EDINBURGH 2022: Jon Courtenay Q&A

BWW catches up with Jon Courtenay to chat about bringing Against All Odds to the 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Tell us a bit about Against the Odds.

It's a new show that I've written combining my experience of performing on Britain's Got Talent then going on to win the show, while dealing with a health crisis. A one-man comedy musical that all rhymes.

Why did you want to tell this story?

It started as therapy! I didn't handle my cancer diagnosis very well until I was put in touch with a therapist and talking to her helped so much. If telling just one person could help me deal with it better, imagine if I told everyone! Then it occurred to me that letting people know it's ok to talk about it might help them too.

Where might we have seen you before?

I've been in this game for over twenty-five years so it could be anywhere! From the days of pubs and clubs to a very happy career on cruise lines. Then TV happened and my audience got a bit wider. Recent TV has been The Royal Variety Show, the BGT Christmas Show, the ITV panto, Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway plus Lorraine, This Morning and that kind of stuff. Or maybe you spotted me in your garden.

Who would you recommend comes to see it?

We've suggested a 14+ rating as there are some distressing scenes and a little fruity language but really it should appeal to anyone. It's not as clean-cut as my previous TV appearances which is why I've written it. I'm more than just a few feel-good, happy-tears songs.

What do you hope audiences take away from the show?

Well it is essentially a comedy despite some of the distressing moments but that's life isn't it? None of us are getting out of here alive so we may as well laugh in the face of adversity. It got us through some sticky situations in the past. I hope people enjoy listening to a story and I hope they leave humming some of the new songs. As to what they can physically take away from the show... have I mentioned I've got a new album?

Venue: Gilded Balloon - The Museum (Venue 64)

Dates: 3rd to 14th August 2022

Time: 6.30pm (7.30pm)

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Photo credit: Andy Hollingworth

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