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 Isabella Thompson about Plaything.
What can you tell me about your show?
It’s absurd and very silly. Does it have a narrative? Not sure. But it was born from the idea that I look like a child but have the inner world of a 50 year old woman. This is what I wrote about it for the Fringe website:
It’s absurd and very silly. Does it have a narrative? Not sure. But it was born from the idea that I look like a child but have the inner world of a 50 year old woman. This is what I wrote about it for the Fringe website:
A five-year-old pageant contestant, an ex-Etonian turned delusional DJ and a mute schoolgirl whose entire personality is her ginormous rucksack. The link? Pending. But they’re all played by a girl. She’s 25 but she’s got no tits. Plaything is a masterfully crafted hour of clown and character comedy. Satirical, infantilising, absurd, this is what happens when you combine spectatorship, a youthful appearance and existential dread. With 'girl' written all over her body, this woman's work is yet to be taken seriously.
Developed at Soho Theatre Labs, Plaything is an unconsciously hard-hitting product of unbridled play.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
Alternative, ironic, a bit of ‘what is going on right now’. The audience should feel held, seen and loved.
Alternative, ironic, a bit of ‘what is going on right now’. The audience should feel held, seen and loved.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
The show’s previous form (very different from what it is now) was born from the feeling I had when people said I looked like a teenager when I was trying to be taken seriously. I was like “Ugh! I’m not your plaything!” But I was younger and much more grumpy. I’ve converted that “woe is me” feeling into finding that idea hilarious. What does it look like when a child has the inner plight of a 50 year old woman?
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
In all honesty it’s because I was ready for it. But also, these times we’re in…I feel like…maybe embracing a silly, joyful outlook on things might help bring some brightness. Laughter is medicine.
In all honesty it’s because I was ready for it. But also, these times we’re in…I feel like…maybe embracing a silly, joyful outlook on things might help bring some brightness. Laughter is medicine.
How have you mentally and physically prepared for a run at the Fringe?
I said to myself: everything that happens is a win, every day is a school day, embrace it all. I treated every audience as a gift, and it really helped during those tougher days, because there was nothing to lose! A beginner’s mindset can be really empowering.
If you couldn’t use a flyer to attract audiences, what object would you hand out to people to get them into your show?
A tiny rucksack
A tiny rucksack
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without at the Fringe?
There’s a vanilla high protein yoghurt at Lidl that I’m addicted to.
There’s a vanilla high protein yoghurt at Lidl that I’m addicted to.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
Having been able to connect with people I never met before and share some joy / laughter.
Having been able to connect with people I never met before and share some joy / laughter.
What are you most proud of regarding the show?
The fact my giant rucksack is still in tact. And that I’ve managed to make people laugh for the whole run. I never really thought I could do that.
The fact my giant rucksack is still in tact. And that I’ve managed to make people laugh for the whole run. I never really thought I could do that.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
Gannet, Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace, Need a Light?, One in the Kate is Worth Two in the Butch, Maya Ricote ‘Ay Am’, Lady Bolognese: Class War, Blizzard, Who Remembers the 90s, Clementine 2, Hot Knees, Woman (33), Boy King and so many more
Gannet, Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace, Need a Light?, One in the Kate is Worth Two in the Butch, Maya Ricote ‘Ay Am’, Lady Bolognese: Class War, Blizzard, Who Remembers the 90s, Clementine 2, Hot Knees, Woman (33), Boy King and so many more
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
The Meadows! And Lovecrumbs café.
The Meadows! And Lovecrumbs café.
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Girl, Bob, wild, joyful, hilarious (sorry)
What keeps you inspired?
Clowns, taking risks, spontaneity, weird and wonderful performers, the world of the fringe!
Clowns, taking risks, spontaneity, weird and wonderful performers, the world of the fringe!
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
Finding new ways to laugh and experience the lighter side of life. That everyone is doing their best.
Finding new ways to laugh and experience the lighter side of life. That everyone is doing their best.
When and where can people see the show?
Hoots Nicolson Square Gardens (Nic 9) 1:10pm!
Hoots Nicolson Square Gardens (Nic 9) 1:10pm!
Plaything runs until Sunday 30th August 2026. For tickets visit https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/plaything
Post a Comment