EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Louise Reay

It frankly sounds very odd for a comedy show - on paper. It's an immersive show where the audience experiences life in an authoritarian regime. It's set in the year 2020, in a world where the BBC has been sold to the Chinese government, dun dun dun!

Why bring it to Edinburgh?

I've been writing this show since December 2016 and built it live over 27 shows at Adelaide Fringe. I might be biased because I'm a British comedian, but I do festivals everywhere and anywhere and for me there's no doubt Edinburgh is absolutely the most exciting and important festival.

What sets it apart from other shows at the Fringe?

Despite it being comedy, the audience feels genuinely oppressed, so I'm told. I'm really trying to play with what comedy can be and to make the audience feel a bit complicated and hopefully a little bit reflective? Failing that - the show features a cast of masked figures watching the audience which is quite sinister and probably mercifully rare.

What are your top tips for surviving the festival?

As a performer: don't drink too much, get enough sleep! As a punter: drink tons, don't waste time sleeping, see and do as much as you can!

Who would you recommend comes to see you?

I'm grateful to anyone who'd like to come. This is a political, provocative and experimental show - so people who are up for having their buttons pushed perhaps!