Following Summerhall Surgeries, a sold out WIP run at Vault Festival and featuring Maria Teresa Creasey (Ghostbusters, Loki, Silo, Dr. Who). Watch one woman’s outrageous attempts to defy time, gravity and death. A laugh-out-loud, youth-obsessed fever dream with a finale so cathartic it’ll make you wonder if you should get bangs or start a cult or both. Think The Very Hungry Caterpillar meets David Lynch… sort of. Developed as part of Soho Theatre Labs.
Would you mind giving us a brief insight into what your show/event/performance is?
Sure! My show’s called Degenerate — I usually call it an absurdist comedy-horror, but honestly, I’m starting to think “show/event/performance” sounds way cooler and way more accurate. Like… epic, right?
But back to the show, Degenerate’s about a woman trying to do her big solo debut hour — but nothing’s going to plan and something (or someone) keeps messing with her show. It’s part theatre, part chaos, part existential crisis.
On paper, it’s a satirical take on ageing in a culture obsessed with youth — but really, it’s just a wild ride through this ridiculous world we’re all somehow expected to survive (and ‘thrive’) in.
It’s funny, it’s weird, very silly, a bit magical, but also, creepy too. Think The Mighty Boosh doing The Substance. Or Twilight on edibles…
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
The creative team is made up of me (Maria) and the awesome Rebecca. I’m the performer — my credits range from The Globe to Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. I’m also a co-producer and the official tea drinker. I went to RCS and am an alum of Soho Theatre Labs. I also once won a 3 tiered cake tray from Waitrose on Byres Road in Glasgow that I’m not convinced I even entered. Don’t tell them.
Rebecca (aka Becky) is the director, co-producer, coffee enthusiast, and low-key genius (she won’t say it, so I will). She’s the yin to my yang, the peanut butter to my jelly, the semi-skim milk to my builder’s tea —I could go on, but I won’t.
Together, we founded our theatre company, this is not a test. We’ve been making work for about 5 years.
We’ve been devising Degenerate over the past two years through live performances across London and the South of England. It started as a tiny kernel of an idea — we thought we knew exactly what the show was going to be… until we got in the room and the show had other ideas. Rude really.
Our very professional creative process goes something like this: We get in a space with some ideas, I say/do silly things around that, then Becky acts as a sieve for my particular brand of chaos and that, my friends, is how this show was born.
How does it feel coming to the Fringe?
Can I make a confession? I lived in Glasgow for 3 years (going to RCS) and I never once went to the fringe. I know, even I can’t believe it.
Currently, I’m feeling equal parts thrilled and completely terrified — like we’re about to jump off a cliff, but in a fun, “wheeeee!” kind of way. The Fringe is basically Glastonbury for theatre and comedy, and we are so here for it. Very much our vibe.
The first time I came to Fringe was 2 years ago. We were invited to bring 10 minutes of Degenerate to Summerhall Surgeries and spent the weekend cramming 15 shows into 2 days like total maniacs. It was amazing… and also a cautionary tale. This time, we’re aiming to see shows and occasionally sleep. Or eat. Radical, I know.In short: we’re hyped, we’re a bit scared, and Edinburgh just feels like the right city to emotionally combust in public! Can’t wait.
With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?
My director Becky is shouting at me as we speak saying “Maria, you are what sets it apart! Tell them that!” but obviously I can’t say that, that would be tacky…but I mean technically, she has a point because at a cellular level..? and who in their right mind would argue with science. (Don’t answer that.)
Degenerate is a fever dream of pickles, vampires, avocadoes, a touch of film, a pinch of theatrical magic, and a killer soundtrack. We play with a high/low DIY aesthetic that we totally love. We like to call it a people-pleaser of a show — like if your existential dread put on a party hat and handed out glitter and performed the tap dance of your dreams.
Also, our show’s on at 11pm… which is when the vampires start prepping for their night and the best parties happen – obviously.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
First and foremost, I just want people to have fun! Because what are we doing this for if it’s not fun for everyone.
But also if they leave thinking that aging really is a privilege — however you choose to do it (gracefully, disgracefully, with Botox or with biscuits), because everyone is perfect. Just look in that mirror, go ahead, sneak a cheeky peek – see that, you. are. perfect.
(Also: fermentation is freedom. Let yourself pickle. Embrace your weirdness. And stop giving a sh*t. {apologies for swearing}).
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
We want the party people, the misfits, the rebels — anyone who’s ever felt like the side character in their own show. People who love alternative comedy, experimental theatre, and a good helping of silliness.
Who isn’t watching? Honestly, we’ll take anyone, but if you are looking for a word perfect rendition of Homer’s The Odyssey, contrary to popular belief this is not it.
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?
This is what I hear! I plan to sleep as much as I can and go to the beach. I love the beach and I love wearing a sweater there. I’m originally from Northern California and a cool beach is my dream.
So many shows I want to see but currently Ontroend Goed ‘Thanks for Being Here’
Song of the Goat ‘Hamlet – Wakefulness‘ – anything Elf Lyons and Zack Zucker do. All my fellow Soho Theatre Labs shows. So many good ones!!
In your ideal world, how can we improve the Fringe, performance, and the industry?
I just think make it more accessible for both performers and audiences? These are all fringe shows that are expected to function at professional levels – which seems counterintuitive and why it is harder and harder for artists to take risks. Do I know how to fix that? No. But there must be a way.
Degenerate runs at Venue 33: Pleasance Courtyard – Bunker One
Runs: July 30th – August 23rd
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