Mayor Max follows a UK playwright who travels to a California mountain town with the singular goal of meeting its elected four-legged leader—a golden retriever. This eccentric documentary-theatre piece charts the unbelievable political rise of an unlikely underdog, delivering a heartwarming exploration of community, healing, and the power of unconditional love.

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

‘Meet Mayor Max’ is the true story of a dog who became the Mayor of a town! It’s a show about community, healing and unconditional love.

Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?

Alex Robins (me!) is the writer and performer. Jon Nash is the director, he joined the project when it received a seed commission from Exeter Northcott Theatre’s Elevate programme. James Rowland is the dramaturg, he joined for the final R&D before preview performances at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.

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How does it feel coming to (back to) the Fringe?

This is my first time taking a show to the Fringe! It’s only possible thanks to the support I have received over the past year from The Pleasance and Theatre Royal Plymouth as part of the Edinburgh National Partnerships programme.

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

Because this show could change your life. Meeting Mayor Max changed mine.

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On that, is there anything in the production or production team’s backgrounds which influences the way the show is performed or told?

‘Meet Mayor Max’ marks both my first solo-show and first venture into documentary-theatre. It’s a story close to my heart which I have spent years developing with the townspeople of Idyllwild, California.

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

I hope the audience will leave with a renewed sense of purpose.

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

Ideally, dogs. Cats? Not so much.

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’ll be heading out for walkies whenever I can – and hopefully earn a treat or two.

I’ll recommend another show that Theatre Royal Plymouth is supporting at the Fringe : ‘Badgers’! Interestingly, both shows are set in small towns and feature important animals at the heart of their stories. Try them as a double bill!

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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’