My Festival: Bryony Kimmings
The performance artist and screenwriter on the climate crisis aspect of her new show, why awards matter and how to be rock'n'roll at the Fringe
What will we learn from your show that we didn’t know before?
I guess it would be the ability to talk with your mates about the climate crisis and ecological collapse down the pub or on the way home without freaking out, punching someone or fainting? Maybe remember your childhood connection to nature?
Who or what was the biggest inspiration for your show?
The Wickerman, Steel Eye Span, my partner Will and his never ending commitment to being eco, and female pilgrim clothing from the 17th century.
What’s the best review you’ve ever had, and the worst?
I think someone saying it felt unfinished when it first opened in London was a bad one. I am a very live and evolving artist, so my first few shows are like proper previews. I really take that seriously, to get to know an audience and how to entertain them… so boo to that. Best is my stepdaughter telling me I might actually be funny. She is a tough crowd.
Who or what are you most excited about seeing this year?
The Forest Fringe take over at Shedinburgh. Little Animals by Paul Ready at Traverse. Tether by Wonderfools at Summerhall. The Galloping Cure at Festival Theatre as part of Edinburgh International Festival (a new opera). I also fancy The King of All Birds as people were talking about it a lot on my recent tour to Ireland.
Who do you most like spending time with in Edinburgh?
It’s a game of two halves for me. First two weeks my kids and partner and sister are all here, so I will be seeing circus shows and playing on the Meadows. Second half gets gnarly and I will be eating out of bins with my mates Steve, Ginger and Rachel. I like laughing until I can’t breathe, so anywhere that happens.
Tell us something about you that would surprise people.
I am a keen ornithologist. I wrote the BBC's new TV drama, The Rapture. I am doing a cheeky little show of Sex Idiot (my first fringe show: 2010) in the final week!
What are the best and worst things that have happened to you at a festival?
Best has always been good reviews and awards. I know I shouldn’t say that, but those things have always counted for me! This is my job; I want to be employee of the month, I’m afraid. Worst… probably the fire alarms when I was midway through my last show: I’m a Phoenix, Bitch. Ripping me out into the street whilst mid-trauma reenactment. Yikes.
What’s the first thing you do in the morning and the last thing you do at night?
Morning: Eat Seeds. Drink water.
Night: Take magnesium. Drink sleepy tea.
Look, no-one ever said being rock'n'roll was easy lads!
Thanks for the interview! We’d like to buy you a drink. Where are we going and what are we drinking?
Anywhere witchy and I will always have a whisky.
Bryony Kimmings: Bog Witch, Traverse Theatre, various times, until 30 August. www.BryonyKimmings.com
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