EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Lady MacBeth and Her Pal Megan

Tell us a bit about Lady Macbeth and Her Pal Megan.

Lady Macbeth and Her Pal, Megan is the latest solo show from American comedian and playwright Megan Gogerty. When Megan is informed that she can't play Lady Macbeth - because Lady Macbeth is a tragic figure of powerful darkness and Megan is the human equivalent of a golden retriever - she sets out to prove them all wrong, only to discover that she must not only reconsider Lady Macbeth, she also has to reevaluate who she thinks she is, both as a woman and as a standup comedian.

Fierce, funny, and feminist, the play takes on a new resonance after the 2016 US presidential election, where highly accomplished Hillary Clinton was defeated by the inept reality show host/man-child Donald Trump. Why do we insist on painting ambitious women as evil, sexy, or crazy? Lady Macbeth is but one example of this trope, along with Cruella DeVil, Jessica Rabbit, and the original femme fatale, Eve.

Why bring it to Edinburgh?

For a funny, feminist deconstruction of Lady Macbeth, what better place to take it than Scotland? Plus, EdFringe is the oldest and most prestigious fringe festival in the world. It's always been a dream to play the Fringe.

What sets it apart from other shows at the Fringe?

Megan is a professor of playwriting at the renowned University of Iowa Playwrights' Workshop, and this is her fourth solo show. Lady Macbeth and Her Pal, Megan was named the Audience Pick of the Fringe at the Cincinnati Fringe Festival in Ohio this spring.

Who would you recommend comes to see you?

Women, and people who have met a woman. Young people who are waking up to the injustices of the world. Old people who are frustrated with those same injustices. Shakespeare lovers, and people who are afraid of Shakespeare. Standup comedy fans.

Are there any other shows you're hoping to catch at the festival?

I'm looking forward to Siren Theatre Company's shows - all fellow C venues acts - who have classics (Misterman), new plays (Good With Maps) and one-man shows (One Hander) at C primo. I'm also hearing exciting things about Deadly Dialogues (also at C venues)!

Timings and ticket information for Lady MacBeth and Her Pal Megan are available on the edfringe website.

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