BWW speaks to Alan Harris about 2016 Edinburgh Fringe show Love, Lies and Taxidermy.
Tell us a bit about Love, Lies and Taxidermy
The blurb describes it as an offbeat love story and that's exactly what it is. A boy, Val, meets a girl, Ash, outside a medical research centre in Merthyr Tydfil and... well, I won't go into the plot too much, but their relationship develops in an unconventional way. We get to meet some other characters who are related to them and, also, Merthyr plays a big part in the play - its spirit runs through everything.
What inspired the show?
Lots of stuff. I think plays are a combination of the personal, the experienced and the imagined - and this fits that description. I worked in Merthyr for a while so got to know it quite well and since leaving there (about 10 years ago!) I've wanted to base a play in the town. I've also been interested in how people on the margins of society make a living and how people fit into society (especially when they feel as though they should fit in but their personality makes that hard).
Why did you decide to bring the show to Edinburgh?
I didn't. I wrote it and sent it to Paines Plough. Luckily they loved it and they decided to bring it to Edinburgh.
Do any taxidermy animals feature, and if so - what kind?
Lots. Val's dad Jacub stuffs animals - he'll stuff anything.
Who would you recommend Love, Lies and Taxidermy to?
Of course, I'd recommend it to everyone! But if you've seen a show in the Roundabout space before you'll know what expect with the staging. If not, I'd recommend it to people who like seeing theatre in an intimate setting and love good storytelling.
Timings and ticket information for Love, Lies and Taxidermy are available on the edfringe website.
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