This brand-new interactive show sees performer Sarah-Louise Young celebrate the enduring legacy of Bob Ross, the big-hearted TV painter who brought art and a philosophy of “happy accidents” into the living rooms of millions. Directed by Ali James and featuring original music, the production explores love, grief, and creativity, offering a joyful tribute to an unlikely icon and his timeless message.
Would you mind giving us an insight into what your show/event/performance is?
‘The Bob Ross Effect’ is a joyous theatrical celebration of kindness, community and one man’s mission to prove that there is an artist hidden in the bottom of every single one of us. Whether you’re a fan of Bob Ross or not, our show aims to lift your spirits and touch your heart.
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
I knew I wanted to paint a picture during the show but I hadn’t much experience! So first I approached my friend Sioned Jones, who directed my show, ‘The Silent Treatment’. Thanks to Poole Lighthouse’s Sanctuary Scheme we had a week in a rehearsal space to mess about with paints and play with story ideas.
Next I teamed up director Ali James and composer Jordan Paul Clarke, who I knew from my 10 year with ‘Showstopper! The Improvised Musical’. Although we’d improvised musicals together loads, we had never written together before. From day one of rehearsals it felt like coming home. A combination of our shared history, friendship and Ali and Jordan’s incredible talent, turned my initial story into something deeper and more multi-layered. Suddenly we had a mini musical on our hands!
Whilst Jordan worked with live musicians to make our backing tracks, our next collaborator to find was our animator, the brilliant Andrew Pugsley, who also happens to be from… ‘Showstopper!’ Suddenly we were having a reunion. Artistic Director Dylan Emery is even playing guitar on some of the tracks.
Finally we had to create Bob’s ‘look’. I spend much of the show talking as myself but I do ‘Bob-Up’ on three occasions, so I approached make-up, hair and wig expert, Johanna Nielsen, to help me create the image you see on the poster AND find a way to quick change in and out of it on stage.
What started as me on my own, has become a real team effort. Everyone who has worked on the show, including our producers at Suzanna Rosenthal Productions, has brought their own special magic. I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved.
How does it feel coming to (back to) the Fringe?
This year is my 30th anniversary of first coming to the Fringe as a student back in 1996! I can hardly believe it. I’ve seen a lot of changes over that time but for me it’s still an important place to take creative risks, try new things and be inspired by other artists.
I take a special interest in seeing as many solo shows as I can, and will be hosting an annual support drop-in for anyone performing at the fringe alone. It’s on at Fringe Central, supported by the Edinburgh Fringe Society, on 12th August 12-2pm.
With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?
Every show which comes to the Fringe has its own unique voice. Different productions of the same play are never the same. But I hope our vibrant mix of spoken word, original songs, puppetry, live painting and animation give audiences something really satisfying to enjoy. Preview audiences have told us it made them feel both joyful and moved, and they are the most important people to please, so I am very glad to know our story touched and entertained them.
On that, is there anything in the production or production team’s backgrounds which influences the way the show is performed or told?
I’ve been working in theatre and especially cabaret for the past three decades so I bring a lot of improv and in-the-room instinct with me. No two shows should ever feel exactly the same because no two audiences are ever the same.
In my previous piece, ‘An Evening Without Kate Bush’, I collected stories at the start of the show from fans and wove them into the narrative. In ‘The Bob Ross Effect’ I’m giving audiences an opportunity to pick up a crayon and draw along if they want to. There’s no pressure to participate but my hope is that people feel inspired to have a go and feel proud of themselves afterwards. If you don’t think you can draw, then ‘The Bob Ross Effect’ is definitely for you. As Bob Ross taught us, it’s all about the joy of taking part.
I’m also paying homage to a dear friend of mine who had a massive impact on my life. Edinburgh Fringe icon, Lynn Ruth Milller, who sadly passed away a few years ago. She was an artist and a stand-up comic, famously picking up a microphone for the first time at 70! I wanted to find a way to honour her legacy, along with my passion for all things Bob Ross.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
Theatre can be a wonderfully uniting and communal thing. When so much of the world is in conflict and we are often encouraged to define ourselves by our differences, I hope audiences will feel part of something warm and inclusive where our human spirit is celebrated, whether you consider yourself and artist or not.
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
Someone who loves a great story and is open to something a bit different… we’re on at 4.05pm so I doubt we will be visited by the late night drinking crowd. We are more of a ‘cup of tea and a biscuit’ kind of show.
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 always say, Edinburgh is a marathon not a sprint. So I don’t drink alcohol and try to eat well and get out into nature when I can. A trip to Portobello beach and a stroll in the Botanical Gardens are always on my To Do list.
I’m super excited to see Elf Lyons’ new show, ‘Elf Lyons is The Woman On The Edge’ and catch Jess Robinson’s ‘Elton Reimagined’ which is in the same venue as me – the Piccolo – gorgeous!. And if I can get a ticket, of course, I’ll be supporting my ‘Showstopper!’ gang for sure!
The Bob Ross Effect will run at Venue 3, Piccolo Tent at Assembly George Square Gardens
Runs: August 5th – August 31st at 16.05pm
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