This Sh*t Happens All The Time is a true story about queer love, about tummy flips and hearts skipping beats. But what if your girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend responds with murderous intent? This sexy, darkly funny and powerful one woman show exposes homophobia and coercive control to challenge the inequalities faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Who we love should never become a death threat.

Amanda Verlaque speaks on their new darkly humourous show, coming to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

---

Would you mind giving us a brief insight into what your show/event/performance is?

Hi! The show is set in the early 90s in Belfast. It’s about a young student who falls in love, and what should be a happy time takes a dangerous turn. Basically, her girlfriend has an ex-boyfriend who comes across as supportive and right-on, but it turns out that this is just an act. He is, in fact, jealous that his ex-girlfriend has moved on and is in a relationship with a woman. How he deals with it is what makes the story so dramatic, because he threatens to kill the young student to get her out of the way. That young student was me. 

Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?

I usually operate in the world of “makey-uppy”, where I can create characters and worlds, but this one is different because it’s based on real events that even now are emotional for me to think about. I chose to write it as a monologue because I felt it would lend itself to the intimacy of the piece but also to populate it with the key players who made up my world at the time. And while Catriona is on that stage on her own, she will bring to life the other characters to help tell the story.

---

How does it feel coming to the Fringe?

I’m absolutely buzzing to be bringing the show to The Fringe! I’m from Northern Ireland, but I used to live in Glasgow, and every year I’d take the train through and catch as many shows as I could. To now be in a position to have my own work staged is a dream come true. I’ve an amazing performer, Catriona McFeely and director Rhiann Jeffrey who will take my words and weave their magic! I’m most looking forward to seeing as many shows as I can and supporting as many artists as I can.

With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?

My story has a unique Northern Irish angle, with nuances that are particular to us. Yet it has a universal common denominator: a story about bigotry and how choosing to be visible can challenge hate. 

---

Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?

We all have stories in us and sometimes it’s the tough ones that have the power to change people’s minds for the better. So, I wrote my story not just for the LGBTQ+ communities across the world and our allies, but also for those who don’t yet know that they’re allies. I want audiences to enjoy the show, because while it’s a serious subject it’s also quite funny and sexy, and I want them to celebrate how LGBTQ+ visibility is the best way to stamp out bigotry. 

Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?

Oh that’s a hard one! An ideal audience is any audience member who has bought a ticket and who feels compelled to see the show. Some folk might think cos they’ve seen a show with an LGBTQ+ theme that they don’t need to see another, but believe me, every time I check out a show that deals with LGBTQ+ issues I come away moved and energised. We need to keep advocating and storytelling helps with that.

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 will of course be supporting my Northern Irish artist friends who have shows here this year:

Rose+Bud – Commedia of Errors

Shame Show and Anthem for Dissatisfaction – Skelpie Limmer Productions/Brassneck Theatre Co.

I’m also on a mission to see as many shows from all over the globe as possible!

In your ideal world, how can we improve the Fringe, performance, and the industry?

​​Do something about the eye-wateringly, bum-clenchingly expensive accommodation. It’s morally wrong.

---

---

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’