At Bet On It Youth Theatre, aspiring actors will do anything to climb the ladder of success. Teachers and students alike believe in taking the work seriously. They also believe in taking themselves seriously. Prepare to get serious. Returning after sell-out Edinburgh Fringe shows in 2023, join writer-performers Charlotte Anne-Tilley (Almost Adult) and Mabel Thomas (Sugar) for big egos, emotional outbursts and a whole lot of drama in this unmissable character-driven satire.
Would you mind giving us a brief insight into what your show is?
“Serious Theatre from Serious People” is inspired by the serious folks we’ve all met in the world of serious theatre. We play members of Wincle’s “Bet On It” youth theatre. And as you know, nothing is more high-stakes than youth theatre. It’s a joyous romp of a character comedy that will make you laugh and will not make you cry.
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
Written by Charlotte Anne-Tilley, an award-winning writer, actor, and producer from Cheshire. Her debut solo show “Almost Adult” received huge critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe last year, and her short film “Birthday” was selected for various European film festivals. The story was produced and edited by Mabel Thomas, an award-winning writer and actor from Atlanta, Georgia. Her debut solo show “SUGAR” received the EdFringe Review Editor’s Pick award and a host of 5-star reviews.
Mabel: We met at the Fringe in 2022, became friends, and are now bringing our first comedy two-hander together! We’ve had an unconventional writing and rehearsal process, collaborating from different continents—me in the US and Charlotte in the UK. Lots of Zoom sessions, internet rabbit holes, and late-night messages. We’re thrilled to finally be in the same room and rehearse with Liv Ello. Zoom fatigue is real.
How does it feel coming to the Fringe?
Charlotte: I’m buzzing to be heading back to Fringe. This will be my first time doing two shows at Fringe! (I am also taking new writing show, Oh, Calm Down to Summerhall). Though, I imagine I will be pretty tired, I am really excited to test my versatility and tell two very different stories throughout the Fringe.
Mabel: I’m so excited to be doing a two-hander! Coming from a solo-show background, it’s reassuring to have another performer on your team to ride the Fringe rollercoaster with. I feel lucky to work with Charlotte—she’s a great writer/performer and has a wonderful talent for bringing people together. My goal this Fringe is to ride the wave, see as much theatre as possible, and make loads of new friends! I’m also excited to revisit my favorite restaurants (shoutout to Ting Thai Caravan and Piemaker, you have my heart).
There are over 3,000 shows at the Fringe. So, what sets your show apart?
STFSP is our love letter to the Fringe and theatre communities. Come spend a joyous hour with us.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
We hope they take home one of our “Get serious about the Fringe” custom badges. They’re super cute.
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
Mabel: Let me paint you a picture: we emerge from backstage to take our bows and give our curtain speech. In the front row, we see Nina Gold (Star Wars/Game of Thrones casting director), Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Emperor of Fringe), Francesca Moody (iconic producer behind Fleabag and Baby Reindeer), and all of my Fringe crushes. They throw roses onstage and insist on taking us out for drinks at the Balmoral before offering us TV deals that forever change our lives. One of my priorities this Fringe is setting realistic goals for myself.
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?
A good scream into a pillow is always useful to release some pent-up Fringe angst. In all seriousness, mindset is crucial. My first Fringe was an amazing adventure, but I focused inward too much. This year, Instead of obsessing over my own reviews and ticket sales, I want to prioritize celebrating my friends’ shows and making new connections. Let’s be friends! We’re especially excited to see:
“We Forgive You, Patina Pataznik” by Jake and Liv, 6:20pm at Gilded Balloon Penny
“Wyld Woman: The Legend of Shy Girl” by Isabel Renner and Cameron King, 4:00pm at Assembly Rooms (Drawing Room)
“Always Aphrodite,” 4:15pm at Underbelly Cowgate
“Good Girl,” 10:00pm at Dovecot Studios
“Lady ADHD,” 1:35pm at Zoo Playground
“Beyond Krapp” by Peter McCormack, 1:45pm at Pleasance Courtyard Cellar
“The Grim” by Edmund Morris, 1:15pm at Underbelly Bristo Square Dexter
In your ideal world, how can we improve the Fringe, performance, and the industry?
We’d love to see more initiatives like the “Keep It Fringe Fund” and diversity incentives. The cost criticisms of the Fringe are valid, and the festival and the community it creates are far too precious to be lost because it became too expensive for emerging artists.
Interested in being featured on our Have a Gander page? With many previews and Q&As lined up, we’re always happy to chat about including your show in future articles. Please do get in touch through the contact page to feature in an upcoming ‘Have A Gander’