Lottie Walker from BLUE FIRE THEATRE is no stranger to the Edinburgh Fringe, and this year returns with a new production Bloody Marys. Read on to find out more.

When and where are you performing at the Fringe this year?
The show is all over the place this year, which is quite exciting – 3 venues, 3 technical rehearsals and a proper “opening night” with all that entails 3 times!
See Bloody Mary(s) at
Greenside Riddles Court (Willow Studio 10.30am 7-15 & Thistle Theatre 10.20am 17-22)
The Speakeasy at The Royal Scots Club (2.30pm 27-30)

What was the inspiration for your show?
We were looking for one person to write about with the intention of producing another biographical show (like our previous plays) but so many interesting people we found were called Mary we had the mad idea to do “60 Marys in 60 Minutes”.  And we’ve found some crackers – queens, cooks, politicians, pimps and everything in between from biblical times to the present day.  There’s a music quiz, and the audience decides which Marys come to our fictional dinner party.  The jury is out on whether we get all 60 in the show every performance!

Who is your target audience?
Anyone looking to start their fringe day with a bit of light froth, or take in a post-lunch show where they don’t need to think too hard.   More generally, anyone who loves a bit of history or trivia will love this show – we’re offering so many gems to help out in your pub quiz when you get home. And we’d love to get some feedback from this show to see if there’s a clear winner for our next biographical play.

Who or what inspired you to take to the stage?
I always wanted to be Mary Poppins before I realised that she’s actually Julie Andrews.  So then I wanted to be Julie Andrews (I still do!) and I’m delighted to say that both Ms Poppins and Maria von Trapp get a wee mention in the show so I’ve nearly managed it! 

Are you planning on seeing any shows this year? If so, do you have recommendations?
Absolutely!  There’s such a lot of good stuff on this year.  I’ve a very long list so time will need to be managed very carefully.  I like to recommend the hidden gems – smaller shows that don’t get the high profile publicity but might just be the next new big thing!  This year I’m looking out for The Last Bantam;  Louise: The Last Dance;  One Man Poe; Elvis in Chaos; Jealousy Play; A Better Memory and The Ghost of White Hart Lane. And did you know – there’s another show called Bloody Mary’s? it’s a great Edinburgh history piece with original music, and it’s being produced by a fabulous young company. Definitely go see that one!

What is the best piece of advice about working in Theatre you have received?
To always take the work but never yourself seriously.  Judi Dench said that, and I remind myself of it every day, especially at this time of year when it’s all so busy and stressful.  Keeping a sense of perspective – and humour – is essential!

https://bloodymarysplay.co.uk/

Bloody Mary(s)
18 July – National Records Office, Kew (preview performance)
7-30 August Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Chopped Liver & Unions:
2 July Corn Hall Diss
8 October Lighthouse Poole
9 October Bear Pit Theatre Stratford Upon Avon
29 October Dorchester Arts

Marie Lloyd Stole My Life
24 September Ropery Hall, Barton Upon Humber.