EDINBURGH 2018: BWW Q&A- Graham Dickson

BWW catches up with Graham Dickson to chat about bringing Timber to the 2018 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Tell us a bit about Timber.

I've been describing it as a 'lurid, dystopian fantasia of character comedy' but every time I do, I realize what a prick I sound like... It's about Hollywood and awful men, and it's quite surreal and really dumb. It's set in the future. That seems important.

What was the inspiration for the show?

I think I've always been fascinated with Hollywood, in terms of its history and complicated symbolism, but also geographically. I'm really attracted to the American West, even though it doesn't really mean as much as it used to. I think that's part of what my show is about, but I'm not sure, I haven't seen it yet. I'm enjoy deeply flawed, even terrifying characters. Most of the characters in this show are quite grim. This has obviously been a huge year for Hollywood. Everything is changing - hopefully! - so I was drawn to the state of contemporary Hollywood. This is not, though, a show about MeToo, but rather a surreal detour using MeToo as a starting point. What. A. Prick.

Having done the Fringe before, do you think you know what to expect from the festival?

God, I hope so, because I always expect to be surprised, and that's always the best thing about Edinburgh. It seems to always be worth it for that handful of experiences every year that seem to change you as an artist or a person in unexpected ways. If that doesn't happen this year, I will kick off.

Who do you think should come and see Timber?

I guess just anyone. I mean, uh, people into lurid fantasias and dystopian, surreal detours from contemporary political concerns. I hate myself.

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

Natalie Palamides was my favourite show from last year, so I can't wait to see her new one. A clip of Sam Campbell made me gasp with laughter, so I'm excited to see him. Plus Sheeps and Lazy Susan.

See Graham Dickson: Timber at the Underbelly throughout the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 2nd - 26th August. For tickets visit www.edfringe.com

Photography credit: James Deacon

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