is so full of influence and noise about what it means to be the best version of yourself. The systems driven to make you "Do better!" AI, shows up and create images of perfect people, living perfect lives, and we all lose the grip on reality!
Comparison is rife. Self-doubt, overwhelming. Yet our ability to hate on ourselves, is ever growing! So distracted by what we want to be, we simply don't see what we are!
My show, my work, Beanology, my ethos has always been, humans need to know how valuable they are, just as they are! So, we can learn to give life a go! Fail and get up again. Keep noticing the magic, that exists every day, in this one short trip of a lifetime...
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
Great question. I am keeping fit, physically with all the usual. Walking, running, weights, not very heavy ones. Chuckling!!
And mentally... Massively aligning myself to the steps I am taking to even get to the fringe!! Failure, just means, that there is another show to do!! "Phuckets and the Phringe!"
I hope it's not a flop. I am working hard at that!
But if it is, I will simply rise again! Take the learning and love me without condition. I do believe that finding compassion for self, is a great healer for a lot of tricky!
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 magic bean. I am bringing some with me! I make them out of polymer clay! The purpose of them is, to invite whoever shares my show, to take the magic they need from what they have experienced during the performance and embed it in their hearts! The magic bean is for their pockets to act as a reminder! I always have one in my shoe during the show!!
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without at the Fringe?
Compassion and Phuckets, in equal measure. You can't see either. But both are forever in my heart! Without them, I think I would shrink!
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
Just being there... And hoping that those people that choose to see "Phuckets and Rainbows", get some magic from the story.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
I am excited to see Bog Witch... And def have my eyes peeled for any improvised musical comedy!! Flo and Joan, Showstoppers... I love that vibe! So clever.
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
I've never been to Edinburgh. So can't comment on this... But I would always advise to find some space away from the noise. To breathe it all in!!
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
"A joyous rebellion against the mcfuckery" (can we do 6?)
What keeps you inspired?
Humankind. How lost people get trying to find their worth... And how necessary the work. My show is accessible for all!
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
I hope everyone leaves feeling less alone, inspired, with a hint of maybe, just maybe, they are more possible then they have ever been told!!
When and where can people see the show?
The Ivy Studio
Greensides on George Street
17:30 50 minutes
7 - 15th August
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