The Ed Fringe has began! In this Heading to the Fringe interview I speak to Pillock Writer and Star, Jordan Tweddle.
What is ‘Pillock’ about?
Pillock is my new solo show, premiering at this years Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and it follows my experiences of being queer and living with ADHD. I like to call it a coming-of-age remix. It’s about loneliness and what we’re willing to do to feel or find love, it’s about home and what the word means, it’s a honest and raw nosedive into queerness, the complexities of living with ADHD and navigating relationships with it.
What would you say were the major influences that inspired you to write the show? And why?
They say write what you know, right? So that’s what I did. I’ve always wanted to make a solo show and felt like I had so much to say. I was working at Theatre by the Lake when I first had the idea with the wonderful Lee Mattinson and Kieran Sheehan, and after one too many wines I told them about it, and they really encouraged me to do it and I guess now here we are.
The subject matter of the show covers subjects people find hard to talk about. What do you want the audience to feel or take away after seeing the show?
I wanted to focus on the story here, that’s what took precedence for me, It’s about my lived experience of being queer with ADHD, and that of course involves some difficult conversations. But I don’t think we should ever be scared to hold space for that.
If the audience leave feeling something, anything, then I’ve done my job. But hopefully they leave with even a smidge of understanding of the ADHD experience.
While you have also written the show, you also perform in it too. What is the best part of writing and performing in your own show? But also, what challenges does this create?
I think as actors we’re always looking for the way in, in terms of where we as individuals sit within a character and how can we access that. So I think there’s something really exciting about actors who write, because they take a part of themselves into that process and are conscious of that from the very first draft.
In terms of challenges, it can be difficult separating the writer from the actor in the rehearsal room at times. I really just wanted to focus on being an actor within that rehearsal space. We’d always call a coffee break if we needed to talk about anything dramaturgy wise, which was really helpful in terms of separating those different hats I have to wear.
What has been the most challenging and exciting part in the writing process?
I really enjoyed playing with structure and form, and experimenting to find the rhythms and qualities of ADHD within that.
What advice would you give to any writers who maybe don’t know how to start putting their work out there?
I’ve never been one to do things by halves, ‘all or nothing’ is very much an ADHD trait. Surround yourself with a great support network, people you know and trust. Then just throw yourself in the deep end and go for it. What’s the worst that can happen?
How does it feel to be taking your show to The Fringe? And what are you most looking forward to?
I’m really looking forward to being back at Edinburgh Fringe and going for the first time with my own show, it’s such a buzz. There’s so many shows I want to see and I can find wait to be surrounded by so many talented artists and watch their work.
Can you give us 3 reasons why people should see ‘Pillock’ at this year's Fringe?
It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and support queer and neurodiverse artists.
Favourite part of the show?
The opening sequence of the show is so much fun to play with, thoughts and ideas spin and turn on a sixpence. Complimented with a beautiful score from the sensational Pierre Flasse.
Describe the show in one sentence or 3 words.
Funny, fast, full-of-heart. That counts as three, right?
Pillock Plays at the Edinburgh Fringe until Monday 26th of August, with Relaxed performances on the 8th and 15th at the Assembly (Front Room).
Comments