Interview: Meg Rose-Dixon, ‘Abrasion’

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 Meg Rose-Dixon about Abrasion.

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

I mean every child enjoyed playing dress up right? I starred in a BBC two part drama about daphne du Maurier back in 2007, have been in a few short films and music videos over the years. I studied at East 15 and my love for writing was born, I needed a way to vent so I took to writing little monologues/word vomits on my notes. When my health really deteriorated at East I used writing as a way to cope and process what I was going through. After graduating in 2020, the year the world stopped, I continued to write and debuted the first iteration of ‘Abrasion’ at Camden fringe in 2022 when the show was only 30 minutes. Since that first show I have been working behind the scenes in Productions for TV shows such as Saturday Kitchen, Martin and Romans weekend best, Killer at the Crime Scene, DNA Doe. Understudied and ASM’d on Around the World in 80 Days at the Barn theatre and continued worked with dramaturg Janet Mooney to extend the ‘Abrasion’. 

What is your show about?

Abrasion is set at my endoversary party as if talking to all my friends about my rollercoaster journey navigating the NHS to obtain a diagnosis of Endometriosis/PCOS. We start the show age 16, go from one doctors appointment to the next showcasing the difficulties faced when trying to get an endo diagnosis. Audience participation and interactions throughout as this is a party after all…

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

My actual health journey was the inspiration from the show. I would always vice note my doctors appointments because I found it easier to digest all the information and have a record of the consultations. Getting diagnosed with Endometriosis took 8 for me and it was not an easy journey, I was in and out of a&e passed from one doctor to the next and only when they thought it was cancer did things really matter and move in the right direction. Writing the show was really an exercise for me to process my own experience as well as talk to and intertwine verbatim from other sufferers. This version of the show playfully showcases my story as if talking to a group of friends at a party. Lauren Tranter, my director has been a wonderful creative gem in the development of the piece. We both are excited to see how the audience interactions in Edinburgh change the show every night. 

What made you want to take this to the Fringe?

Abrasion is a story that needs to be told, not only because it is a great show and hilarious but, because I think the subject matter is incredibly important and needs to be spoken about more. The fringe allows the show to reach wider audiences in an amazing creative festival, taking the show to Ed fringe was a no brainer. It just had to be done.

Apart from seeing your show, what’s your top tip for anybody heading for Edinburgh this summer?

Cannot wait to see “Oh Calm down” written by the very talented two shows 2024 fringe Charlotte Anne-Tilley another great show commenting on OCD and Women's health. “Luke Rollason Luke Rollason let down your hair” the witty weird clown that is Luke Rollason is definitely on my list to see as his advice about fringe was truly helpful and I just adore his shows. Isobel Rodgers “How to be content” I saw a preview at The Pleasance in London and did not stop laughing, she is a talented comical musician. Hysterical by Sally Macallister at greenside will also be one to watch about the patriarchal oppression on women's mental health. 

Why should people book to see your show? 

It’s a party, a celebration as well as an education. I want the audience to have a laugh and go on this journey with me again. The show is fun, hilarious and I think there is something is the show for everyone. 

When and where can people see the show?

Pleasance Courtyard, 11.35am 31st July – 25th August.