Interview: Peter Mitchelson, ‘The Moon Pact Trial’

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 Peter Mitchelson about their piece, The Moon Pact Trial.

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

I have always been a fan of horror, but it isn’t really seen onstage. I’m currently studying a PhD examining why exactly that is, and what if anything can we do to make horror engaging and accessible to mainstream theatre audiences. I have been making theatre for about 15 years. Sometimes as a director but mostly as a designer, creating soundscapes and lighting effects.

I’m no stranger to the fringe coming up with many plays but these solo horror shows that I write and perform are new for me.

What is your show about?

Witchcraft, sex cults and wanky art for arty wankers. It’s also about the fringe and the process of making theatre. The protagonist is a struggling actor who gets cast in an occult play he doesn’t understand.

What was the inspiration for The Moon Pact Trial and what’s the development process been to get to this stage?

I started writing scripts during lockdown, with the live events/theatre industry completely frozen there was little creative outlet at that time for me. I got work accepted into the Everyman and Playhouse Theatre new writing scheme. Although I wrote some traditional comedy and drama scripts there. The Moon Pact Trial was based on strange occurrences I had witnessed in my career. During that process, I realised that as this essentially is my story, I’m best suited to tell it as a 1-person storytelling show.

What made you want to take your show to the Fringe?

 I love fringe theatre; this will be my 9th or 10th fringe. The work is generally quite personal and intimate. More than that though the format suits this work. This kind of show works in a close-up environment. It’s not a traditional play, there are bits of interaction mixed in with scenes and storytelling. I think it plays well to both comedy and theatre audiences with direct address fourth wall breaks and fast-paced character comedy.

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

Some shows will be bad, accept that. Often something ambitious and interesting that fails will be more memorable and interesting than a safe show. This can free you to take punts on weird looking stuff. You’re at the fringe. Yes, there might be a big name comedian you came for, but get outside your comfort zone. There are lots of free shows available, paying 20 quid for a 50 minute show is no guarantee of quality.

Why should people book a ticket to see your show?

Fast paced comedy horror.

When and where can people see your show?

The Moon Pact Trial runs Aug 3-16, 18-25 Banshee Labyrinth Chamber Room 9:50pm