Fringe Q&As: Rebecca Perry on Doctor Who and chimpanzees

Confessions of a Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl is a show for anyone who has ever had a job they hated. Straight out of university I worked as a barista, and since it clearly wasn’t a job that was in my field, I was unhappy. Luckily I found solace in writing, and went home after every shift and wrote notes or scenarios that happened during the day about the quirky customers that came into my shop. Soon I had enough material for an entire script.  I felt like I was some sort of Jane Goodall of the urban coffee shop jungle but instead of observing chimpanzees I was observing the ins and outs of my customers. 

It’s a whimsical one woman show, which has one foot in reality and one foot in fantasy. You meet Joanie Little: feisty redhead, recent anthropology graduate, ready to take on the world! But... she's stuck working as a barista. Determined to use her vocational skills, Joanie turns her local cafe upside down, reporting on the "creatures" (customers) In her very own "Coffee Shop Jungle", with jazzy tunes, co-worker showdowns, and...maybe even a little bit of romance!

How does it feel to be playing the Fringe for the first time?

I am so excited to be bringing the show to Edinburgh. I have toured the Fringe circuit extensively in Canada and the US, and every artist that I have talked to who has participated in the Edinburgh Fringe says that it has been a life changing experience for them. I have a feeling it will be for me too. Plus it is exciting to be over here with so many other Canadians this year!

Best live act seen at Fringe?

While I was in Edmonton Fringe in Canada I saw a wonderful show called Promise & Promiscuity by Penny Ashton - it is sure to be a hit for anyone who loves Jane Austen. I really enjoyed it and am going to catch it again this year in Edinburgh. Although, my love is biased because she is also a redhead – haha, we’ve got to stick together! Gingers helping gingers!

Best thing about the Fringe?

The people and the connections you make. I have travelled across Canada and made so many friends along the way. Friends that I still keep in touch with via social media all year long and I even visit a few when I can. Plus, when you travel to a new city to do a show, and don’t know anyone, it’s so nice to know that people from a company you met at a previous Fringe might be there too.

Worst thing about the Fringe?

Not getting enough sleep because you’re just having too much fun, making new friends, seeing so many shows and let’s face it – enjoying a good drink at the various fringe bars!

If you were not a performer what would you be doing?

I’m excellent at arguing any point I believe in, so I think I’d make a fairly good lawyer! I’d have to be a human rights lawyer or an eco lawyer – I couldn’t handle fighting for someone I knew was guilty of something horrible.

What do your family think of your show?

My family has been incredibly supportive of my work. Whenever I have done a show in Toronto, my mother, father and sister always attend. Also, it was so nice to recently perform my show in my hometown of Brampton, Ontario; when my family came once again to give support.  Plus they know some of the coffee shop customers I speak about, since I was roommates with my sister when I worked as a barista – they always have a giggle when I imitate my boss like he is a Gorilla during the show.

How do you combat pre-show nerves?

For every festival, I pick two specific songs to play in the dressing room that I use to pump me up and I also do ridiculous vocal warm-ups to said songs. Picture me meowing like a cat to an 80’s power jam.

Worst on stage experience?

Before my last show at the Saskatoon Fringe Festival some kids broke into our venue (which we were told was secure) and stole half of my props, including my laptop, which had all sound cues and backing tracks on it. So I had 20 minutes before a show to figure out what to do. We used the remnants of the set, I sang my songs acapella and I even did some of my own sound cues. The audience laughed quite a bit because it was clear how hard I was working onstage.

What do you love about Scotland?

What don’t I love about Scotland? It’s not enough that you seem to have the best selection of cider, mead & cheese in the world, you also have the world’s largest arts festival.

What do you like about Edinburgh?

I haven’t been there yet, but I’ve hear there’s lots of delicious food and great indie coffee shops so I am excited to check out the coffee culture and nosh during the festival. I am also excited to be in a city so rich in history! I will definitely be walking everywhere to soak it all in.

What’s the most Scottish thing you’ve done?

Today, a friend took me to afternoon tea at The Butterfly and the Pig in Glasgow. They had the most delicious scones with clotted cream and that night we went to a pub where I had delicious veggie haggis! I think that’s a fairly Scottish day, eh?

Who’s your favourite Scottish performer?

David Tennant. Not only is he the best Doctor, the man can perform Shakespeare like it’s second nature, and then turn around and play the bad guy in Harry Potter! Also, Broadchurch is my favourite TV show at the moment – what an emotional rollercoaster.  So yeah, all hail king David.

Rebecca Perry will perform at the Gilded Balloon today.