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Fringe 2018: Q&A with Red Bridge Arts on Is this a Dagger?

How would you describe your show in one sentence?

Is This a Dagger? The Story of Macbeth – Award-winning performer and storyteller Andy Cannon, takes audiences on a thousand-year journey from fact to fiction and back again, cleverly weaving Shakespeare’s original language with his own storytelling style making this classic tale appealing for audiences young and old.

 Is this a new show or have you performed it elsewhere?

Is This a Dagger? The Story of Macbeth was first created in 2007. 2017 was the 10 year anniversary of the show as part of the Made in Scotland showcase and I was delighted to have worked with trusty collaborators and Red Bridge Arts to refresh the production and getting it ready to take out on tour in 2018.

Is this your first visit to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

No, we’ve been part of the Fringe quite a few times.

What’s your favourite thing about the Fringe?

There’s such a great atmosphere at the Fringe and it’s great to get the chance to see other work and meet people. There’s a huge range of diverse acts and always something going on day or night to suit everyone.

How have you been preparing for the Fringe? How has the show developed/changed since your original idea?

Is This a Dagger? The story of Macbeth has recently finished a UK tour to various festivals and schools, so that is the perfect preparation for the festival with a little bit chill time before the madness.

I didn’t actually see the “Scottish” play until I was an adult but by then I had acquired in my mind a clear picture of this treacherous Scottish Monarch. I presumed that although Shakespeare doubtlessly used a little artistic licence in his re-telling of the tale – the drama played out on the stage was by and large based on actual historical events.

I then became increasingly aware that many people had no idea when the “actual” Macbeth ruled Scotland or indeed if he was ever a real king or not. My interest piqued – I determined to discover the truth behind the tale and in doing so unearthed not only the markedly different tale of the eponymous eleventh century king but also the intriguing political story behind the first staging of Shakespeare’s celebrated play.

What do you think sets your show apart from all the other Festival offerings?

It’s a performance that is both entertaining and thought provoking, containing something for all ages. Accompanied by original music, I am weaving Shakespeare’s original language with my own storytelling style in a fun and accessible way! The show also shares new facts about the epic tale of Macbeth, which hopefully means that everyone will discover at least one new thing about this classic play.

What’s the show that you don’t want to miss at this year’s Fringe?

The exciting festival programme at Dance Base is bold and varied, interwoven with themes of choice, restriction and identity and has 24 shows from 11 countries from around the world.

If your show was a place in Edinburgh, which place would it be and why?

If our show was a place it would be the legend that is book and record shop Elvis Shakespeare on Leith Walk as one half of it is named after the one of greats in the world of literature and is a wee gem packed full of wonderful nostalgic and educational stuff once you step inside!

 

Is This A Dagger?

Wed 22 – Sun 26 Aug, 12.30pm

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