EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- The Delights of Dogs and the Problems of People

About the show:

Terror. Joy. Rage. Jealousy. What does it cost to love? When does partner become possession? What is the price to be free? Who is gonna let the dog out? A harrowing but darkly funny look at the descent of a loving relationship into misery and abuse. There is a dangerous animal in the house, but it's not canine.

Why bring it to Edinburgh?

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is just the most joyous thing to be a part of. It brings together so many of the weird and wonderful (and the slightly inebriated). We felt that the show, having proven to be one that moves and helps people, deserved a wider and more varied audience. In essence we wanted to reach as many as possible and hopefully give the piece a longer life. Also have you seen Edinburgh...I mean c'mon - it's gorgeous!

What sets it apart from other shows at the Fringe?

The play draws on personal experience of being in abusive relationships. It takes an honest and balanced look at this important subject but not in an overly 'worthy' way. There are plenty of laughs in the show and it also features a dog...nothing can be completely bad with the love of a dog. The audience are really encouraged to become part of the journey of the fated couple. After previews audience members would seek me out to tell me their stories and experiences, so it seems to be unlocking painful stuff and allowing people to talk. That's a truly great thing.

Who would you recommend comes to see it?

The play seems to be particularly valuable to those who have experienced abuse but there is plenty for anybody to relate to. If you have ever been in a relationship, good or bad, there is going to be something you recognise. It's a bit...er...adult in tone (I'm a fan of a bit of a swear here and there) and it has some reasonably harrowing bits so not for the very young. It is however funny and moving, so by no means violent or gratuitous. It's especially for the dog lover. I have 3 dogs and I wanted to showcase how incredible they are.

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

On the comedy front I go to watch the overwhelmingly talented and sexy John Robertson throw his stuff all over the place every year in The Dark Room and also this year in Dominant. Also gonna see his gorgeous wife JoJo Belini: Crash-Bang Cabaret. Also excited to finally catch the work of Georgie Morrell who is a partially sighted comedian and full on woman! She has her first show A Poke in The Eye and new show The Morrell High Ground.

Tickets and timings for The Delights of Dogs and the Problems of People are available on the edfringe website.

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