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 Isolde Fenton about In A Bad Way.
What can you tell me about your show?
In a Bad Way is a darkly comedic one-woman show about hypochondria and anxiety.
Grá is back in her GP's office (for the fifth time this month…) and she’s convinced she's suffering from yet another serious illness. As she talks through each new symptom, the audience is taken on a rollercoaster through her memories, uncovering the moments that shaped her anxious mind. In a Bad Way is funny, vulnerable and painfully relatable.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
It’s a rapid fire stream of consciousness monologue that is poetic, darkly funny, and deeply human. It’s full of Irishisms and pop culture references, as well as serious moments that ground the piece in reality. And it’s only 50 minutes long - a perfect lunchtime show!
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
I've always struggled with anxiety, and I was determined to create a piece that placed that experience front and centre. I wanted it to be funny, but never at the expense of anxiety itself. I wanted to find the humour in the irrational thought patterns, the compulsive behaviours, and absurd situations that anxiety can create.
I was in drama school during the pandemic, and found my anxiety had begun to manifest as health anxiety. I was constantly checking my temperature, obsessively Googling every ache, pain, and tiny speck on my skin, convinced there was always something seriously wrong. Looking back, I realised there was something inherently theatrical about those spiralling thoughts, and that hypochondria could provide an interesting framework to explore anxiety on stage. By grounding the piece in humour and lived experience, I wanted to create a show that is both entertaining and recognisable to anyone who has ever been trapped in an anxious spiral!
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
In 2026 we are constantly connected, overwhelmed with information and, in a (bad, wayhey) way, forced to seem like everything is fine while the world is literally burning. The pandemic certainly heightened health anxieties, but also economic stability, climate fears - I fear the list goes on! Anxiety presents itself in so many confusing symptoms, from physical to emotional. It’s hard to pin down, and a lot of people don’t even realise what they are feeling is anxiety. I feel this show speaks to that collective tension. But in a lighthearted way!
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
Alongside IN A BAD WAY, I will also be performing in Benjamin Reilly’s Mortal Sin, which is also being produced at the Gilded Balloon - so mental and physical prep will be essential!
I love a nice, long walk, so making sure I get some walking done during the run will be important to me. It’s also a fantastic way to see a new city, so I’m excited to experience Edinburgh by foot. With a good podcast or great song (I’m currently listening to stupid song by Olivia Rodrigo on repeat) it’s my favourite form of meditation!
I plan on drinking plenty of water, drinking less pints (not no pints…just less pints) and sleeping whenever I can. I want to find the right balance of business and pleasure. Listening to my body and trying to fight fomo will be the main thing for me during this run!
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?
Free sertraline!
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without this month?
My podcasts! If my thoughts are racing, I’ll pop in my headphones and let outside voices overpower the ones in my head. My current rotation includes My Therapist Ghosted Me, I’m Grand Mam and Good Hang.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
I think getting to the Fringe in the first place is already all the success I need. It’s been on my bucket list my whole life. Getting to go as a performer, in two shows I care deeply about, with a gorgeous group of people is a huge win in itself. Anything else that comes will be a nice surprise!
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
I am really looking forward to seeing Julius Caesar Variety Show by Joy Nesbit, and Basic Bald Bitch by Emily Glaze. I’m also excited to walk around and see what shows are flyering - there’s such an abundance of amazing productions there this year that I want to seek it out!
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they’re not watching performances?
I have never been to Edinburgh before (eeek!), so unfortunately my recommendations may not be gospel! However, I am desperately looking forward to climbing Arthur’s Seat; a bit of nature in the midst of the craziness is always appealing to me. Come back to me on September 1st; I’ll have all the recommendations anyone will ever need!
Can you describe the show in five words?
Rapid, Irish, hilarious, heartache, anxious!
What keeps you inspired?
Seeing great theatre, meeting interesting people, playing the Sims and listening to CMAT.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
I hope anxious people feel seen, and non-anxious people (nice to meet ya!) understand what it feels like to be anxious.
When and where can people see the show?
IN A BAD WAY will be on at Gilded Balloon Patter House on the Blether Stage at 2:20pm, from the 5th - 31st of August.
Tickets are available from https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/in-a-bad-way
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