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 Mel Hudson, performer and writer of Richard Ashcroft Revived My Libido.
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| Photo by Jake Walters. |
What can you tell me about your show?
It's a sort of memoir and celebration of itself dictated to me by my libido, which came back to life in 2022 after a Richard Ashcroft gig at Crystal Palace Park Bowl. It's also a paean to Richard Ashcroft himself and includes some helpful information about issues such as non-retractable foreskins, Trauma Salad and PMMR (Post-Menopausal Motorway Refusal.)
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
Can I borrow a review? VoiceMag/Blazing Minds said: 'deliciously real: funny, messy, honest and the kind of midlife truth-telling that makes you feel seen rather than lectured. No faux empowerment, no shiny clichés. Just a proper, relatable renaissance.' I've had lots of people say 'relatable'. My daughter (Ripley North, 25) is in the show too, as herself - we're both a bit punk and mainly out to have a laugh and bring that mother-daughter liberation power energy to it.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
The title just dropped into my head when I thought 'if I did an Edinburgh show, what would it be called?' Everything else followed from there - it's all just true. But more and more of it seemed to become relevant to what I wanted to say, to, for and on behalf of, my generation of women, as I thought about it.
The title just dropped into my head when I thought 'if I did an Edinburgh show, what would it be called?' Everything else followed from there - it's all just true. But more and more of it seemed to become relevant to what I wanted to say, to, for and on behalf of, my generation of women, as I thought about it.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
The world needs some powerful older-lady libido right now. There's never not a perfect year for it.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
I'll be honest - I haven't prepared the way I should. As in - I should probably have focused on not drinking, having a healthy diet and doing lots of strength training and walking or something. But the whole process of bringing the show to Edinburgh - doing previews, publicity, all the admin - means there hasn't been time to focus on that. I'm just going to have to wing it. The drive up is always good preparation because you get that lovely feeling of going into a different realm as you hit the borderlands and then see the sea to your right - and it focuses the mind.
If you could not use a flyer to attract audiences, what ridiculous object would you hand out to people to get them into your show?
At one stage I was going to do a Goddess Chakra Dance wearing a Richard Ashcroft Commemorative Thong as part of the performance but in the end there wasn't time. However, I have thought they would make a nice merchandising option - basically a little cushion with a printed photo that you can wear discreetly and feel happy when you think about it.
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can't live without at the Fringe?
A very long spoon for supping with the Devil.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
The will and the wherewithal to come back and do it again next year.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
Am I Losing My Mind or Just My Figure (Playground 1 at Zoo Playground; Untethered and Hinterland TCs) - a very beautiful and vibrant piece that again ties together younger and older women and understands and celebrates their life experiences.
Am I Losing My Mind or Just My Figure (Playground 1 at Zoo Playground; Untethered and Hinterland TCs) - a very beautiful and vibrant piece that again ties together younger and older women and understands and celebrates their life experiences.
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
I've only just got here so I haven't sussed anywhere new out yet, but there's a very interesting shop opposite where I'm staying on Leith Walk called Terra Firma which looks worth checking out.
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
RICHARD. ASHCROFT. REVIVED. MY. LIBIDO.
RICHARD. ASHCROFT. REVIVED. MY. LIBIDO.
What keeps you inspired?
Richard Ashcroft; my daughter; my son; my friend Sam Holland-Bunyan who has directed the show. And so many other things. Including : allowing yourself the breathing space for inspiration to come in. Lauryn Hill is good on this! (FemalePoetsSociety on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DbQ0kqeqiZX/)
Richard Ashcroft; my daughter; my son; my friend Sam Holland-Bunyan who has directed the show. And so many other things. Including : allowing yourself the breathing space for inspiration to come in. Lauryn Hill is good on this! (FemalePoetsSociety on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DbQ0kqeqiZX/)
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
Encouragement! And fun.
When and where can people see the show? --
Gilded Balloon Teviot (Wee Room) 1620 5th-30th August (not 18th): https://tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk/event/14:6725/
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| Photo by Jake Walters |
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