Chris Duke: 1 Missed Call - Edinburgh Fringe Interview

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 Chris Duke about 1 Missed Call.

What can you tell me about your show?
1 Missed Call is a one-man musical about a bloke who’s spent his whole life trying to be “a proper man”, whatever that means.

It’s funny, it’s awkward, it’s emotional and, hopefully, it’s relatable. If you’ve ever said “I’m fine” when you absolutely weren’t, you’ll probably see a bit of yourself in it.

The show follows one ordinary morning after a missed call from his daughter sends him into a spiral of memories, mistakes and the pressure men put on themselves to keep everything together. There are songs, jokes, audience interaction and a few moments where you could hear a pin drop.

People sometimes assume a show about men’s mental health is going to be heavy for an hour. It isn’t. It’s genuinely funny. In fact, I’d say you’ll laugh far more than you’ll cry. But if one of those laughs opens the door to a conversation someone needed to have, then I’ve done my job.

Every penny of profit from the run is also being donated to Men Matter Scotland, which makes the whole thing feel much bigger than just putting on a musical.

How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
My kids would probably just say, “Cringe.”
They’re probably right.
I’d say relatable.

I’m not a West End performer. I’m not pretending to be someone I’m not. I’m just a normal guy from a council estate in Glasgow who’s made a career out of telling stories. Whether that’s on the radio, on podcasts, or now on a stage, I’ve always found that people connect most when you stop trying to impress them and just tell the truth.

The show mixes musical theatre, comedy, storytelling and spoken word. One minute we’re laughing about trying to open a jam jar, the next we’re talking about why so many men struggle to ask for help. 

Somehow, it all works.

What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
It was my own experience.

Over the last few years I’ve been through some incredibly dark periods in my life. Alongside that came an ADHD diagnosis, learning more about myself than I’d ever expected, and slowly realising just how much time I’d spent pretending everything was okay.

There’s a lot of discussion just now about masculinity, and rightly so. But sometimes the conversation becomes about pointing fingers rather than giving people another option.

I wanted to show that there is another way.

So, in what is probably the least stereotypically masculine way imaginable, I wrote a musical about it.

What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
Because I’m finally in a place where I can tell it.

A few years ago I couldn’t have stood on a stage and spoken this openly. I wasn’t ready. I was still living it.

Now I can look back with a bit more perspective, a bit more humour and, thankfully, a bit more kindness towards myself.

The story hasn’t changed. I have.

How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
Can you ever really prepare for the Fringe?

Physically, it’s all the sensible things. Vocal warm-ups, stretching, staying hydrated and trying to remember to eat at sensible times.

Mentally, it’s about managing expectations.

I’ve worked as media at the Fringe before and I’ve seen performers walk out to one person. I’ve also seen performers walk out to packed houses. Both require exactly the same performance.

So that’s how I’m preparing. Whether there’s one person in the audience or every seat is full, they deserve the same show.

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?
The funny thing is… I sort of already am.

The artwork for the show is covered in Post-it Notes with all the negative thoughts men often carry around in their heads.

So during the Fringe, I’ll be walking around Edinburgh wearing a sandwich board covered in blank Post-it Notes and asking complete strangers to write something kind instead.

Hopefully, by the end of each day, I’ll be wearing hundreds of little reminders that the world isn’t quite as cynical as social media sometimes makes us believe.

And yes… hopefully a few of those people will come and see the show too.

What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without at the Fringe?
Water.

Actually… water and decent shoes.

Anyone who’s spent more than a day walking Edinburgh during August knows those cobbles don’t mess about.

What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
Of course I’d love to sell out every performance. I’d be lying if I said otherwise.

But success isn’t just measured in ticket sales.

If somebody watches the show and phones their dad afterwards…

If someone finally tells a mate they’re struggling…

If one person walks away feeling a little less alone…

That’s success.

Everything else is a bonus.

Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?

Absolutely.

Chris Grace is phenomenal. He’s one of those performers who makes everything look effortless while doing incredibly clever work.

I’d also recommend Iain Anderson. His story is genuinely inspiring, and I think people will come away having experienced something really special.

What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they’re not watching performances?
Honestly, I don’t think there’s one answer.

The magic of the Fringe is that the whole city becomes the venue.

Walk down the Royal Mile, disappear into a side street, sit outside a café, stop to watch a street performer, wander into somewhere you’ve never heard of.

Some of the best Fringe memories happen completely by accident.

Can you describe the show in five words?
Real.
Emotive.
Cheesy.
Funny.
Dad.

What keeps you inspired?
My family.

I’m 42 years old, and they still inspire me every single day.

My wife has supported every ridiculous idea I’ve ever had for the last 22 years. There have been plenty of them.

My kids keep me grounded. They’ll tell me when something’s brilliant, and they’ll definitely tell me when it’s embarrassing.

I honestly couldn’t ask for better people to do life with.

What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
That men are often carrying far more than they’re willing to admit.

We spend so much time telling boys to be brave that we sometimes forget bravery can look like asking for help.

If people leave laughing, thinking, and maybe checking in on someone they care about, then I’ll be delighted.

When and where can people see the show?
1 Missed Call
theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall, Theatre 2
6:45pm
The final week of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2026

For more information visit https://missedcallmusical.com/