Image: Sophie Holden
Every show begins with an initial spark. What was the original idea, moment or experience that made you create this piece?
I’m going to sound batshit crazy — but Britney Spears spoke to me (well, ish, stick with me). I’d spent far too long working on a show about a time-travelling toilet, which was (pun intended) a pile of poo, and I honestly thought I was never going to be able to make anything ever again. When I get in my head, I like to sit on my toilet in pitch black and listen to music. I was in a real mood about the shit show when, I kid you not, sat on the toilet listening to Britney’s “Everytime,” I heard her sing “I think I need you, baby!”
That was the spark. I started thinking about Britney’s life story and how epic it’d be to retell it — with me in the starring role (obvs). I’m legally not allowed to say it’s her true story, but I think audiences will clearly be able to see that this is the most authentic representation of Britney ever seen on stage or screen.
What can audiences expect when they step into this world?
I don’t believe in a subtle approach to theatre-making — as soon as you enter you’ll be balls deep in a full-blown immersive Britney experience. Imagine if somewhere like Universal Studios was opening a new ride and it was mixed with a nightclub — that’s the vibe I’m going for. If you thought BJ’s (Britney Jean) life story was big, just wait and see what I’ve done with it — we’re going full-on Greek tragedy, pop rock musical, with murder, sex, sci-fi, and a seriously A-list cameo in the form of Sigourney Weaver (it will make sense).
Sure, there have been some “artistic embellishments” along the way to help punch up the plotline, but it’s needed, otherwise the whole thing could get a bit “boo hoo Britney” — this show is all about reclaiming her pop power!
The Edinburgh Fringe is a place where artists and audiences come together from across the world. Why is this the right place for this show?
My entire career has been fuelled by delusion, but I really believe this show deserves the attention of a world stage. Let’s face it, Britney Spears is essentially Jesus now, her story is biblical, and I’m here as her worthy disciple to GET TO WORK BITCH! and spread the good word.
What is something about the show that the audience might not immediately notice, but you hope they discover?
There are lots of twists and turns, but the biggest thing is that you don’t even have to be a fan of Britney to enjoy this show… I would hate for people to think this is a generic paint-by-numbers drag parody show because it’s definitely not. You could say she’s in her kooky girl era, because this show isn’t afraid to be weird.
What has surprised you most about creating this piece?
We see actors transform into icons all the time, but my transformation into becoming Britney has been wild, I’m a full-on doppelganger, seeing myself in the mirror still spooks me out. When I put on my schoolgirl uniform I just become her — that sweet Southern Louisiana drawl, the razor-sharp dance moves, that raw animalistic sex appeal — it’s all there. I don’t want to get too braggy, but at this point I am essentially the Meryl Streep of drag.
When your audience walks home, what would you love them to still be talking about?
No spoiler alerts but there is one really huge-lols-thing that is revealed in the show, that I can guarantee no one will ever be expecting. I am certain the image of this will be emblazoned in their minds forever, as Britney says — I’m not that innocent!
Baby Lame: Hit Me Baby One More Lame!
Pleasance Courtyard, Above
22.50
5-30 August