Would you mind giving us an insight into what your show/event/performance is?
Mortal Sin is a coming of age story set in 1963. It follows Peggy and Colm as they plan a protest in honour of JFK in their tiny rural Irish village of Cundannon. They’re a pair of misfits in the town who dream of better and that ends up getting them in a bit of trouble… especially with Sister Assumpta! Ultimately, it’s a story of friendship, shame, and challenging the powers that be.
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
The plot itself stems from a story my mum told me after a few red wines with my aunt. She remembered a group of children in her village trying to get a day off school after JFK was assassinated. They had gotten a day off for the pope so they thought why not for the American president!? I suppose it’s a fictionalised version of real events!
It began as a work in progress showing in Dublin in Scene and Heard. A full length version was then produced at Bewleys Theatre in Dublin for 3 weeks, followed by a second two week run in The Viking Theatre. We sold out both runs which we were delighted with!
Issey and I had spent a lot of drama school paired together so I this is really just a natural progression. I’d been a fan of Lee’s for ages and was thrilled he came on board. We saw Jenny’s set for another show called The Hare, and knew she’d be perfect!
How does it feel coming to (back to) the Fringe?
I’ve only ever been as a punter, so coming back with a show, especially with the support of Culture Ireland, feels very special.
With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?
It’s a niche story with a heart that’s universal. While Mortal Sin is set in 1960s Ireland, it engages directly with contemporary themes including queer youth, gender roles, protest culture, and personal identity. It’s also just a lot of craic!
On that, is there anything in the production or production team’s backgrounds which influences the way the show is performed or told?
It’s an Irish production with an all Irish team. It’s a queer story with a queer writer. Can’t get more authentic than that!
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
How far we have progressed socially, and how dangerous it is that that pendulum seems to be swinging back to where it once was. And a few wet tissues – bring the kleenex!
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
Micheala Coel, Joanne McNally, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Edna O’Brien, Oscar Wilde, and Martin McDonnagh… and Ariana Grande, why 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?
Our accommodation has a gym (very swit swoo, i know) so I plan to make that my chill quiet time. After that though, I want to embrace the madness – that’s what fringe is all about! Ursula Rani Sarma is doing a work in progress that clashes with Mortal Sin which is devastating – a monologue from The Spider Men pretty much got me into acting.
I can’t wait to see Good with Faces, Aoife Dunne’s set, and I’m trying to score a ticket to Wanging on Live!
Mortal Sin runs at Venue 14, Wee Room at Gilded Balloon Teviot
Runs: 5th – 31st August at 12:20pm
Photo credit – Daniel Byrne
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’