Trish Lyons, who got married in the Assembly Rooms Club Bar last year is bringing her one woman show Buzz to the Assembly Rooms.
It is a true story of how her life was shattered by a series of tragic events and how she recovered.
Tell us about your show. Why should we go and see it?
BUZZ is a stand-up tragedy. It is the true story of an artist who is stalked and then witnesses a suicide and ends up in a mental institution. She overcomes these tragedies with wit, grit and the power of art. It will make you laugh and it will make you cry.
It is ultimately a story of the power of the spirit in conquering life’s challenges because we are greater than our tragedies.
What is your favourite thing about your show?
At one point I don a flesh tone latex masks that radically changes my appearance. The audience reaction is at once horrified and fascinated. It is a compelling experience for performer and audience alike.
Do you have a Fringe idol?
Each and every performer here. My background is in visual art and performance is a wildly different form of production. It takes tremendous cognitive power to memorize lines, great discipline to conserve energy for the performance, incredible stamina to do the performance and real faith in the process as you sometimes perform in front of only a handful of people.
What three words best describe your performance style – and why?
Not acting acting. The performance style is very casual and conversational. I learned this from my director, Lee Brock who is an incredible actor and director. She is also the co-founder and Artistic Director of the NYC based acting and writing school The Barrow Group whose style can best be described as fly on the wall documentary style but for theatre, film and television.
Who are you looking forward to seeing in Edinburgh?
I love clowning so I’ll make a point of seeing Elf Lyons’ The Bird Trilogy. I want to see Julia Masli’s Hahahahaha again. Both these performers are pure originals. Their work is witty, unnerving, smart and touching.
What do you hope to achieve in Edinburgh – what are your hopes and dreams?
A good night’s sleep. It is so charged here that it is difficult to get shut eye.
What are the biggest obstacles you face as a performer at the Fringe?
I suffer from panic and my body confuses pre-show nerves for panic. I am trying to teach my body the difference so part of my motivation for doing this show is therapeutic.
What do you hope the audience will take away after an hour in your company?
Hope, pure and simple.
How do you plan to relax and recharge when not on stage?
A hot shower, a walk in The Meadows and a delicious poke bowl at Bowls on Forrest Rd.
What is your idea of a perfect Fringe day?
As a punter my perfect day involves taking in three shows; clowning/comedy, drama, dance, it’s like medicine – three times a day – and in between lots of lively banter and good food and wine. As a performer my perfect day involves walking through the script, walking to The Assembly Rooms, checking my props and giving my all in the performance followed by some visits with any friends that have come to the show an early dinner and to bed.
Buzz, Front Room at Assembly Rooms, 15.30. until August 24
