Rebs Tully has taken some time out to talk to me about Judie Boom’s Look Busy which is part of the upcoming Lambeth Fringe at Vaulty Towers, 34 Lower Marsh London SE1 7RG. On Monday 13th October at 6 pm. Tickets: £6. https://lambethfringe.com/events/look-busy
What was the inspiration behind your show?
A combination of things. Specifically I wanted to explore how we see income, with the way we all work changing so much over tha last few years. I felt like every conversation I had with friends seemed to end with ‘things have to change… there’s nothing we can do’ and I wanted to explore ideas like Universal Basic Income in a space where it’s not usually talked about, with added toilet humour. I guess I have a wish to break things down to the one thing that might be do-able, an unending need to make people laugh and a belief that theatre really is like a little portal to somewhere potentially different. When I read about bell hooks’ ‘dominator culture’, I was also excited that theatre could be another place where we can change HOW we do things, share power, make shifts… challenge the idea that things only get done with fear and force.
How long has your production been in progress?
I started this process over 18 months ago, and it has been competing with many other things in my life – and often winning – ever since.
Where are planning on taking the play next?
I’m talking to a range of rural touring agencies, as its lightweight production and sense of connection and entertainment value is I think a great fit with what people are after right now.
What would you like audiences to take away from your show?
Possibility. Hope. Connection! And a few grins. Big things aren’t impossible.
What are you looking forward to most about performing your show?
I love inhabiting Judie! She is so relentlessly positive, the real me needs that 🙂
Why did you choose your particular Fringe venue?
It’s small, and quirky, like my show!
Which shows at the Fringe are you planning on watching?
I’m excited by Washing Machine Vortex as it looks like a delight of storytelling with a great soundtrack, and I absolutely LOVE Boy Band, they crack me up on all the levels!
Have you had any major hurdles to overcome to get this production on the stage?
With this show I’ve been focusing on making the physical comedy aspects of how I perform bigger and bolder, and this has meant – well, basically creating a new comfort zone, I’ve stepped so far out of my old one! I’ve had some great help from experienced performer and outside eye Ed Rapley and it’s been a great experience and the learning curve has been mega.
What other productions have you previously been involved with?
My previous show – Apocalypse Kapow (Life Hacks for Societal Collapse) appeared at Edinburgh Fringe (2023), Brighton Fringe, Glasgow International Comedy Festival and regional UK theatres (2024). It was described as ”hilariously important” (Audience, Edinburgh Fringe) and “VERY relatable” (Katy Higgins, Kirkgate Arts, Cumbria).
Theatre, Art and Film Reviews 
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