ED FRINGE 2023 INTERVIEW | Joe Janes, Macbeth by the Sea

In preparation for the 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Emmie chats with Joe Janes about his comedy piece Macbeth by the Sea.

1. Let's begin by pitching your show at the Ed Fringe, tell us about it?

Macbeth By The Sea imagines what it would have been like if Shakespeare's power couple had decided amidst all the hurly burly to take a breath and go on holiday to get their heads on straight. It does not go as planned. Ghosts, witches, karaoke, and woggles abound! 

2. Where did you draw your influences from for this piece?

I'm glad you asked. Macbeth, of course, but also the novelization of the Baz Lurhmann film, The Great Gatsby, American detective TV shows from the 1970s, and the Star Wars prequels.

3. What are the challenges of bringing a piece to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

The expense is HUGE! We were at the Fringe in 2019 and are paying as much as we did then for housing, but for a smaller space and less time. We need to share rooms, which we did not have to do last time. Also, airfare has gone up and most of us were unable to book a direct flight. It's also expensive to bring all our props, costumes, and set pieces over. Presenting and promoting the show while there is a challenge in itself, but it's also the most fun! 

4. What can audiences expect from your show?

If you enjoy your humor smart and stupid, then we are your cup of tea. You don't have to know the story of Macbeth to enjoy the show, but if you do, there are some mental treats for you. Some of our preview audience members said this about us..."Delightfully wacky!", "Hilarious Shakespearean silliness!", and "Come for the stabbings, stay for the karaoke!" The audience really loved the exclammation points. 

5. What are you most looking forward to during your time in Edinburgh for the festival?

Sharing our work but also meeting many other artists and being awed and inspired by them. I also just love Edinburgh. It's my fifth time going to Scotland and I just love exploring and discovering new places. 

6. What are the main things within your piece?

Satirically, we go after the pomposity of entitlement, nepotism, and ambition. We also just have a lot of goofy fun with Shakespearean tropes.

7. Where can people come and see 'Macbeth by the Sea?’

Come over to theSpace on the Mile Venue 39 at 16:05 to see Macbeth By The Sea. 4/08 - 19/08 (not the 13th). 50 minutes.

Tickets for the Edinburgh Fringe can be found and purchased here.