ADAM MEGGIDO (Co-director/creator, Showstopper! The Improvised Musical) spoke to me ahead of the Edinburgh Fringe.
When were you last performing at the Edinburgh Fringe?
Last year. In fact, every year since 2008 when Showstopper! The Improvised Musical first launched.
What was the name of your previous show?
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, but I have also been at the Fringe with Rhapsodes (in which I improvise in the style of Shakespeare); The Society of Strange (in which we improvise in the style of horror stories and ‘weird tales’); Nina Conti In Therapy (in which I play therapist to ventriloquist Nina Conti and her Monkey); and I wrote and directed a play called Boris the Third, based on the true story of Boris Johnson playing Richard III at school and not bothering to learn his lines.
How long has your current show been running for?
Showstopper began life in 2008 in a 90 seat portacabin in George Square and it has been growing ever since. It’s the only improv show in the world to win an Olivier Award and it still tours the UK and plays in London’s West End.
Do you have any “good luck” rituals you undertake before performing?
I make sure I have a few minutes to myself before the show begins. Just to focus. And I practice a bit of rapping, which helps me to feel prepared. But for our show there is nothing you can do to prepare other than be present and listen, really.
How have you found booking accommodation this year?
It’s an absolute nightmare. If the prices don’t come down radically then the very nature of the Fringe will change as only the wealthy will be able to play. It will exclude many talented artists from the UK and overseas. I sincerely hope things change in the next year or two.
What three pieces of advice would you give to first-timers going to the Fringe?
Take risks on what you see. Get out of the city occasionally. Hydrate.
What are you plans after the Edinburgh Fringe is over?
I’m involved in a number of writing projects. I’m attempting to get a novel published for the first time, and I am adapting two movies for the stage. (Can’t tell you which ones yet – but hopefuly soon!)
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Showstopper! Has delighted audiences around the world since 2008 and has become a staple of the Fringe experience. We love playing Edinburgh. It feels like our spiritual home. We make up a musical, on the spot, from audience suggestions. Everything is improvised – all the songs, lyrics, storylines, dances, characters, jokes…. Everything! Nothing is prepared in advanced or pre-planned. It’s an amazing team with some hilarious comedians, actors, and musicians, and it’s a wonderful feel-good show. Don’t miss it!
https://showstopperthemusical.com/
https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/showstopper-improvised-musical
Photo credit Alex Brenner.
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical will be at the Pleasance Courtyard Grand at 5.20pm for the entire fringe for tickets go to www.edfringe.com
Theatre, Art and Film Reviews 
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