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 Toby Trusted and Julia Da Costa about How To Fix A Fairytale.
What can you tell me about your show?
‘How to Fix a Fairytale’ is a comedy musical ‘choose your own adventure’ show that takes the classic story of a hero versus a villain, and turns it on its head: with the audience choosing everything from the names of the characters to the ending! Featuring chaotic improv sequences, songs from hit musicals, and a puppet for good measure…
‘How to Fix a Fairytale’ is a comedy musical ‘choose your own adventure’ show that takes the classic story of a hero versus a villain, and turns it on its head: with the audience choosing everything from the names of the characters to the ending! Featuring chaotic improv sequences, songs from hit musicals, and a puppet for good measure…
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
First and foremost, this is a show for musical-lovers, and for people who like high doses of whimsy and chaos. The show will be different in every performance, too, so if you want to personally shape a narrative and navigate to the ending you want to see, this is the experience for you!
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
We met singing in musicals, and after doing a pantomime together, we decided we wanted to create something that combined the two! We both love improv and audience interaction, and felt the fairytale genre was a perfect fit.
We met singing in musicals, and after doing a pantomime together, we decided we wanted to create something that combined the two! We both love improv and audience interaction, and felt the fairytale genre was a perfect fit.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
According to a poll of at least two individuals, 2026 has had the lowest whimsy counter of any year EVER. This has made it extremely important to put on this show and get some whimsy back out there in the world (seriously, it’s been a tough year, especially for young people - we think this is a great time to make people laugh and smile with some silly nonsense).
According to a poll of at least two individuals, 2026 has had the lowest whimsy counter of any year EVER. This has made it extremely important to put on this show and get some whimsy back out there in the world (seriously, it’s been a tough year, especially for young people - we think this is a great time to make people laugh and smile with some silly nonsense).
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
This show is all about energy: from us onstage and the audience! We want to reset properly before each show so we can run with the story the audience chooses each day! This probably should mean lots of vocal rest and sleep… but more realistically involves running up and down the Royal Mile at 9 am with more flyers than sense.
This show is all about energy: from us onstage and the audience! We want to reset properly before each show so we can run with the story the audience chooses each day! This probably should mean lots of vocal rest and sleep… but more realistically involves running up and down the Royal Mile at 9 am with more flyers than sense.
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?
A magic frog that talks about our show incessantly until people watch it.
A magic frog that talks about our show incessantly until people watch it.
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without at the Fringe?
The Complete Works of Jane Austen.
The Complete Works of Jane Austen.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
Having had a good time! At the end of the day, we are doing this show to have fun. If we get to the end of our run and we’ve made people laugh, that’s a success in our eyes. It would also be neat if we could complete all of our potential endings during our five-day run…
Having had a good time! At the end of the day, we are doing this show to have fun. If we get to the end of our run and we’ve made people laugh, that’s a success in our eyes. It would also be neat if we could complete all of our potential endings during our five-day run…
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
We love wholesome parody shows, so Richard Marsh’s ‘Top Gunchained’ is definitely on our list to see - also anything that involves audience participation like ‘Jill’s Tupperware Party’, and ‘Shoot From the Hip’. But the best part of Fringe is finding new shows that you don’t expect - so we’re looking forward to taking flyers and trying new genres too!
We love wholesome parody shows, so Richard Marsh’s ‘Top Gunchained’ is definitely on our list to see - also anything that involves audience participation like ‘Jill’s Tupperware Party’, and ‘Shoot From the Hip’. But the best part of Fringe is finding new shows that you don’t expect - so we’re looking forward to taking flyers and trying new genres too!
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
Top of Arthur’s Seat! If there’s going to be a magic frog lurking in Edinburgh anywhere, it’ll be there…
Top of Arthur’s Seat! If there’s going to be a magic frog lurking in Edinburgh anywhere, it’ll be there…
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Chaotic, fun, unexpected, surreal, (and of course) whimsical.
What keeps you inspired?
Master Oogway, from Kung-Fu Panda. We also like having a good time with our friends and making them laugh. But mainly Master Oogway.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
Most of all, we want this to be a lighthearted hour that brings lots of laughter and joy to our audiences! So if people leave feeling even just a bit brighter and happier, then we’ve done our job.
Most of all, we want this to be a lighthearted hour that brings lots of laughter and joy to our audiences! So if people leave feeling even just a bit brighter and happier, then we’ve done our job.
When and where can people see the show?
The 25-29th August, at 10.30-11.20 am, in the Mint Studio, Greenside @ George Street! Don’t miss it!
The 25-29th August, at 10.30-11.20 am, in the Mint Studio, Greenside @ George Street! Don’t miss it!
Tickets are available from https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/how-to-fix-a-fairytale
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