In a series of interviews, we'll reflect on this year's Edinburgh Fringe with artists and creatives who performed at the festival, learning how it went and hearing more about their work.
In this interview, we speak with Rachel Duncan about the run of Apparently Ugly: A Stepsister Story.
With the run in Edinburgh now complete, how do you reflect on the time at the Fringe?
I've come to the realisation this year that September feels more like New Year than January! I take this opportunity to reset across the board. Part of this includes looking at how the run went, what we want to change for next time, what opportunities might have come about from the Fringe run and which of those are the right next steps for us.
What is the biggest lesson you learned during the run in Edinburgh?
Not to go all in with my energy right at the start of the month. This was my first year producing a show that did the whole month and it really does make a big difference on how you look after yourself and maintain your stamina. Taking the time in the day to relax, eat properly and do social things is so important as opposed to going all in on promoting the show and getting exhausted too quickly.
What was the biggest surprise—positive or negative—once you actually got in front of Fringe audiences?
How much the people without kids enjoyed the show! We know that the show appeals to all ages, and comparing it to Shrek helped us spread that message, but the audience feedback from adults of all ages, who loved the show, having expected it to be more for kids was incredible. We are thrilled to get to share our show with its universal heartwarming message, so widely.
 |
| Rachel Duncan, Hannah McRoche, Amber Hegarty, Elliott Wooster, Nicky Douglas and Rene Alfaro |
Was there a specific moment on or off stage that defined the Edinburgh experience for you this year?
I'd have to say that going out after the show and flyering with the cast in costume every day was wonderfully defining of the overall experience. The response to the costumes, and from people meeting the characters out and about, particularly younger kids meeting Cinderella's stepsisters in their big ruffled dresses, was so wholesome and heartwarming.
How did you manage the physical and mental stamina required for the high-density environment that is Edinburgh?
Honestly, it sounds simple, but eating and sleeping well. It is so easy to get wrapped up in eating out and seeing late-night shows, but I think we did really well to maintain a good routine of meal prepping as much as possible and making sure to get good hours of sleep in. The fringe is such an incredible experience but the reality is, we're there to put on a show; anything else we can squeeze in is a bonus.
How did you handle reviews and word-of-mouth chatter whilst still working on the show?
I organise as many reviewers as I can before the fringe starts, mostly to take that burden away whilst we're there, but also because I have found over the years that more reviewers are planning their trips in advance so getting organised with them earlier is better than doing that in the thick of it. There are some that do plan spontaneously though so it's a bit of both. We also do our best to wear show branded merch as much as possible when out and about, just to add that extra bit of promo around town and get people talking about us.
If you could go back and do anything differently, what would you change?
This might be a bit of an annoying non-answer, but genuinely nothing. I think that there are things that we will change going forward with the show as well as with our approach to fringe in future, but every decision we made for this fringe has its pros and/or taught us something about the show and ourselves. With every step we learn for next time.
What is one piece of advice you would give to anyone who would want to take a show to the 2027 Ed Fringe?
Don't leave things until the deadline because it always takes longer than you think! That, and, sleep, nothing is more important when you're in Edinburgh than getting enough sleep.
Where can people follow your future work?
The show is on Instagram as @apparentlyugly and online at www.apparentlyugly.com. My other work can be found on @eraproductions_
Post a Comment