ED FRINGE 2023 INTERVIEW | Matthew Radway, Super
In preparation for the 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Emmie chats with Matthew Radway about his piece ‘Super’.
1. Let's begin by pitching your show at the Ed Fringe, tell us about it?
On Hollywood Boulevard, a group of actors are posing as superheroes for photos with tourists. Right now it's 100°, Batman has just punched Robin in the face and the whole thing is about to be on TMZ. Captain Jack Sparrow has fainted and Catwoman is screaming. It's all gone a bit wrong. Super is a darkly comic drama about ambition, love and overwhelming failure told by two not-very-super heroes.
2. Where did you draw your influences from for this piece?
I've been interested in the real life character actors on Hollywood Boulevard since I first saw them over there in 2009. I actually started writing bits of this play over a decade ago. Last September I went back to LA and started interviewing some of the actors out there; after that, the story very quickly fell into place. They're delightful, inspiring people on the whole and I just hope we do their experiences justice. There's also a worrying amount of my own life slotted in there but I shan't tell you which bits for the sake of my dignity.
3. What are the challenges of bringing a piece to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
The very specific challenge with Super was that I knew exactly who I wanted to cast in it from the off and I had to work hard/manipulate them into doing it. Charlie Vero-Martin and Max Dowler are just perfect for the roles.
4. What can audiences expect from your show?
Very funny bits, very sad bits, some really cool lighting and a minimum of four Batman quotes.
5. What are you most looking forward to during your time in Edinburgh for the festival?
Piemaker. I dream of Piemaker. Last March I came to Edinburgh for a wedding and I still made time to go to Piemaker. I'm also looking forward to seeing shows and that.
6. What are the main things within your piece?
The play is the same story told by two different people so it's essentially two monologues which leave you guessing at where the truth actually lies. Thematically, I would say it's about that feeling you get when you see someone you know succeed at the thing you desperately want. On a broader level, it's just a couple of very flawed people doing their best which I think we can all relate to.
7. Where can people come and see Super?
Super is at The Cellar at Pleasance Courtyard at 1.45pm from 2nd to 28th August (not 14th) and you can check out our social media which is @supertheplay on all good social media providers plus X.
