If you reviewed your own show, how would you describe it?
Honestly I got a review for an early work-in-progress version of the show that described it as ‘a pure ray of sunshine’ which I feel is quite apt! If I personally reviewed it though I’d probably add loads of previously unknown context, like ‘she wrote this bit while inside a train toilet’ or ‘everything here she is saying ironically she actually believes’.
Tell me a little more about your show and what audiences can expect?
Kiss Me x is a stand-up and musical comedy show about kissing and dating and romance and kissing and kissing. And also the fetishisation and demonisation of trans bodies (myself included!). But mostly about kissing <3 xxx
Can you talk about some of the creative team involved?
Kathy Maniura is my director, and by GOD is that woman lovely and talented! The wisdom of the heavens lurks in her mind! Like some sort of brainworm!
Where do you draw inspiration from for your work, both in terms of creation and performance?
I’ve come to realise my actions in many situations are often laughable, so I simply tell them what I did in various events, and people assume I’m kidding.
Looking at this production, how would you say it links to previous work personally and thematically?
The previous show I did was about coming out as a trans woman, whereas this show is about cumming as a trans woman (not really though it’s actually rather wholesome)
Why is this an important story to tell?
Because WHO ELSE will immortalise these tales but I.
What would you like audiences to take away from seeing you at the Fringe?
I’m even hotter in person.
Do you tend to take inspiration from events happening in the world around you in terms of your work? Do you think artists have a responsibility to respond to what’s happening?
I think yes but I feel in comedy it’s hard not to. Often the audience is buying into you as a performer, and your experience of the world. Even if you don’t explicitly talk about a topic, often undercurrents remain. All art is political or politicised…except this show. This show is just about kissing, maybe.
What do you do to relax in August?
I like to attempt some sort of world record, like how many cannonballs can I do into a pool in one hour. Currently my best is 168 cannonballs.
How do you feel about the current arts landscape in your country and your part in it? Does it excite you and inspire you to keep pushing the boat out?
The current Labour government talking about arts funding feels like Lucy pulling the football away from Charlie Brown. ‘We’ll fund the arts! We’ll fund the arts!’ they say…and every time they pull it away and Charlie Brown lies broken on the ground. I personally am doing rather well though.
Why are arts festivals such as the Fringe so important for international exchange?
Because otherwise we’ll have to rely on TikTok for cultural exchange, and most of the foreign media I see on there is just AI beat-by-beat explanations of films that are too niche to Wikipedia.
What can the wider arts community do to get more people involved in their specific disciplines?
Give them friendship 🙂
Have you got your eye on any other shows that are part of the programme?
If you want to come see a silly comedy musical, come see Mothman: A Romance Musical! It’s the other show that I co-wrote with Nikola McMurtrie about a girl falling in love with the mythical West Virginian cryptid Mothman! Also go see Hudson Hughes: At Your Service! He is also in Mothman! And doing his own show! Oooh boi does that boy never stop!
What’s next for you and how are you feeling about the future in general?
My next personal aim is to obtain the Key to the City! Also about the future I feel bad.
How can Edinburgh audiences keep up with you beyond the festival?
You can follow me on Instagram at @alex_franklin_hallo, or TikTok at @alexfranklinhallo, or my alt account of @mrserikakirk! <3
Alex Franklin: Kiss Me x, Underbelly Cowgate, until 30 Aug , 2.25pm