ScotsGay Magazine

HOLLY PENFIELD INTERVIEW - EDINBURGH FRINGE 2006

Equitalk

What should ScotsGay readers expect from Both Sides Now?
The unexpected! In truth, this show has more structure than usual because the songs will be decided beforehand. It will hopefully be fun and emotionally stimulating as I go on a journey of the two personalities I have evolved and entwined with my abilities as a singer, songwriter and
entertainer.

Last year's Edinburgh Fringe show received 4 and 5 star reviews. No pressure then?
I always feel pressure every day of my life to be the best singer I can be. Up in the morning singing, writing, creating concepts and costumes. I never think much about how people will perceive it; it's a vision within myself that I cannot stop, take it or leave it. I've tried to listen to other people and it does give me a different viewpoint but I still follow my heart no matter how it guides me. I'm a very imperfect person and proud of it, so therefore I only wish to make my audience happy and inspired. So in conclusion, every show I do, big or small, with or without reviewers, I feel pressure.

You're known for wearing some of the most outrageous outfits.
When I'm passing out flyers I love to wear outrageous shocking things like birdcages on my head. I get circles of people around me taking photos and then I open up my birdcage door and sing about why I'm so crazy. The show is slightly different. I've designed something that sheds itself and hopefully will leave me standing naked (spiritually speaking) in the middle of this Masonic Temple.

Who is your favourite singer/writer/performer?
Tom Waits, Judy Garland, Laura Nyro, and Joni Mitchell, whose song Both Sides Now is the title of my show.

Apart from other singers and performers, who is your inspiration?
A surrealist Mexican painter, Remedios Varo, Salvador Dali, my father, and Santa Claus.

What other Fringe shows will you be seeing?
Dusty Limits Is Heartless, Over The Rainbow, A Slice O' Minnelli, Life Sucks... And Then You Die, The Lady Cavaliers' Duels, and Emily's Kitchen.

Do you like Edinburgh? What do you think of the Scots?
Edinburgh is fairies dancing on granite. The heart beats strong in the centre of this city and perhaps that's why the Festival lives and breathes. As far as liking Scots, I married one from Clydebank, Glasgow, and inherited a whole family of amazing human beings.

Holly Penfield - Both Sides Now
C cubed
9:25pm 3rd-28th Aug (not 15th)
£8.50/£7.50 page118