Amy chats to Linus Karp as he prepares to take TWO shows up to the Fringe!
Hey Linus – here’s your chance to give an elevator pitch, can you give us a brief synopsis?
Hello! Thanks for getting into the elevator with me. Which floor are you getting off on? Oh, only one level. Guess you’re not feeling like stairs today. Not that you need the stairs, you look in great shape. *smiles awkwardly* What a day eh… Tuesdays, am I right? *pause* Anyway I’m doing two shows at the Edinburgh Fringe this year – Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story and How to Live a Jellicle Life: Life Lessons from the 2019 Hit Movie Musical ‘Ca- oh you’re getting off now already? Yeah, it is your floor is suppose. Would you like a flyer? Ah, no worries, I can email you some- no, never mind. *elevator doors closing* Nice talking to you!
What inspired the show?
Diana started as a birthday present for my Diana-loving mother-in-law which then took on a life of its own.
Jellicle grew out of my unhealthy hyper-fixation on the cinematic masterpiece that is Cats.
With both, I wanted to make shows that were incredibly queer and joyful.
How important is the Fringe for new work? And how does it feel to be at the Fringe this year?
Very important, as it’s a great platform to showcase your work. Edinburgh Fringe is about diverse, up-and-coming artists trying things and finding an audience. That’s why it’s important we’re finding ways to make it affordable, so that not only big names or rich creatives can do it. There are so many people making money off the Fringe and it’s so rarely the artists – I hope that can change.
I’m super excited to be doing it this year, after a few tough years it feels like the festival is back properly and there seem to be so many exciting shows up this year, thrilled to be a part of it.
What are the main themes within the production, and what can audiences expect?
In their stupidity the shows are also empowering and about living as your authentic self – whether that is as an iconic fashion princess or a Jellicle cat. Audiences can expect queer, fast-paced and well-choreographed chaos. These are not the type of shows you just sit back and watch – you become a part of them. It’s live, alive and we’re doing this together.
Finally, with so many shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, why should people book a ticket to this show?
Because I’m cute.
Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story is on at the Pleasance Dome from the 2nd – 28th August at 4.30pm – info here!
How to Live a Jellicle Life: Life Lessons from the 2019 Hit Musical Cats is on at the Pleasance Dome from the 17th – 27th August at 9.40pm – info here!
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