Hold the Front Page 3 - Feeling it at Buxton Fringe

Pepita Productions/ Sweet Productions: Zeit-Heist: More than a Feeling 

Press releases from our performers offer fascinating extra details about their shows. Here two very different shows, both at Underground at Spring Gardens, share an interest in psychology and why we feel the way we do. Read these press release extracts to find out more about Julia Knight's Zeit-Heist in the Comedy category and Barbara Diesel's and Helen Parry's Dear Eliza in Theatre.

For full details of their shows' times, venues etc see our listings on our website.

If you are a Fringe performer who would like to be featured in our blog, please send your press release to marketing@buxtonfringe.org.uk. Thanks to all those who have already done so - watch this space!

Pepita Productions/ Sweet Productions: Zeit-Heist: More than a Feeling 

After a premiere at Brighton Fringe Festival last year and 3 award nominations and 1 award win at Liverpool Fringe festival, comedy performer, musician and psychologist, Julia Knight brings her second solo show to Underground venues as part of Buxton Festival Fringe.

“Zeit-heist” is the feeling you get when something that you really enjoy – your hobby, interest, favourite singer or food – suddenly becomes extremely popular and it seems as if everyone else is into it. What previously felt like your niche interest is now a mainstream fad. Julia started exploring this concept when she realized that there was no word to explain the mixed feelings involved. She says, “I knew that I should be happy that other people liked what I liked, but I wasn’t – it felt as if they had stolen my joy somehow”.

The show uses songs to delve into the concept of Zeit-heist through Julia’s personal experiences involving gin, avocados and Kate Bush. There is also an explanation of the psychology of Zeit-heist via Julia’s alter-ego, the academic Dr. Yulia Ridder. The audience is encouraged to join in at various points as part of the workshop to sing along and discuss their own Zeit-Heists (totally voluntary). Previous audiences have described the show as “Funny and original”, “Engaging and fun” and “Amazeballs!”

Praise for Julia’s previous work:
“Impressively evocative” Chortle

Barbara Diesel & Helen Parry: Dear Eliza

Bold, raw, and cynical: Dear Eliza is a one-woman short play interrogating the deterioration of a friendship under the strain of mental illness and the fear of being a burden. In a media culture that either villainises or victimises the mentally ill, Dear Eliza navigates the grey area with guts and defiance. Utilising a masterful blend between heartbreak and humour, this not-to-miss performance strives to redefine our perceptions on what it ‘looks like’ to be mentally ill, whilst showing us the power in saying out loud what we’d all rather keep inside of our heads.

Following a short tour of the UK in February and a successful run at the Brighton Fringe Festival, Dear Eliza comes to the Buxton Fringe Festival this July. Shortlisted for the Best Newcomer award at the Greater Manchester Fringe Festival (2023) and celebrated as a ‘must-watch performance’ (***** - Better Than Words) that is ‘captivating from start to finish’ (****1/2 – A Youngish Perspective). ‘It is a difficult task to capture the audience as beautifully as Diesel does’ (**** - Adventures In Theatreland). Due to strong language, and discussions of mental illness and suicide, this show is recommended for ages 16+.

Writer and performer Barbara Diesel brings her debut play to life in collaboration with director Helen Parry, best known for her work on On Me by Caroline Lamb (Off West End Award winner) and The Day the World Came to Huddersfield by Stephen Hornby (Best Drama Award winner; QueerLit Best LGBTQ+ Production winner). Diesel and Parry are thrilled to be bringing Dear Eliza to the Buxton Fringe Festival, with Diesel stating: “This is a story that doesn’t end when the audience leaves the theatre. We’ve had audiences sharing their own stories back, or returning the night after with family and friends, telling them ‘you need to watch this’ – that is a truly special feeling. We can’t wait to get to share Dear Eliza at the Buxton Fringe Festival.”

The production is also proud to be raising money for the mental health charity, Mind, alongside performances.

Buxton Fringe

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