There are plenty of crimes going on at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, I mean, have you seen the price of a baked spud?
But how about a true crime which was solved in eight minutes? Well, now we have your interest. Returning this Summer with Charlie Hartill Award finalist Pleading Stupidity, the critically acclaimed ensemble group Maybe You Like It will be holding up at the Pleasance Dome with this fast-paced and verbatim piece of comedy.
Designed for those who love comedy but feel the theatre isn’t entirely for them, Pleading Stupidity follows the real-life events of the ‘Dumb and Dumber Bandits’ who decide to take selfies, complete with name badges, with their stolen cash in the back of a bribed taxi. It follows the lives of those impacted by the theft and eventual prosecution and offers a space for their voices to ring out.
Would you mind giving us a brief insight into what your show is?
We’re Maybe You Like It – we make fast-paced shows that pack big stories and big laughs into neat packages.
This show is based on the true story of two Aussie boys’ calamitous bank robbery whilst on their gap year, and the people left behind in their wake. It is full of energy with loads of multi-roling, ridiculous situations and a constantly evolving story.
Tell us about the creative team and process involved?
We’re a group of creatives that have been creating comedy together since we met at university in 2018. We’ve been working on this show for three years now and it has been a process of constantly changing and reworking the script to make it as funny and compelling as possible.
We work very collaboratively whilst developing our characters and refining our jokes so that every voice comes through in the show you’ll see. We draw on improvisation, sketch comedy, and film/TV to create something recognisable but unique in its comedy.
For this Fringe, our creative team has grown as we’ve brought on board some incredible designers to bring the world of the show to life in set and sound.
How does it feel to be returning to the Fringe?
After four years away, we could not be more excited to return to the Fringe. We have grown so much as a company and as artists during that time and we’ve created a show that really captures our voice as a collective. We just can’t wait to show it to audiences as eclectic as the ones you find in Edinburgh.
We’re also mostly excited to be at the Fringe to be inspired by all the amazing work that can be seen there. More on that later…
There are over 3,000 shows at the Fringe. So, what sets your show apart?
This show is like a movie. It never dwells on one setting or one moment longer than it needs to. It is cinematic in its scope of storytelling and action… and it’s funny! It is truly made for people that love comedy, that love movies and TV but that maybe haven’t given theatre a chance yet.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping for the audience to take away?
Aching cheeks and split sides. Beyond that, the show asks questions about having agency in our own stories. It think they’ll struggle to come away without pondering that.
Your ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t there…
We make this show for people our age, in their early twenties (and a bit either side), that aren’t really fussed by the idea of long dramatic monologues or 3-hour staged debates. So our choice audience is full of young people finding out what the live theatrical experience can do for them and sharing in the fun and chaos we’re creating.
As to who isn’t there… I don’t think that’s for us to say. We think what we’ve got is great and I like to think that pretty much anyone else will too.
It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you’re intending on seeing or want to recommend?
Our day off is 15th August and, as someone that lives and works in Cornwall, I will be finding my way to the nearest beach for a swim! But for the most part, time off will be seeing shows, meeting new friends, and becoming fans of other companies and shows.
Some shows we’re already fans of and can’t wait to see this summer are firstly a whole bunch of our fellow Charlie Hartill Finalists that will be on at the Pleasance. Burning Down the Horse from Fishing4Chips promises to be hilarious and is absolutely our vibe. We also can’t wait to see the full show of Bampots from Haud Yer Wheesht Theatre – their energy and stage presence is inspiring.
Will BF is on at Underbelly and having seen a snippet of his act at our recent fundraiser, we can’t wait to see more. He is so funny, so silly, and such a distinct voice.
We can’t wait to get back to seeing some theatre at Summerhall. The HOTTER and FITTER duo, Mary Higgins and Ell Potter, will be there with The Last Show Before We Die and we can’t wait to see their follow up to two brilliant shows.
In your ideal world, how can we improve the world of the Fringe, of performance, and the industry?
This is a huge question! I have a lot of thoughts that will take up way too much space. I think the big thing that will improve the Fringe and the wider industry is inviting people into this world and seeking out new voices to point the way to change.
