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 Paul Coates about his show Boy In A Box.
What can you tell me about your show?
BOY IN A BOX was conceived during the Covid Pandemic when (then) US Governor Nikki Haley announced at the Republican National Convention that: “America is not a racist country”. Every realistic, intelligent American was outraged by this blatant lie and I responded in the only way I know how, through the art of theatre.
BOY IN A BOX was conceived during the Covid Pandemic when (then) US Governor Nikki Haley announced at the Republican National Convention that: “America is not a racist country”. Every realistic, intelligent American was outraged by this blatant lie and I responded in the only way I know how, through the art of theatre.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
BOY IN A BOX traces the systemic racism that created America through the lens of a famous cancelled history professor who commits a terrible crime in order to make a point. While American in its themes, the story crosses all borders in the current world view on race, racism and immigration.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
As I mentioned, that speech from Governor Haley, coupled with the first Trump Administration lit a firestorm in the U.S. Then came the specific crimes against people of color; blacks being murdered by the police, Asian Americans being targeted in the streets, brown people being arrested and deported - it feels like our country is on fire. I had to do something.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
Since January of 2026, over five hundred children have been taken from their families by ICE and detained in cages in detention facilities, twenty-five of them under the age of three. If this doesn’t point directly to a “boy in a box”, nothing does.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
This is a terrifying and important question, to which I have no answer. I don’t know how to prepare other than to lean into the message of the play, a message that travels well beyond America. I will do the best I can to prepare and leave the rest in the hands of the audiences that come experience BOY IN A BOX.
This is a terrifying and important question, to which I have no answer. I don’t know how to prepare other than to lean into the message of the play, a message that travels well beyond America. I will do the best I can to prepare and leave the rest in the hands of the audiences that come experience BOY IN A BOX.
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?
My director, Thomas Zoeschg and I have had loads of ideas that we’re still considering… Fortune cookies, racist propaganda from the history of America, dropping leaflets from the sky, putting little “boxes” everywhere…. We’re still mulling, but watch out!
My director, Thomas Zoeschg and I have had loads of ideas that we’re still considering… Fortune cookies, racist propaganda from the history of America, dropping leaflets from the sky, putting little “boxes” everywhere…. We’re still mulling, but watch out!
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without at the Fringe?
Oh, no! I didn’t know I needed a Fringe Survival Kit! I do travel with ear buds and credit cards…. LOL
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
Controversy. Thought. Action. Movement. Thought, and a little more thought.
Controversy. Thought. Action. Movement. Thought, and a little more thought.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
This is my first time at the Fringe and I can’t wait to explore everything as much as possible - and also see Scotland when I’m not performing, which is almost every day, so there’s that.
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
I wish I knew, but like I said this is my first time in Edinburgh. I do keep getting all these amazing tips on social media of things to see and do in Edinburgh, which I’m keeping a list of. The food and shopping and history looks so exciting!
I wish I knew, but like I said this is my first time in Edinburgh. I do keep getting all these amazing tips on social media of things to see and do in Edinburgh, which I’m keeping a list of. The food and shopping and history looks so exciting!
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Terrifying. Provocative. Challenging. Powerful. Important.
Terrifying. Provocative. Challenging. Powerful. Important.
Tickets are available from https://tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk/event/14:6688/
Post a Comment