#ChiswickHouse News – ‘The Twelfth Night Of Christmas’ New Festive Experience To Take Place at Chiswick House @chiswickhousechristmas @FollowTheCow #Chiswick #London #Christmas #TheTwelfthNightOfChristmas

‘The Twelfth Night Of Christmas’

New Festive Experience To Take Place at Chiswick House

OFFERING AUDIENCES THE RARE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE INSIDE CHISWICK HOUSE, CLW EVENT DESIGN AND TRAILBLAZING LIVE ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY UNDERBELLY HAVE JOINED FORCES TO PRESENT A THEATRICAL FESTIVE EXPERIENCE ‘THE TWELFTH NIGHT OF CHRISTMAS’

FROM 20 NOVEMBER – 4 JANUARY 2026, THIS EXQUISITE FESTIVE JOURNEY, INSPIRED BY THE 1780 CAROL ‘TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS’, OFFERS VISITORS THE OPPORTUNITY TO STEP INTO AN IMAGINED GEORGIAN WORLD OF OPPULENT INSTALLATIONS, BESPOKE SCULPTURES, FABULOUS COSTUMES AND FLORISTRY.

FOR YOUNGER VISITORS AN ENCHANTING 18TH CENTURY GROTTO WILL FEATURE FATHER CHRISTMAS READY TO SHARE A FESTIVE STORY AND A GIFT.
SIGN UP TO BE THE FIRST TO KNOW WHEN TICKETS GO ON-SALE AT WWW.CHISWICKHOUSECHRISTMAS.COM

Throwing open its doors at Christmas for the very first time, Chiswick House in collaboration with live entertainment company Underbelly and theatrical, heritage site curators CLW Event Design will give visitors the unique opportunity to step inside and experience a fantastical festive journey inspired by the beloved 1780 carol ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’ and the era in which it was written. The historic rooms of Chiswick House will be transformed into an imagined Georgian world of yuletide opulence and fantasy, as visitors embark on a Twelfth Night-inspired journey.

Co-founded by theatre producer Charlotte Lloyd-Webber, and costume designer Adrian Lillie CLW Event Design are a collective of theatrical practitioners, designers and artists renowned for their extraordinary installations and live events at heritage properties across the UK including Castle Howard, Kensington Palace, Bamburgh Castle, Beaulieu Palace House and Polesden Lacey House. For The Twelfth Night of Christmas they are collaborating for the first time with trailblazing live entertainment company Underbelly renowned for their multi-award winning, site-specific theatrical productions including Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club in the West End and Macbeth starring Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma which was performed in warehouses across the country to great acclaim.

This unique experience will showcase the interior of Chiswick House as it was originally intended – built for entertaining; a place of revelry and Georgian celebrity culture, where excess and extravagance were the hallmarks of good taste. Audiences will explore a sequence of opulent themed rooms and festive tableaux, ending in a sumptuous banquet installation in the lower tribune. Bespoke sculptures, fabulous costumes and dramatic floristry will punctuate this joyous Christmas experience. For younger visitors Father Christmas awaits in his charming 18th century grotto, ready to share a festive story and a gift.

A remarkable example of 18th century Neo-Palladian architecture, Chiswick House, located in West London was designed and built by Richard Boyle, the 3rd Earl of Burlington in 1729. Inspired by the classical forms of ancient Rome and the works of Andrea Palladio, it was conceived not as a residence but as a grand villa to showcase Burlington’s art collection and entertain guests. The rich Baroque opulence and grandeur of the interiors are in marked contrast to the Palladian façade. The surrounding gardens, developed in collaboration with landscape designer William Kent, are considered the birthplace of the English Landscape Garden movement, emphasising naturalistic design over formal layouts.

Culturally, Chiswick House has always been a vibrant hub for art, politics, and socialising. In the 18th century, it became a gathering place for artists, writers, and intellectuals, contributing to the rise of the Grand Tour aesthetic in Britain. Figures like Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, known for her political influence and literary salons, frequented the estate. Today, it continues to serve as a venue for exhibitions and events, preserving its legacy as a centre of creativity.

Charlotte Lloyd-Webber from CLW Event Design said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring the CLW Event Design and Underbelly magic to this stunning architectural gem. Rich in detail, this beautiful house lends itself perfectly to our theatrical design ethos, bringing to life the building as it was originally intended for moments of great celebration and joy amongst family and friends but now welcoming all ages who can come together for the festive season.”

