Tell me a little more about your show and what audiences can expect?
Audiences can expect an earnest, heartfelt display of narcissism on stage as I am depicted twice! An ego so big it takes two people to play her! Rose + Bud is the intimate story of my first year at university in Derry. It’s a witty, charming window into my experiences as a t-girl transitioning in Northern Ireland in 2019 and all the unique challenges that brought!
Can you talk about some of the creative team involved?
I am delighted to be continuing my creative partnership with Commedia of Errors Theatre Company, alongside my long time creative collaborators and mentors Benjamin Gould and Clare McMahon! It’s been so lovely working with them and inadvertently teaching two wonderful allies about truly the greatest evils we as queer people have to offer. Being earnestly asked by my cishet director in the rehearsal room, “what does twink mean and how does it make you feel?” is a feeling I’ll never forget.
Where do you draw inspiration from for your work, both in terms of creation and performance?
I draw inspiration from deep within. As a silver lining on growing up queer in rural County Down, I became a very good listener and watcher of the secret feminine powers. Now that makes me sound like an ancient witch, and god willing I will be a hag one day, but what I said should resonate with every queer person who wasn’t allowed barbies growing up. I’ve always loved powerful feminine characters.
When I’m in desperate need of inspiration I have a deep well of scripts, movies, slime tutorials, and most importantly as someone eagerly just under the cut off for Gen Z, five second to two minute clips of girls doing character comedy on TikTok.
So essentially I draw inspiration from me and my friends and the laughs I want to bring them and myself!
Why is this an important story to tell?
Because now more than ever trans people need to be laughed with and not at. I want people to walk away from this show knowing that I’m a human being just like them, that whilst our struggles may be different, ultimately they come from the same basic desire for dignity and security.
What would you like audiences to take away from seeing you/this production at the Fringe?
I would like audiences to take away a smile at least, preferably a joke they liked and will spread via word of mouth, but crucially retell worse than me! I also hope they take it as an excuse to cut themselves some slack, the world is already harsh enough these days without endless self criticism.
How can Edinburgh audiences keep up with you beyond the festival?
Via my instagram handle @rosiecoogan
Rose + Bud, Pleasance Courtyard, 30 Jul-25 Aug (not 11, 12), 1pm