Kitsch Theatre, a locally-based group of young actors and playwrights, are running a fundraiser to finance a proposed trip to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2023, or EdFringe. They plan to stage their play 'Attachment: The Leech Show' for a six-day run at this prestigious event, where innumerable famous acts first cut their teeth. Nub News spoke to artistic directors James Allen, Margaret Saunderson, and Ollie Painter to learn more.

One review of The Leech Show says: "[I] went on a whim and felt that I had inadvertently seen a show in which I had caught future stars at a very early stage in their careers." When speaking to the group over Zoom, it is clear to see where this enthusiastic fan was coming from.  

James and Ollie are completing A-Levels, Margaret is in the first year of university, and yet the group speak with the experience, articulation, and insight of seasoned performers.  

This, in essence, is one of the main points the group were trying to convey during our chat. They admit to being somewhat reluctant to describe their work as 'youth theatre'; such a term, they argue, is not so much a USP as an opportunity for some people to dismiss Kitsch and other groups off-hand.  

"There is a stigma around youth theatre", says Ollie. "But really, it is where the most change is happening. It is the voice of a new generation and a glimpse into the future."

Although the group tends to rehearse and perform around Stockport and Manchester, numbers are swelling as members join from across the UK.  

Indeed, the group certainly seems to be gaining momentum; this is not, in fact, the first run at EdFringe. Last year Kitsch did a shorter run at the festival, meeting with warm critical reception and acquiring the necessary experience for this second attempt. 

Attachment: The Leech Show is a satire on the rigid side of theatre. (Image - Kitsch Theatre)

"[Youth theatre] is where the most change is happening. It is the voice of a new generation and a glimpse into the future."

As the group neatly put it, "We are not so blind this time". With a foothold in the festival from last year, and with a year of practice to tighten the show, Kitsch can maximise the success of this next run.

And is having a foothold important at the Fringe? The concept of the play - devised when the group were just 16-year-olds - suggests that it could be. The fundraiser page asks: "Are all theatre critics bloodsucking parasites? This one is. Meet Bob the Leech. Join three actors as they desperately attempt to gain a five star review from the most distinguished (and slimy) theatre critic on the planet. Expect craziness and plenty of blood in this wacky satire about the journey to success in theatre." 

When asked to what extent theatre - both at the Fringe and generally - was insular, the group were on the fence. Of course, the fact that the fundraiser exists at all is proof of some of the limitations of the festival. James, a Stockport local, admits that there is certainly a hefty degree of money required, which is prohibitive to many creatives. However, he goes on to say that "the Fringe is not quite a clique".  

"Everyone has to start somewhere and everyone did start somewhere", adds Ollie. "The industry is so competitive that it forces constant change. Everyone wants to be the only people doing whatever it is they are doing." The creative, open-minded attitude which the Fringe is famous for is still there, then, although it is out of reach for some. 

This echoes a more general point which Kitsch made. As Margaret said: "We want to democratise theatre and get more people involved. Theatre is a place for social change." If the Fringe's monetary requirements are inhibiting this idea somewhat, Kitsch evidently still believes in it admantly. 

The Leech Show sets out to satirise the more rigid tendencies of theatre. Far from being stuffy and prohibitive, theatre should be collaborative, Kitsch argue. "We want to help more people to appreciate theatre", Margaret adds.  

"We want to democratise theatre and get more people involved. Theatre is a place for social change." 

In all, then, the group are motivated, pursue a clear ethos, and possess an original script, brought to life with remarkable writing and acting acumen.  

Those wishing to support this project and the potential future of theatre can find a link to the fundraiser, along with more information, HERE.  

Nub News would also like to encourage anyone planning on visiting EdFringe to catch the show. In the group's words, this is meta comedy inspired by Mischief Theatre. However, the talent of the group means there is something for everyone to appreciate. 

Those who wish to get involved with Kitsch should keep up to date with their social media (linked below). Soon, their collaborative project 'Dogs Playing Poker' will re-open, allowing youth creatives from across the country to meet, discuss ideas, and network with like-minded people.  

Kitsch's Instagram page, featuring updates, can be found HERE.

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