1993, Mum won’t let Alice go to Funderland because Belfast is burning. ‘How about Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves and Chinese chicken balls instead?’ 2023, Alice falls for Tim, but can she escape the legacy of a childhood shaped by conflict or will everything blow-up in her face? A tale of love, death and division – told with tea and biscuits. Troubled blends story, projection and humour, reckoning with the past and offering hope for the future.
Would you mind giving us a brief insight into what your show/event/performance is?
Troubled is a semi-autobiographical solo show about love and division and the power of human connection – served with tea and biscuits.
This is Alice’s journey. From being a wee girl growing up during the Troubles, to being an adult who is still wrestling with that past and its impact on her parents, her relationships and her mental health. She’s searching for peace within herself, but how can you find peace when you only know division?
Troubled is a story of renewed hope, and a reminder that things really can change. Where I come from (Belfast), story is really important and so is hospitality. My Mum always said ‘tell your story, tell it well, and for heaven’s sake don’t bore‘, so that’s always in the back of my mind! There’s buckets of twisted Northern Irish gallows humour, movement, great tunes and even a wee puppet show. At the same time, we have found footage of the Troubles and projection which really evokes the feel of ‘way back then’.
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
When i started writing Troubled I definitely didn’t know I was writing a show. I simply wanted to get some thoughts out of my head and onto paper. And as I continued, I found that these fragments and bits of writing started to form a story. As part of a wonderful group mentored by Haley McGee at her Solo Makers lab, I began to think the idea could have legs.
I shared these bits with Amie (Burns Walker) who I’d known for a long time, and together we set about the process of getting public funding to develop the idea and also began a relationship with Rachael Halliwell (our producer). It’s taken us about 5 years in all, and we have had a lot of amazing organisations and people support us along the way. This year, our wonderful executive producers Roisin Gallagher and Patrick Handley came on board, and that has really elevated the work. This might be a solo show, but there are so many people behind the scenes making stuff happen.
How does it feel coming to the Fringe?
Coming to the fringe has been a dream since 2013 and one I wasn’t sure would be possible due to health and life challenges. The fact that I am in a position where performing is a reality feels like a huge achievement in itself. I’m daunted by the amount to do, but then on the other hand, I feel excited to be part of this big, fizzy, dynamic thing.
With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?
A freebie tea and a biscuit- you can’t beat traditional Northern Irish hospitality! This show looks at the very real impact of growing up in a divided household, in a divided city at a divided time and the impact on a person, their health and their relationships. This show is semi-autobiographical and is an honest exploration of the impact of division. It’s heartfelt, devastating, and also a joyful depiction of moving beyond your past.
The Troubles are a very recent part of history and aren’t often discussed in mainland Britain – it’s time for this conversation to happen.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
A feeling of being cared for for an hour in the midst of this crazy maelstrom. A warm sense that they are not alone in the world and have had a connecting experience with the other people in the audience. A feel of hope for the future.
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
Her sainted holiness, Sharon Horgan, is watching.
My ex-boyfriends are not.
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?
I am staying at a friend’s in Musselburgh, beside the beach. I’ll be there with my friend’s two dogs – Rufus and Hamish. I love dogs. My happy places are the cinema, in nature and also Hotpod Yoga (the gentle class where you lie on the floor – not the hard one where you sweat buckets).
Shows I’d recommend are:
Skelpie Limmer – Anthem for Dissatisfaction @Summerhall. Love this lively company.
Amanda Verlaque – This Sh*t Happens All the time @Assembly George Sq – queer love story by a fantastic writer
Paines Plough – Consumed @traverse – winner of Women’s Prize for Playwriting
Haley McGee – Age is a Feeling, Tim Crouch – My Arm, James Rowland – Songs of the Heart Trilogy @shedinburgh – classic Edinburgh quality work
How to Win against History – produced by Francesca Moody, love Seiriol Davies and Matt Blake combo @underbelly
Eleanor Higgins – Wanted @Underbelly – she’s a really excited writer building on the success of In PurSuet – her first smash show.
The Queen is Mad – by Mc Grath and Tasker @Zoo Southside – a new musical that has tones of Six.
In your ideal world, how can we improve the Fringe, performance, and the industry?
Probably what I’m about to say isn’t a surprise. ££££££££
The tourism and an industry for a capital city is built on the backs of artists who are risking and enduring significant financial hurdles in order to get the work on and delight audiences. The fringe is especially inaccessible for those who don’t have a financial safety net or come from privilege. I can’t overstate the impact of holding that stress.
With the wider ecology – support artists, value artists, especially freelancers. Afford artists the support and respect that they are given in other countries such as France and Germany. The arts bring in so much money to the economy vs the size of government investment made. Let’s champion and continually highlight that large return on investment which contributes to UK ‘soft’ power.
Troubled runs at Venue 26: Anatomy Lecture Theatre at Summerhall
Photo credit: Rich Lakos
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’