If you reviewed your own show, how would you describe it?
“NOTED is more of a *feat* than a show, it’s a mechanised team sport played by 4 Rube Goldberg-esque athletes. The combination of dead-pan humour and whimsical illustrations is sure to inspire the child in all of us. Run, jump, skip, soar to this not-to-be-missed hour of magic”. -The BPPB (Back Pack Press Brigade)
Tell me a little more about your show and what audiences can expect?
NOTED is a minimalist, multimedia experience that transforms over 400 hand-drawn illustrations, which are strapped to the performers, everyday objects, and simple gestures into an ever-evolving visual narrative. We creatively combine animation and live video through an overhead camera with music and dance, while peeling through layers of drawings in a live action cartoon with twists and turns that challenge expectations. Our signature style breeds a surprise party of a show that is whimsical, inventive, at times mischievous, and will leave you with a smile on your face and a glow in your heart.”
Can you talk about some of the creative team involved?
The origins of The Back Pack stretch back to 2008 when a curious group of undergrads were tasked with creating something (anything!) for a student-produced play festival. Pete has been the creative director, illustrator of the drawings, and the technical designer since the very beginning. Katie was there too, coming up with ideas as one of the original four and running with them, managing the company, serving as dance captain/choreographer and producer. We are so glad to have Alec (Managing Director of Dutch Kills Theatre, our co-producer), and Lauren (an insanely talented fabricator and costumer maker) joining the cast for our Fringe run!
Where do you draw inspiration from for your work, both in terms of creation and performance?
We find joy in everyday universal experiences, and we really find joy reimagining those everyday experiences, taking them to unexpected places using simple elements. It could be that little annoying thing that happened to you the other day, or how you handled it, or how you could have handled it. We live within “what if?”
Other artists/groups/works we are inspired by include: OkGo, Jens Lekman, Blueman Group, Hundreds of Beavers, and Taskmaster.
Looking at this production, how would you say it links to previous work personally and thematically?
A lot of our work utilises illustrations on paper, which tie them together visually. But I think the connections run much deeper than that. A lot of it is simple, practical props, puppets, shadow, and just people on stage. All share the same sensibilities. No talking or making sounds of any kind, an underscore of carefully curated music, simple props that are used in creative ways, and a sense of humor that never feels the need to explain itself. We have created a format we feel works for us and our humor, and at this point it’s the most fun way to tell a story.
Why is this an important story to tell?
NOTED doesn’t follow a singular story, but rather a series of vignettes. It’s a fantastical fantasia through a few dozen little worlds, and a perfect chance to sit back and simply enjoy the ride. We feel that the world needs a little more joy right now, so that’s what we aim to deliver.
What would you like audiences to take away from seeing this production at the Fringe?
We hope they leave with that post-party glow, that their inner child is talking non stop about all the ideas they have. If we’re lucky maybe they’ll want a second viewing, and bring along a friend to share the cool new thing they found.
What do you do to relax in August?
Oh you know, the usual. Take a four-person show across the Atlantic and put up 23 shows in 25 days. Maybe we’ll find a minute to have a Guinness with some fellow Fringe artists and check out (a lot) of other shows!
Have you got your eye on any other shows that are part of the programme?
We are excited to see some shows from other countries! As we’re deep in our prep work now, it may be a spur of the moment decision. Since our show is early in the day, we’ll definitely make time to check out the rest of Dutch Kills Theatre’s programming at the fest, as well as works by our pals Xhloe and Natasha, Stan Zimmerman, and Recent Cutbacks.
How can Edinburgh audiences keep up with you beyond the festival?
You can find us on Instagram @thebkpk!
Anything else?
What we tell our friends is, “Just come. It’s a rollercoaster of whimsical chaos, it’s packed full of millennial nostalgia, and it’s silly and smart.” Come see us bright and early! Grab a coffee and get a FULL day of Fringe in by starting with us at The Assembly Roxy at 10:15 am!
Noted, Assembly Roxy, until 30 Aug 2026 (not 25), 10.15 am