Charlie Wood, Co-Director of Underbelly said: “I’ve been a massively keen visitor to everything that Charlotte has created for Christmas in the past few years from Castle Howard to Bamburgh to Blenheim, so to partner with her on this project at the beautiful Chiswick House is the best Christmas present ever. CLW Event Designs’ remarkable eye for detail and design, paired with Underbelly’s theatrical expertise, will create an experience that reimagines and opens up Chiswick House this Christmas. Together, we’re transforming it into an extraordinary festive journey.”

Xanthe Arvanitakis, Director of Chiswick House and Gardens Trust said: “This coming Christmas, we are delighted to provide a home for a truly special Christmas experience that promises to be unlike any other. I know that the beauty of Chiswick House, a place rich in history and famous for its spectacular interiors, will perfectly complement the unique, creative vision that CLW Event Design are bringing to life here. As Director of Chiswick House & Gardens, myself and my team are committed to hosting exciting events throughout the year, ensuring that families and adults of all ages feel they have something new to discover here each season. We can’t wait to see ‘The Twelfth Night of Christmas’ delight and inspire both those who already love this place, and those discovering our magical House and Gardens for the first time.”

For further information and tickets visit: www.chiswickhousechristmas.com. Instagram: @chiswickhousechristmas

#Review by Lou of The Serial Killer’s Party by Amy Cunningham @Sarah_Goodwin_Author @PenguinUKBooks @RandomTTours #SerialKillersParty #Thriller #Summer #Holiday #Party

The Serial Killer’s Party
By Amy Cunningham

Review written by Louise Cannon

Picture a hot summer’s day. An invitation to a luxury event. The contrast of the Norwegian Fjords with the deep forest. The cool blue of the water. The splatter of red blood…
Check out the blurb and review below… if I survive the invitation to the party of the year…

Blurb

Welcome to the party of the year.
You’ve been invited to an exclusive, luxury event in Norway, hosted by a billionaire. Your moment has finally arrived. But you’re not going for the canapes and champagne. You’re going for revenge.

Where anything is possible.
You’ve spent months preparing for this moment. Because you know that beneath the host’s polished public persona, he’s a vicious killer who has murdered several innocent people, including your sister.

Even murder…
Then a guest dies in mysterious circumstances, and you begin to wonder… is this a trap? Why does it feel like you’re being watched? And will you ever escape?

*** Everyone is talking about The Serial Killer’s Party! ***

Review

Revenge is the order of the day. The host of the luxurious party of the year isn’t all as you would think. What unfolds is summer vibes that turns into mystery and revenge. It has you on-edge a bit with the characterisations of the rich and the bordering on how far someone is prepared to go to get what they want. This adds a compelling nature and bite to the otherwise, cosy summer feel to the book.
Amelia’s story is an interesting one and you can feel her emotions, which leads to understanding her within the immersive, beautiful environment readers find her in.

There is some pockets of suspense with a mysterious disappearance, which adds some intrigue for a while. It isn’t a constant suspense, but I didn’t feel it needed to be, particularly.

I found the book improved and became more compelling and intriguing the further it went on.

It’s a good, well-written book that sits well on a beach or lounging in the garden during the summer holiday period. It’s an invitation you would like to say yes to and be immersed into a darker world in a holiday destination thriller book.

I would read another book by this author.

#Review of Showaddywaddy by Lou #Showaddywaddy #Music #Gig #UKTour @AndyPelos @showaddywaddyuk

Showaddywaddy

4 STARS ****

Review written by Louise Cannon

Bright and colourful, the band emerged on stage oozing with energy and passion for their craft, transporting audiences back to their youth of the 1970’s and for younger things, like me, introducing their songs live, that were only seen by me, anyway on the likes of old TOTP (Top of the Pops) type programmes or heard on the radio. I saw this at the Albert Halls in Stirling and they are on a UK tour. You can find out more details after my review.

The band members are:

Andy Pelos – Lead Singer
Romeo Challenger – Original Band Member and Drummer
David Graham – Saxophone/Bass/Guitar
Sam Holland – Guitar/Drums
Tom Bull – Bass Player
Ed Handoll – Guitar/Vocals

Saturday nights are made for entertainment and even though the band has changed over the years with its band members, except one remaining original member, drummer, Romeo Challenger, audiences won’t be disappointed. It can’t be denied that this band has longevity. So far, it has been around for just over 50 years. To still be touring and still playing to packed venues full of fans and newcomers, is no mean feat.

