Hellraising poets and Fringe veterans Leyla Josephine (Hopeless, Daddy Drag) and Colin Bramwell (Umbrella Man) present GUBSMACKED, a brand-spanking new live event showcasing the best of writing in all its magical forms. Debuting exclusively at the Summerhall Fringe 2023, audiences will be treated to performances from both up-and-coming talent and luminaries from the worlds of page, stage and song.
Would you mind giving us a brief insight into what your show is?
We are launching a brand new spanking night called GUBSMACKED at Summerhall this August. We are Leyla Josephine and Colin Bramwell, and GUBSMACKED is Scotland’s newest riotous live event: a showcase of writing in all its magical forms, for dreamers, hedonists, bashful cats and loudmouthed dogs alike.
Tell us about the creative team and process involved?
We are good pals with a passion for poetry and good times. After covid we noticed a lot of our favourite nights in Scotland (Neu! Reekie! & Sonnet Youth) were taking a break and we wanted to create something to fill the void. We’ve booked some of our favourite poets, comedians, musicians, MCs, rappers, and clowns to entertain our audiences
How does it feel coming to the Fringe?
The pressure is off, we’re really excited to be making a platform for others rather than standing on rainy corners, outside Greggs, promoting ourselves (no offence). We love the Fringe, being exposed yearly to some of the best creative voices is so lucky and we’re looking forward to being part of the buzz again this year.
There are over 3,000 shows at the Fringe. So, what sets your show apart?
We’re class and they’re not – just kidding. We are doing something really different, every night will be creative overload with surprises at every corner. We’re passionate about elevating Scottish writers during the Fringe as sometimes they’re lost within the chaos of visiting acts. We can guarantee that every performance will be totally different to the next, so you’re always going to find something you enjoy. It’s a great place to find new artists to fall in love with and familiar to revisit.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping for the audience to take away?
Nah, we just hope they have a good ‘ole time. That’s the beauty of showcases, they are totally unpredictable and uncontrollable – our job is just to put the art in front of the audiences and let the magic happen all by itself.
Your ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t there…
The nodding dog from the old Churchill adverts, all Kardashians, the guy who said ‘what a sad little life jane’ on Come Dine with Me, Flubber, Colin’s wife, a few of Leyla’s failed Hinge dates, the SNP caravan, Tom’s Cruise’s middle tooth, someone from Creative Scotland, William Butler Yeats, and the entire cast of Blazin Squad.
It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you intend to see or want to recommend?
Leyla is planning to relax by spending most of the Fringe in Glasgow, Colin will be drinking Pina Coladas at Paradise Palms in a straw hat and reading Spare by Prince Harry
In your ideal world, how can we improve the world of the Fringe, of performance, and the industry?
Pay more people, including us, so we can pay more people.
