“Orange Works is proud to present Locusts – a compelling mix of drama and northern humour” it was a pleasure to catch up with them and find out more about their past experiences at the Edinburgh Fringe and what audiences can expect this year from them.
Where did the inspiration or ideas come from for your show/production?
The play is based upon my own experiences of gay conversion therapy in various churches back in the 80s and 90s. It was a subject I’d intended to write about for some time and finally set about doing so in the autumn of 2022. I partnered with Garth McLean, an LA-based writer we met in Edinburgh back in 2018; having him on board allowed me to explore that part of my life safely, whilst developing the story, and its characters, even further. It turned out to be utterly cathartic! We worked via Zoom over several months, reading and rehearsing scenes over the ether, and even improvising various scenarios which were then distilled into scenes of the play.
What do you plan on doing to relax and get some “time out” during the Fringe?
I’ll be finding comfy cafes that sell nice tea and switching off for a bit, or, if the weather is good, I’ll likely head down to The Meadows and just watch the world go by. We’re not having a day off this year so I can’t get out of the city, but I will be taking time to mindfully switch off the outside world and allow my inner self to breathe!
How do you deal with stage nerves before each performance, if you have them?
Usually I’m too focused on all the things that need to happen before a show to get too nervous, so where I struggle is during the show. I have to ensure I don’t lose my focus to thoughts such as “is that Dave over there?” or “don’t whack your head on that lamp.” The only time the show has ever nearly gone wrong was when we performed in Yorkshire, near where I grew up, and I got very distracted after spotting various family members and a childhood friend I’d not seen since I was 17, all sitting on the front row.
Where are you staying during the Fringe? Did you find accommodation quite easily?
Finding accommodation this year was far harder than usual, and we’ve ended up staying a train journey away near Linlithgow. It was the only thing we could find that wasn’t extortionately expensive, with good transport links. Nick, one of our team, has stayed there before and assures us it’s nice – hopefully the commute won’t be too taxing!
What obstacles have you faced preparing for the Edinburgh Fringe this year?
I’ve had a really busy year directing an outdoor production of “Much Ado About Nothing” which has proved a great success but took a lot of time and energy from me. Balancing the demands of that show and Locusts has meant more plates spinning than I’d like, but it seems to have worked out ok (thank goodness!). The other major challenge is raising awareness for Locusts – getting media interest is always difficult, especially for grassroots companies doing their PR, without a celebrity endorsement, etc, so opportunities for interviews like this are gold dust.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I think the response Locusts has had thus far. The response from audiences who’ve seen it has been astonishing, and we’ve had wonderful reviews from the likes of The Wee Review, Fringe Review, and Broadway Baby – reading them has been both humbling and affirming. As someone with an anxious brain, having that professional affirmation for my writing, and my performance has been life-changing.
Why did you decide to the Venue you are using?
We’ve had a long history working with The Space now and have always enjoyed our time with them. Sadly (confession time) our venue this year was more chosen because of our tardiness in getting organised! By the time we got around to sorting it, there weren’t many options left for the size of venue/stage we prefer! But, despite that, I think we’ve got a great space, in a great location.
Favourite and worse thing about performing?
Favourite: connecting with an audience, hearing and seeing their response to the story you’re telling, and then having time to chat with them afterwards.
Worst: performing when you’re ill – somehow dragging the required energy out of somewhere, when all you want to do is curl up in bed with a mug of tea! We performed Locusts in Madrid a couple of years ago, and I got serious food poisoning the night before our last show; how I got through that performance I will never know!
In one sentence why should someone come to see your show?
It’s a quality piece of drama, with a wicked sense of humour, that’ll make you think, make you laugh, and maybe even make you angry.
Name one other show that you plan on seeing at the Fringe?
We are looking forward to seeing Box Tale Soups’ production of 1984 – we love their work, and curious to see what they’ve done with this story,.
Where are you taking your show next?
We’re currently hoping to take the show to a London venue, and eyeing other fringe festivals in 2026 – Locusts has a journey to go yet.
LOCUSTS – 16:05pm at The Space Triplex from August 1st to 9th.
Theatre, Art and Film Reviews 
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