They played fan favourites, I Wonder Why, Heartbeat, Sea Cruise, Blue Moon, Under the Boardwalk to name but a few. There was jamming on the guitars, kicks and flicks in the dancing, 70’s fashion and more… There was everything you would expect for the era where it all began, save for a couple of songs that hadn’t held quite as much interest as the others, but on the whole, the rest were brilliant and out of a lot of songs, which really did keep coming, that’s pretty great for a gig.

In the Stirling Albert Halls, there was dancing around the sitting down audiences in the second half, which was fun and shown how the energy on-stage oozed into the auditorium, once the audience warmed up.

You can join in be all like “Hey Rock n Roll” and find out where Showaddywaddy goes next on their UK tour, here: Gig Details

Thanks to the guys for meeting afterwards. That was very kind and fun to chat to you all. This is a gig well worth going to for a great night out!

#Review By Lou of The Last Laugh – 5 stars – @djwilliamsact @Bobsickle @simplysimon321 @ATGTICKETS #PaulHendy #TheLastLaugh #Theatre #TouringTheatre #Comedy #TommyCooper #EricMorecambe #BobMonkhouse

The Last Laugh
By Paul Hendy

Review by Louise Cannon (Lou)

Meet Tommy Cooper, Bob Monkhouse and Eric Morecambe in a dressing room. Sounds a bit surreal, right? But this is where a sparkling kind of magic occurs. They’re not just funny, but they’re funny, funny, see the show to get the reference.
The Last Laugh is performed by:

Damien Williams plays Tommy Cooper
Simon Cartwright plays Bob Monkhouse
Bob Golding plays Eric Morecambe

I saw The Last Laugh at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow which is what this review is based on. I first saw it and reviewed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It is on a grand tour, more details later in this piece. I don’t often go to see a show more than once. This is that good and finely honed. I have written a new review to give you something different to read. Just shows, there’s a lot to glean from this show, but no spoilers… I also have a whole extra bit to reveal…
I thought The Last Laugh deserved a second viewing in a bigger theatre to see how it faired. I am so pleased to say, it still has the same magic, if not more and is on tour now. See details about how you can get your hands on tickets too after the synopsis and my full review below…

Synopsis

The Last Laugh sees three legendary comedians – Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse – sitting in a dressing room, discussing the secret of life, death, comedy and what it means to be funny. Written and directed by the award-winning Paul Hendy and starring Edinburgh Fringe-legend Bob Golding as Morecambe, Damian Williams as Cooper and Simon Cartwright as Monkhouse, The Last Laugh is warm, funny, nostalgic and poignant.

Review

3 actors walk into a dressing room… They’re not just funny, but they’re funny, funny (see the show for that reference).

From the moment Damien Williams walked on stage as Tommy Cooper, (check out the feet) with the famous chuckle that builds and builds, it got off to a strong start. This strength never dipped throughout the show. By the time Simon Cartwright as Bob Monkhouse and Bob Golding as Eric Morecambe enter the theatre dressing room, the atmosphere is palpable and the compelling nature of this play gets even stronger.

There are some lovely, heartwarming touches, not only between the comedians who are being played, but also with a montage of pictures and chat about other comedians who have also dearly departed the earthly stage.

The repartee as they try out their acts and just chat feels so realistic, as do the mannerisms, personalities, costume and make-up.
There are parts that the audience are subtly made aware of about the state of the comedians health, and perhaps not so subtly in Tommy Cooper’s at times, but at times, it is nuanced, with an expression, a certain positioning of the body. Damien Williams carefully lets you see beyond the laughter and at the same time, Simon Cartwright and Bob Monkhouse are also doing something noticeably funny at the other end of the stage. There’s something sophisticated and clever about how this all works.
There are fantastic references to each of the shows Tommy Cooper, Bob Monkhouse, Eric Morecambe were in.

The talent doesn’t stop there. There’s music from a ukulele and songs to be heard, all done live by the actors.

The poignancy, the sacrifices the partnerships they have or in Monkhouse’s case, had is not only fascinating, but draws you closer to each of them as the actors allow you a glimpse into their inner thoughts and emotions. There are moments when it gets quite deep and then suddenly switches to another joke.

The actors always look like they’re having a ball on stage and the audience were all enjoying themselves too. The energy and passion they bring leaps off the stage and is palpable in the auditorium of the theatre.

I feel like I could write more, but I don’t want to give away any spoilers.

There is a newly added interval and the second half brings a Q&A session, which they all handled magnificently. They are passionate about who they’re playing and it just oozes from stage to audience.

