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 Mike McShane about his show The Event.
What can you tell me about your show?
It’s a secular prayer to live theater. Not my words, but someone who saw the show.
It’s a secular prayer to live theater. Not my words, but someone who saw the show.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
“Not my words.” Seriously. The opening ten minutes sets the definition and boundaries of actor, character, audience and technician. Then proceeds to fill them with humor, interrogation and hope.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
Watching Dave Calvitto perform it, and saying to myself, “Wow. I don’t think I could do that.” And, then Dave decided to ask me to have a go. I’m known for being an improvisor, but this is a challenge as it’s a tight script that requires adherence to the choice of words and precise pauses to create what appears to be a one sided conversation but is much more. It is also very funny.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
Well, going back to my answer to your first question, it makes a strong case for an event that you must be in the room with the performer and the audience and the technician, breathing the same air and hearing the people around you and the man on stage. it can’t be recorded, scanned, downloaded; you won’t connect with it be having phone it front of your mug. It thumbs its nose at the cliche of “Pictures, or it didn’t happen.” The first time I heard that phrase from a person, I wanted to slap them, turn around and say, “Did anybody get that? No? Then I guess your red, stinging, ass slapped face is lying to you!”
Well, going back to my answer to your first question, it makes a strong case for an event that you must be in the room with the performer and the audience and the technician, breathing the same air and hearing the people around you and the man on stage. it can’t be recorded, scanned, downloaded; you won’t connect with it be having phone it front of your mug. It thumbs its nose at the cliche of “Pictures, or it didn’t happen.” The first time I heard that phrase from a person, I wanted to slap them, turn around and say, “Did anybody get that? No? Then I guess your red, stinging, ass slapped face is lying to you!”
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
Start walking, learn the city and it’s transit system (which is excellent by the way) stock up on toilet paper and tea and don’t drink during the day.
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?
I would walk around holding a trained white duck that would announce the show venue and time in a Brooklyn accent.
I would walk around holding a trained white duck that would announce the show venue and time in a Brooklyn accent.
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without at the Fringe?
The Lorne Sausage. A miracle of engineering and simple beefy goodness.
The Lorne Sausage. A miracle of engineering and simple beefy goodness.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
No diseases and lots of contacts.
No diseases and lots of contacts.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
I’ve just started looking so I can only give you this suggestion - if you see an ad for a show and your response is, “Who the fuck would want to see that?”, then go see it.
I’ve just started looking so I can only give you this suggestion - if you see an ad for a show and your response is, “Who the fuck would want to see that?”, then go see it.
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
The National Mining Museum Scotland and The Kelpies in Falkirk; they’re just out of town. If you just want to stay in town, The National Galleries of Scotland, especially The Modern One.
The National Mining Museum Scotland and The Kelpies in Falkirk; they’re just out of town. If you just want to stay in town, The National Galleries of Scotland, especially The Modern One.
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
A man. Some strangers. Theatre.
A man. Some strangers. Theatre.
Mike McShane: The Event runs at Pleasance Courtyard from 5th to 31st August. For tickets visit https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/event
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