Interview: Lotte Pearl, ‘The Emu War: A New Musical’

Ahead of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024, we’re chatting with a range of creatives who will be heading to the city over August to find out more about their shows. Today we’re chatting with Lotte Pearl about The Emu War: A New Musical.

The Emu War A Musical. Photo by Ed Felton

Can you tell us a bit about you and your career so far..

I started off singing when I was little, apparently I used to babble little tunes when I was only 18 months. Then when I was 14 I started writing songs and gigging around Sussex (where I’m originally from). I then got into the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School where I met the rest of the team of The Emu War: A New Musical, and we started making it in April of 2023!

What is your show about?

Our show is inspired by the true events of ‘The Great Emu War’ of 1932. Basically, some WW1 veterans in Australia were sent to live and work on farms. They then faced an unlikely foe in the local wildlife - emus. All of the wheat was getting eaten by these large birds (second largest in the world), so they contacted the government and decided to shoot at the birds with machine guns! This show explores the futility and absurdity of this war.

What was the inspiration for the show and what’s the development process been to get to this stage?

I was first told about this war when I was around 12 years old. My brother told me about it and I thought it was the funniest thing I had ever heard. I started writing it in November 2022, had a break and came back to it in April 2023 and began collaborating with my good friend Toby Little. Then, I got a cast together. We did two concerts of the songs in June & December of 2023 and got overwhelmingly positive feedback. In Feb 2024 we were shortlisted for the Charlie Hartill Award and won support from Seven Dials Playhouse. Now we’re at the Pleasance in Edinburgh!

What made you want to take this to the Fringe?

I love the fringe! I have been twice and each time it has been the highlight of my summer. I love the creativity flowing on every street in every pub and room in Edinburgh. I saw some of the funniest stand-up in a karaoke booth last year. This show perfectly encapsulates the creativity and irreverent style of the Edinburgh fringe. 

What’s your top tip for anybody heading for Edinburgh this summer besides seeing your show?

Go see Jaffa Cake the Musical and Hardly Working! Also, see lots of free magic shows. Food-wise, there’s a pizza van right next to the mile, both years I have been I’ve got a lovely slice of pizza from there. Go grab some pizza.

Why should people book to see your show? 

People should book if they want to laugh and have 1hr & 10 mins of pure fun. Our music is catchy and charming, the story is funny and poignant; and the emus glove puppets are the best thing ever.

When and where can people see the show?

We are at Pleasance Two in the Pleasance Courtyard, 12:00 noon. 31st July - 25th August. Get your feathers ready!