Parky Players return to the Edinburgh Fringe for 2025. I have caught up with them before the Edinburgh Fringe chaos begins.

What’s your show called for Edinburgh Fringe 2025?

“Been There, Done That, Got The Symptoms”

How long have you been doing the Edinburgh Fringe?

Our first show “Shake It Up” was in 2022.

How do you cope with the overwhelming chaos that the Fringe brings?

I love it, but also find it very challenging.
There are over 47 Parkinson’s symptoms, and virtually all of them (including:  fatigue, freezing, quite voice, anxiety, brain fog/ reduced cognition, reduced movement etc etc…) work against performing at Edfringe.
Last year we managed to get a cast and crew of 14 to Edinburgh, but we faced many physical and emotional challenges during that time. I desperately want to tell the story – it would make a fantastic film.

What’s remarkable is the wonderfully addictive qualities of Edfringe. Regardless of the challenges, we’re back for 2025 (albeit, a smaller team).

What sort of shows will see if you have time?

I want to see more monologues, poetry slams and inspiring stories. One show I’ve just earmarked is “I Dream In Colour”, Jasmine Thein.

Have you performed at any other Fringe’s? If so which has been your favourite so far?

We’re performing at the Wandsworth Arts Fringe on 6th/7th June (this week!), and Bay Fringe in July. I’ll let you know how we get on.

Any advice to newbies about flyering?

It works! Especially if you are in costume and you put 100% into it. Have fun, don’t be scared of doing it. We’ve always picked up some audience this way, especially in the hour before your show starts.

What are your plans for the show after the Edinburgh Fringe?

More fundraising to get short films made about the individuals that feature in the film “Shaken Not Stirred”.
I’d also like to get a feature film off the ground that tells the story of Parky Players.
I’m writing new material of my own and want Parky Players to be able to create something new for 2026 with Parky Players.

                    ………………
  
Been There, Done That, Got The Symptoms”: Hear a brutally honest and funny account of what led Janet to form a comedy theatre group, and about the challenges they faced at Ed Fringe 2024. Then see the ‘Fly on the Wall” documentary film telling their story created by award-winning filmmaker Dave MacFarlane. Finally take the chance to quiz Janet, Dave and cast members at the “no holds barred” Q&A at the end.

Link to a nice TV interview about our show:

@parkyplayers