Tell us about your show. Why should we go and see it?
Fire Snake is my usual mixture of wild adventures and left wing politics. So if you love adventure and hate the Tories…to be honest you probably already know where it is!
What are your hopes and dreams for the Fringe?
I think over the years I’ve learned that setting expectations for the Fringe is a fool’s game. My plan is just to work hard and see what comes of it.
What three words best describe your performance style – and why.
Clever, energetic and factually accurate
How will your audience think/feel differently after an hour in your company?
Well that’s exactly what my shows are about, new ideas, new ways of looking at things. This year I’ve been thinking a lot about how different things are around the world and how much we can gain my looking for the best ideas from elsewhere ad helping ourselves. So I’ve got some ideas from Australia, France, Jordan
The cost of living is a big issue this year – will it make this Fringe more challenging?
Ok so first up it’s not a “cost of living”. The idea that it’s too expensive to be alive is a nonsense. The planet has more than enough resources for everyone to live and actually to live well. The cost we are paying is the cost of greed. Resources hoarded by mega-corporates and billionaires. That’s what needs challenging. And yes of course it will put my costs up and bring my bucket donations down.
What do you predict will emerge as the big themes of this year.
Racism and sexism. I mean not in my show, quite the opposite, my show as ever is not he side of truth and justice. But seriously, I think fascist views are on the rise in our culture and the “anti-woke” brigade are not only bolder than ever but hiding in plain sight at every turn.
What is your idea of a perfect Fringe moment?
That’s what my late show Late With Kate, is all about. its not a show, it’s a cult, the same people come every night. There are always magical moments. Audience members who contribute in some way, games that emerge from the chat, people’s unbelievable fringe stories.
Kate Smurthwaite: Fire Snake
19:40
Banshee Labyrinth
August 25-27
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/kate-smurthwaite-fire-snake
Late with Kate
Midnight
Canon’s Gait
August 25 – 27
