Beyond Krapp’ Fringe Diary
February 2019
It’s my turn to present at an English tutorial on Modernism. I haven’t done any of the reading. ‘Krapp’s Last Tape’ by Samuel Beckett is the shortest work on the reading list, so I give that a go. It’s quite grim. I cry. I get a 2.2 in my presentation, but Krapp stays with me.
September 2022
I start drama school at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Wanted to go to RADA but didn’t get in. This will have to do. Also, what is a Gregg’s?
March 2022
Meghan Tyler convinces me to write a play. I am still haunted by ‘Krapp’s Last Tape.’ I write a piece inspired by the fear that it raises in me about not being open to love. I write thirteen minutes, perform it, and go home with a girl in the audience. I think I’ll write more.
August 2022
Mabel Thomas performs ‘Sugar’ at the Edinburgh Fringe. It’s very good. I wonder if I could do something like that. Maybe people would like to go home with me again if I do. I decide to look into it.
September 2022
Jesus the Fringe is expensive.
September 2023
Grandma has died. I’m sad.
October 2023
Grandma has left money. I am happy.
September 2023
Perhaps I could do the Fringe…
January 2024
I apply to many venues with an application that implies I am a talented and established writer. Many venues see through this. The Pleasance does not. Fools.
March 2024
Pleasance is taking all my money. Ah well… People seem excited about this show that I keep talking about. I start writing about a man who is dead and fails to understand what it means to love and be loved. Most of the jokes are about masturbation.
April 2024
I now have an Instagram. And a Twitter. Instagram makes me consider buying Ozempic. Twitter suggests I follow Andrew Tate. I don’t like it here.
May 2024
I have a poster for the show. Still no show, but the poster is cool. A girl says it makes me look like Paul Mescal. This girl is now my girlfriend.
June 2024
I perform some of the show to an audience of ‘creatives’ in Glasgow. Most have septum piercings. Afterwards, a handsome man named Ben offers to direct it. I’m sceptical because he is English. He says he knows people ‘in the industry.’ I think this might be a euphemism for something, but I cautiously agree. The masturbation jokes have gotten worse, but the story about only wanting love on your own terms is starting to get pretty good. I’m already getting lots of messages on Instagram from girls in Russia who say they are excited to see it. I have sent them money for travel via Western Union and am looking forward to meeting them.
July 2024
This Fringe thing is getting close. I finish the script. It’s good. Lots of people are now involved, including some actors who are kinda big deals. I’m worried because I need to pay them, but Natalya took all my money and I haven’t heard anything more from her about coming over to see my show. Rehearsals are fun. Lots of warm up games, very little rehearsing. I go home to Dublin to tell my mother that she is a key character in the show. She is excited. She shouldn’t be. Most of the masturbation jokes are about her. The tone of the show is Brian Friel meets Miranda Hart, all within the world of Beckett. My PR people came up with that. I can’t wait.
About the show
Date(s): Jul 31 Aug 1-12, 14-18, 20-26
Time(s): 13:45 (1 hour)
Location: Pleasance Courtyard – Cellar
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