Would you mind giving us an insight into what your show/event/performance is?
Of course! Sitting (In Silence) is my multi-award-winning debut play, exploring the complexities of a father-daughter relationship set against the backdrop of a ten-day silent meditation retreat. Inspired by my own experiences, it’s a story about grief, love, generational trauma, class, and the things we struggle to say to the people we love most.
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
I’m incredibly fortunate to be working with the brilliant female producers at Terracotta Productions. Each of us has been affected by suicide in some way, and that shared experience has given the project a real sense of purpose. Throughout the process we’ve created the show with care, honesty, and a belief that conversations around suicide are more important than ever. After winning the Mid Street Lab Community Award at Brighton Fringe last year, it was essential to keep old and create new partnerships with local and nationwide suicide prevention charities such as Dad La Soul, Papyrus, Suicide Prevention Scotland and Empty Chairs.
How does it feel coming to (back to) the Fringe?
It’s honestly a dream come true. I’ve wanted to bring a show to the Edinburgh Fringe for years, and after so much research, development, and hard work, it feels surreal to finally be going. Edinburgh is such a special place, and I can’t wait to share this story with audiences from all over the world.
With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?
This show is rooted in truth, and I think audiences can feel that. At its heart it’s an intimate, emotionally rich story about family, identity, and communication. Father-daughter relationships aren’t explored nearly enough on stage, and through DAD and KID we examine generational divides, class, Irish identity, and the lasting impact of loss. While the subject matter is deeply personal, the conversations it opens up feel universal.
On that, is there anything in the production or production team’s backgrounds which influences the way the show is performed or told?
Absolutely. Several members of the creative team have Irish heritage, including actor Patrick O’Donnell, and exploring my own family’s Irish roots became a huge part of the writing process. I became fascinated by Irish migration to Kilburn and how those histories continue to shape future generations. My dad came from a working-class background, and his influence runs through every part of this play. It gave me an opportunity to explore questions around identity, class, inherited trauma, and belonging that still feel incredibly relevant today
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
Hope. Presence. And perhaps the courage to have a conversation they’ve been putting off. If audiences leave feeling a little more connected to themselves or to someone they love, then we’ve done our job.
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
Honestly, I think this is a story for everyone. We’ve had incredibly moving responses from men in their thirties and beyond who see themselves in DAD, and from younger audiences who recognise themselves in KID. If you’ve ever struggled to communicate with someone you love, or you’ve experienced grief in any form, I hope you’ll find something that resonates.
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’m putting together a proper mental health plan for the month, which feels fitting! I’ll be staying with my Aunty Joan in Portobello, so there’ll be daily sea swims, regular sauna sessions, plenty of home-cooked food, and no drinking. I’m also really looking forward to catching Heart Beats Strong at The Pleasance, Thermodrama at Summerhall, Sarah Roberts at Monkey Barrell, and Jack Rooke’s Good Grief
Sitting (In Silence) runs at Venue 26, Anatomy Lecture Theatre at Summerhall
Runs: 6th -31st August at 18:15pm
Photo credit – Michael Julings
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’