The way it ends is cleverly done and follows from the poignancy that appears throughout the show. There is a bit of a bittersweetness to it all because of course none of the comedians are alive, but if they were, I think they’d approve. I like to think so anyway because the actors have done them and the audience justice. They’ve also given dead comedians a new lease of life in a considered, thoughtful manner. I feel this show will go from strength to strength and I think the actors could play more of these “old-timers”.

We were informed about the tour going on this year and the following year. I was in awe by it last year. I am still in awe this year and how this has grown from the Fringe to the West-end to New York and back to touring in the UK is deserved.
can’t praise the concept, the writing nor the actors highly enough!

This is a show you can easily watch again and still be highly entertained.

Discover further information about how you can also see The Last Laugh here: Tour Dates and Booking

Here’s my original Edinburgh Fringe Review

EdFringe News – Robert Daws stars in the witty, charming, dark play, Wodehouse In Wonderland #WhatsOnEdinburgh #WodehouseInWonderland #Wodehouse #Play #Theatre @RobertDaws @ARedinburgh

Robert Daws stars in
William Humble’s witty, charming and dark play
Wodehouse in Wonderland
at Assembly George Square Studios, Edinburgh Festival Fringe,
from 30 July until 24 August 2025 at 6.10pm

Robert Daws (Jeeves and Wooster, Poldark), will bring to life the humour and heart of one of Britain’s greatest comic writers, when he stars in William Humble’s play Wodehouse in Wonderland, at Assembly George Square Studios, at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, from Wednesday 30 July until Sunday 24 August 2025
(excl. 11, 18 Aug) at 6.10pm (70 mins). This one-man play, which coincides with the commemorations marking 50 years since P.G. Wodehouse’s death, is directed by Robin Herford (The Woman in Black).

Based on the life and writings of P.G. Wodehouse, Wodehouse in Wonderland takes place in P.G. Wodehouse’s New York State home in the 1950’s. Plum, as he is known to family and friends, is working away at the latest adventures of Bertie Wooster but is interrupted by a young would-be biographer, his adored wife, daughter Snorkles, and his two Pekingese. He shares stories about how Jeeves entered his life, how he became addicted to American soap operas and why he wrote books that were ‘like musical comedies without music’. He sings songs composed by Broadway legends such as Jerome Kern, George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Ivor Novello with lyrics written by himself, and entertains the audience with characters including Bertie Wooster, Jeeves, Lord Emsworth, Gussie Fink-Nottle and the squashily romantic Madeline Bassett…but there’s also a darker story ahead for Wodehouse beneath the fun.

Robert Daws said: “Seven years ago, I called my friend of several decades, the BAFTA-winning screenwriter and playwright William Humble, and asked him if he fancied working on a theatre project about the life of Pelham Grenville Wodehouse. To my pleasure and happy surprise, Bill instantly replied, “That would be spiffing”.

“Having already researched the world of Wodehouse for a film script he had been commissioned to write, Bill presented the first draft of Wodehouse In Wonderland within weeks. Workshops, readings, and first performances at Literary Festivals at Oxford, Blenheim Palace, and Gibraltar followed, and Bill was in his element.
His love of Wodehouse and the theatre spurred him forward, helping, as he often told me, to fight against the ill health he was increasingly battling to keep at bay. Sadly, Bill lost this battle at the end of 2024, leaving his beloved family and friends to mourn the passing of a loving, passionate and hugely creative man.

“From the beginning of Wodehouse In Wonderland, Bill had expressed the wish that his play might be performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe on the 50th Anniversary of Plum’s death. It is bittersweet that Wodehouse In Wonderland will make it to Scotland this year but without its author.
Neither Bill nor his literary hero Plum was much given to sentimentality. Still, I hope they would both forgive me the indulgence of imagining the two of them looking down on our Festival run and enjoying a spiffing time together.”

Wodehouse in Wonderland is produced by Cahoots Theatre Company Ltd. The full creative and production team is to be announced.
The play is performed by arrangement with the Wodehouse Estate.
To book tickets, visit: https://assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/1034-wodehouse-in-wonderland
The production will have previews at the Tabard Theatre in West London from 20 until 22 July.

