In a series of interviews, we are going to be reflecting on this years Edinburgh Fringe with artists and creatives who performed at the festival to learn how the festival went and to find out more about their work.
In this interview, we speak with Drew Young reflecting on the run of You Never Know: A Song Cycle.
With the run in Edinburgh now complete, how do you reflect on the time at the Fringe?
This year was my first Fringe and I had the most wonderful time. I was blessed to be working with the loveliest group of people from around the UK and it was such a privilege to watch them shine every night. I also loved the sense of community that comes with the Fringe, so many new faces that I hope to cross paths with again.
What is the biggest lesson you learned during the run in Edinburgh?
For me, my biggest lesson was learning to maintain my health physically and vocally for a weeks' worth of shows while balancing the social aspect of the fringe. There are so many incredible productions everywhere you look and so many I'm gutted to have missed but proper rest is so valuable as a performer. It's finding the fine line between work and play.
How did the reality of your run compare to what you envisioned during rehearsals?
I don’t know what I envisioned in rehearsals, I was quite happy messing about and seeing what came of the process, as long as we had a great time on the way. I will say I had a very good feeling about our show from the first rehearsal. The calibre of our cast was amazing and based on the reviews we received, people agreed! It was a great turnout.
What was the biggest surprise—positive or negative—once you actually got in front of Fringe audiences?
I was aware that a large percentage of ticket sales would come from our flyering and busking but I was not aware of how many people buy tickets the day of the show. We had a few performances where we were concerned about sales in the morning and by the evening, they had doubled.
Was there a specific moment on or off stage that defined the Edinburgh experience for you this year?
Coming from New Zealand it makes me so happy to see other Kiwis killing it overseas. At the fringe I had the chance to see my friends from The Barden Party in both of their shows, Macbeth, and Heracles. I have known the Barden team for a few years and would consider them some of my dearest friends. Getting to watch them perform and them getting to watch me perform, 11.5 miles away from home, was really special.
How did you manage the physical and mental stamina required to perform daily in that high-density environment?
So much R&R. Lots of sleep, good food, and vocal recovery. A hot shower at the end of the day was my saving grace.
How did you handle reviews and word-of-mouth chatter while still having to go out and perform every night?
Our reviews were largely positive so that wasn't something I was worried about although I do avoid letting positive reviews get to my head. I think it's easy to get too comfortable onstage which risks the show becoming stagnant, all I worry about is being present in the moment. People will always have opinions.
How will you use what you have learned from this Edinburgh run into your future work?
As an actor in training, the fringe has been a really great way to apply what I have learnt and do a whole lot of reflecting. One of the biggest takeaways for me is how to sustain myself through a show season. I'll admit, proper prep and recovery are two things I heavily underestimated and they are both so crucial when your voice and body become your career.
What is one piece of advice you would give to anyone who would want to take a show to the 2027 Ed Fringe?
It's an expensive and an exhausting experience but equally one of the most creatively fulfilling experiences you can get as a performer. Remember to treat every moment as an opportunity to strengthen your craft, see lots of shows, meet lots of new people, be inspired, but also make lots of time for yourself.
Where can people follow your future work?
Keep up with me @drewyoungkm
Keep up with LSP @laurasofiaproductions
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