Reading University Drama Society presents Alfred Hitchcock’s Writers’ Room at theSpace on North Bridge - Perth Theatre, from August 13-18.
Director Cameron Gill answers our questions.
- What is your Fringe show about?
Our Fringe show is a dark comedy play about four young writers who have been hired by Alfred Hitchcock to pen potential follow-ups to Psycho. However, suspicion arises when the same dead woman appears in each of the stories, leading a detective to investigate the Writers’ Room.
- How many times/many years have you appeared at the Fringe?
This is the Drama Society’s eighth performance within the past ten years. Personally, this is my second year up at the Fringe with a Reading University Drama Society performance but it’s my ninth year attending the festival as a whole, having gone up with my family multiple other times.
- What’s your most memorable moment from the Fringe?
My most memorable moment occurred during last year’s Fringe when I was flyering on the Royal Mile dressed in full drag to play Mrs Bracknell. Two women with a camera came up to me and my friend George and asked if we’d be happy to talk about our favourite Scottish directors for a streaming service called WatchScotch.
I proceeded to talk about Danny Boyle for a full five minutes, praising his great work for not just his home nation of Scotland but for cinema internationally. The interview finished, the pair thanked George and I went on their way. Once they were out of ear shot, George leant over to me and whispered, ‘you know Danny Boyle is from Lancashire?’ I did not know that. I truly thought Danny Boyle was Scottish. So I’m happy that on a laptop somewhere there is unused footage of me, in a dress praising the great master of Scottish cinema, Danny Boyle - a man from Radcliffe, England.
- What’s the worst thing about the Fringe?
Not having time or money to see everything that you want to see while you’re up there. Also, the queues for bars get stupidly busy!
- If you were not a performer what would you be doing?
If I weren’t performing or directing at the Fringe, I’d still be up there watching and experiencing the atmosphere. Edinburgh is one of my favourite cities in the world and the atmosphere of it when the festival is on is incredible.
- How do you prepare for a performance?
Lots and lots of rehearsal. Our rehearsal schedule looks pretty intense but we make sure that what we’re doing is enjoyable so that cast and crew feel comfortable in what they’re doing and also set aside a lot of time to relax and socialise. If people aren’t having fun, then there’s not much point in putting on the show.
- Favourite thing about being in Edinburgh
One of my favourite things about Edinburgh probably has to be the people. The locals are so friendly and welcoming every year and truly make the city feel like home to all those who attend the festival. I know RUDS are a particular fan of Frankenstein’s Rocky Horror Night and have attended it on an annual basis.
- What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve ever done?
Not the most Scottish thing I’ve ever done but the more the most Scottish thing ever done to me. We were having haggis for dinner at my Scottish cousin’s house and my cousin’s husband asked if I wanted my haggis ‘whet’ a little bit? I assumed he was going to give me gravy so said yes. I assumed wrong as I watched my cousin’s husband pour a table spoon of whisky over my haggis. I was only 15 at the time.
- Favourite Scottish food/drink?
I do absolutely love haggis! Neeps I can take or leave but haggis is great.
Sum up your show in three words
Farcical parody fun.
Show summary
This original play revolves around a darkly comic Hitchcockian tale. Our story takes place in 1961, Mr Hitchcock has hired four young writers to script potential follow-ups to his big hit of 1960, Psycho. However, with the master of suspense, all is not as it seems. When sharing their stories, the writers reveal the recurring plot of a murdered woman – a real murdered woman. As prime suspects, a detective investigates the Writers’ Room to find the culprit. Who is responsible for the crime?
Reading University Drama Society presents Alfred Hitchcock’s Writers’ Room at theSpace on North Bridge - Perth Theatre, from August 13-18. For tickets, please visit www.edfringe.com
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