Booking is now open:
https://tabard.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173660050).
LISTINGS INFORMATION FOR EDINBURGH:

Venue: Assembly George Square Studios,
40 George Square, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9JX

Dates & times: Wednesday 30 July – Sunday 24 August 2025 (excl. 11, 18 Aug), 6:10pm

Duration: 70 minutes

Ticket price: from £11

Booking link: assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/1034-wodehouse-in-wonderland

Age suitability: 14+

Access information: http://assemblyfestival.com/access

#Interview by Lou – What does Comedian, Robyn Perkins and Psychologist, Dr. Keenan have in common? Free #EdFringe show – Shrink Wrapped A Psychologist Analysis Live On Stage. @CountingHouseEd @lhcomedy #WhatsOnEdinburgh #ShrinkWrapped #Comedy #Psychology #RobynPerkins #DrCarolyneKeenan #ComedyForTheCurious #LifeHacks

Interview hosted by Louise Cannon with Comedian, Robyn Perkins
and Psychologist, Dr. Carolyne Keenan
Shrink Wrapped: A Psychologist Analysis Live On Stage

Comedy For The Curious – Shrink Wrapped
The Lounge at Laughing Horse @ The Counting House
31 Jul – 24 Aug 20:45
1 hour

Welcome, Robyn Perkins and Dr. Carolyne Keenan to Bookmarks and Stages.
Thank you for your time in answering all my questions in an in-depth, fascinating manner.

Robyn Perkins is a multi-award winning comedian with hit shows such as Comedy for the Curious. She is said to like investigating life. She tackles big emotionally charged subjects and brings it back to the audience with relatable humour and anecdotes.

Dr. Carolyne Keenan is a fully-qualified, licenced, registered psychologist who is founder and clinical director @ Lotus Psychology Ltd. She has also featured on BBC Radio 1 in programmes such as the popular, Life Hacks, The Independent, Psychology Today and more…

The idea of bringing comedians on-stage together in a group therapy type of scenario, with a psychologist really analysing them, sounds a fascinating and original show. It’s a pleasure to interview you both about this, covering what you hope audiences will get from this, what psychologists really think of clients and so much more… The answers truly are fascinating and insightful.
Firstly, we will check out the synopsis and then on to the Q&A before details on where you can catch Shrink Wrapped in Edinburgh.

Ever been deep in a therapy session and gone: I want to know what the hell she’s thinking? Well now’s your chance… with comedians in the hot seat. Join award-winning comedian Robyn Perkins and real-life psychologists (Dr Ruchi Sinha, Dr Carolyne Keenan or Dr Edel McGlanaghy) for the most entertaining therapy session you’ll ever witness. Guest comedians perform their best material, before submitting themselves to gentle psychological probing in front of a live audience. Don’t worry, we’ve got more safe words than a BDSM convention.

Without further ado, let’s begin with the questions I have for you:

Robyn, What gave you the idea to have a comedy show around the topic of therapy and then add in real psychologists into the mix?

It actually started in Adelaide when I had one of our psychologists on Comedy for the Curious (my science comedy panel show, also in Edinburgh). During the show, the psychologist (Dr. Ruchi Sinha) just read all of the comedian guests, from a psychological point of view. After the show, we chatted about how that would make an incredible show on its own, and the raw idea was born. From there, I have developed the idea into a full-blown panel show, developing the structure into what it is today.

Dr. Keenan, how did you become involved in this show and how is it being in the mix of a comedy show and at the same time giving your psychological opinion in front of a live audience?

I was invited to be part of Shrink Wrapped because I had already been a guest expert on Robyn’s show Comedy for the Curious. We had been working together for a while when Robyn came up with the concept for Shrink Wrapped. I’ve always believed psychology shouldn’t just stay in clinic rooms or textbooks, it should be part of everyday life. When Robyn described the show and the concept of combining comedy with psychological insights, I thought it was brilliant.

Being part of a comedy show is exciting and I love meeting all the comedians. It’s different from my therapy work but it uses the same skills- listening deeply, noticing patterns, and reflecting back what I hear. The difference is that on stage, we’re exploring these insights with humour, warmth, and openness in front of a live audience. I love that it makes psychology accessible and fun, while also highlighting the very real human truths that comedy often touches on.

Dr. Keenan, can you give an example of what do psychologists think of their clients, since that is a little of what’s billed in the show that makes it sound so interesting?

People often wonder what psychologists really think about their clients. The reality is, we’re human and often I’m thinking very similar things to what you might be:

“I wish they could see how great they are.”
“They really need to get rid of this idiot, they’d be so much happier.”
“I wish they would focus less on how much their favourite influencer has helped them and give the sessions we have been having some credit!”

