Luke Rollason’s Planet Earth is on at the Monkey Barrel during August.
- Tell us about your Fringe show
Luke Rollason's Planet Earth is a one-man nature documentary set in a future where our worst predications came true - the BBC is bust and the planet is too. Armed only with a surreal imagination and a lot of office supplies, I have to create the third series of David Attenborough's Planet Earth alone onstage. There is a lot of sello-tape involved. I'm hoping to get the show sponsored by Ryman's.
- How does it feel to be playing the Fringe for the first time?
It's the first time I'm performing a show for the whole Fringe as myself (a version of myself that pretends to be animals for an hour, sure). Previously audiences might have seen me at the Fringe as a table (2015), operating a vagina puppet (2017), singing right-wing philosophy (2013) or just handing them small bits of paper (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017). It's nothing to do with this prestigious back catalogue of work, however, that this is the most excited and daunted I've ever been for an Edinburgh Fringe.
- Why did you decide to perform at the Fringe?
I was lucky enough to perform on some days off at the Monkey Barrel last year, which was its first year as an Edinburgh Fringe venue. The Basement became a pretty hot room to perform in - both literally and metaphorically - thanks to some brilliant acts such as Rob Kemp and Lucy Pearman. I had an amazing time and Heroes and the Monkey Barrel were hugely supportive. There was no way I could say no to going back.
- If you were not a performer what would you be doing?
Throwing eggs at houses, drinking on street corners and vandalising park benches. Come see my show and keep me out of trouble.
- How do you prepare for a performance?
My pre-show ritual is highly complex, but I am always too busy strapping an office lamp onto my head so I can pretend to be an angler fish, wondering which prop I've forgotten, and praying that my ancient OHP (previously owned by someone who worked on the original Star Wars films, which gives you an idea of its age) survives the show to actually perform any rituals. Next year, I'm going to be a mime.
- Best/worst advice you’ve been given ahead of your debut show?
Best: Don't get sued by the BBC and Worst: Don't get sued by the BBC
- Favourite thing about being in Edinburgh?
My favourite thing about being in Edinburgh is I get so little sleep and nutrition that even the most meagre of nourishment becomes sensational. I have previously cried over the high-quality of a Tesco Falafel wrap. Apart from that - it's the only time of year I can guarantee I'm in the most exciting place on earth.
- What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve done?
Fallen asleep on the kerb. I then woke up and walked to go perform my show. Is that Scottish? It happened in Scotland. Does that count? Am I being racist? Does that make me more Scottish? My producer says "no".
- Favouite Scottish food/drink?
Drink: K Cider. It might not be Scottish but I only ever seem to drink it during the Edinburgh Fringe. Every time I drink it I fall asleep, and every time I wake up in Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho. Food: K Cider.
- Sum up your show in three words
Attenborough's gone insane.
Luke Rollason’s Planet Earth is on at the Monkey Barrel during August. For tickets, please visit www.edfringe.com
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