Amy catches up with Harry Winchester who is starring in I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical, on at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Hi Harry, how are you feeling ahead of the opening of I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical?
I’m very excited! This is my first ever trip to the Fringe, so I’m looking forward to watching shows, exploring the city and seeing lots of wonderful friends!
What attracted you to this new musical?
There were quite a few attractive points; firstly, the show is an insight into the unspoken life of a Musical Theatre performer (from the stage kiss that goes wrong, to the tap routine everybody dreads!), so almost all of the material resonated with me instantly! The writing is also very clever – it’s been a joy to work on Alexander’s music; I’ve been given a lot of creative freedom, which has allowed me to bring my own vision of the character to the piece. Another positive factor was that although I Wish My Life Were Like a Musical is classed as a new piece, the material has already been performed to audiences through several versions before, and all versions having a very positive response from audience members. Our production is a newly-imagined version created by the wonderful Joanna Goodwin, so it features the great songs that appeared in the 2019 Edinburgh production, but with brand new direction, choreography, cast and a few additional songs too…!
What can audiences expect from I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical?
Audiences can expect a hilarious one-hour show packed with 14 songs, 6 dance routines, a tap number, LOTS of different musical references, theatrical campness, and a whole lot of fun!
During the last run, the show sold out and received critical acclaim – why do you think the show resonates with audiences?
I think the material deeply resonates with all sorts of people working in the arts as we all know somebody that each song could relate to. One of the songs is called “Diva’s in the house” – I’m sure we all know a few of those! It appeals to theatre fans as it gives an insight into what the life of a performer is really like, and addresses the annoyances and struggles performers aren’t always vocal about! The show could also attract non-theatrical audience members as it’s very easy for anybody to put themselves into these characters’ shoes. We also say a few naughty words to keep you on your toes!
Is this your first time at the Fringe? Are you excited to be at the Fringe this summer?
Yes, this is my first time at the Fringe and I can’t wait. I think I was about 10 years old when I last came to Edinburgh, so I’m looking forward to exploring new places and going for lots of brunches!
With a huge array of shows on at the Edinburgh Fringe – why should people come and see this show?
I Wish My Life Were Life a Musical is a funny, charming and brutally honest look into the industry, which allows you to sit back and enjoy the journey rather than having to think too intensely about anything! When the show was here in 2019, the run sold out and the production received over 20 different 5 star reviews. It’s looking like our first week this time round is already due to be a sell-out, so book your tickets now!
What is your favourite song in the show?
My favourite song to perform has to be ‘Standing by’. The piece tells the story of an understudy waiting in the wings for his moment to shine as the lead part – in a very endearing way. I also love ‘Only then can I truly perform’, which is performed by the wonderful Luke Harley in this production. This song is targeted at the Actor who has to go through 107293 rituals before he can go on stage! My favourite group number has to be ‘A step too far’ as I get to do a bit of tap dancing in it – and it’s very fun to perform!
What other shows will you be seeing at the Fringe?
I’ve already seen ‘Fantastically Great Women who Changed the World’, which I LOVED. I’m also booked to see ‘Unfortunate’, Rob Madge’s show ‘My Son’s a Queer (but what can you do?)’, ‘Séayoncé – Res-erection’ and a few others. There are so many great shows, it’s hard to choose!
And finally, can you describe the show in 3 words?
Hilarious, camp and stagey!
ABOUT THE SHOW
I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical is on until August 28th at Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose daily at 8.45pm. Tickets and Info here!
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