In Shrink Wrapped, the audience gets a playful glimpse into how psychologists analyse behaviour and language. For example, a comedian might make a joke about not feeling good enough growing up and I might explore whether that contributed to their attraction to a job where they are constantly seeking immediate and positive approval from an audience. It’s done with kindness and humour though, not judgement, which is what makes it so engaging.

Robyn, Shrink Wrapped has done hugely well at the Adelaide Fringe having sell-out shows. What can people in Edinburgh expect and what do you hope they take away with them at the end of the show?

The concept of Shrink Wrapped seems to intrigue most people, but I think it is the structure behind it that gives the show it’s depth. I have worked with a few psychologists to refine a list of topics we explore across the shows (eg. Conflict, Trust, Romantic Relationships, etc.). Each show tackles a few of the topics in a group therapy session between 3 comedians and a psychologist.

Because the discussion is based in real therapy concepts, the show inherently flips between serious and funny, emotional and light hearted. Equally, I have chosen comedians who are, by nature, quite vulnerable on stage so the chat will occasionally reach emotional moments. However, with 3 comedians on stage at one time, this also means we are desperate to crack a joke if it gets too intense. It is the ebb and the flow of these moments that really makes the show special.

Additionally, since we are talking about real events and real people, we have found that audiences relate to at least one of the comedians on stage, in an ‘I do that’ or ‘that’s me’ kind of way. We are hoping that this can also spark conversations about mental health in a positive and fun way. I know using humour to explore mental health is not a new concept, but watching 3 comedians talk about their mental health in the form of a live therapy session is new territory we are excited to be exploring.

This year in Edinburgh, we are doing the Free Fringe (free entry with donations after the show), and while you cannot book ahead, based on feedback we have had about the show, we are expecting to be just as busy as Adelaide.

Dr. Keenan, what do you hope the audience will have learnt and take away with them by the end of the show?

I hope the audience leaves with:

A sense of relief – realising we all have quirks and struggles, and humour can be a brilliant way to explore them.
A new curiosity about themselves and others – understanding that behaviour always makes sense when you look deeper.
A feeling of connection – seeing comedians open up about their lives helps us feel less alone in our own messy human experiences.

Ultimately, I want people to feel entertained, uplifted, and inspired to reflect on their own lives with more compassion and humour.

For both Dr. Keenan and Robyn, how did you convince 8 comedians to be on stage doing some form of group therapy with 3 psychologists present. Was this an easy or hard task to do?

Dr. KEENAN: I think comedians are naturally curious and brave, they’re used to being vulnerable on stage and they quite like talking about themselves! When they realised this show wasn’t about picking them apart but about exploring their material and personalities in a fun, supportive way, they were on board.

Also, Robyn’s energy and the framing of the show as “science comedy” rather than “group therapy” helped. It wasn’t about fixing them – it was about exploring some of their material through a psychological lens. That made it feel safe and exciting rather than threatening.

ROBYN PERKINS: Similar to what Dr. Keenan has said – as a comedian we love talking about ourselves! But more than that, comedians are curious by nature. I have been overwhelmed by the number of comedians who have asked to be on the show. It’s been fantastic! No convincing necessary!

For both Robyn and Dr. Keenan, what did you both learn from doing this type of show that you would take forward into your careers moving forward and would you do something similar again in the future?

Dr. KEENAN: For me, it reinforced how powerful humour is in making psychological concepts accessible. People learn best when they’re engaged and laughing. I also learnt that psychology belongs everywhere – not just therapy rooms but in arts, media, and entertainment. I regularly take part in BBC Radio One’s Sunday evening show Life Hacks where we take topics that impact the listeners and explore the psychology behind them. We often have call in questions so I’m comfortable thinking on my feet and making these insights accessible and actionable but doing it in front of a live audience on stage has helped me practice those skills and feel even more comfortable with it.

I’d absolutely love to do something similar again. Bringing psychology to audiences in creative ways is something I’m deeply passionate about, and Shrink Wrapped has been a perfect example of how that can work- long may the show continue!

ROBYN PERKINS: I have learned I probably need to do more therapy! I have actually learned a lot about myself, both from comments about me and my set, but I’ve also learned things from watching others. I am hoping this show continues far into the future.

What made you choose Edinburgh Fringe for Shrink Wrapped and what are your plans for where this show can go next?

I go to the Fringe every year, and do the global festival circuit, so it was a no brainer to bring it to EdFringe! Through at least December, we are performing monthly at Top Secret Comedy Club in London at the moment. We will bring the show back to Australia next year. But also, we are looking to potentially start touring the show around theatres and the rest of the UK. The possibilities are endless!