Edinburgh Fringe Chats (#64): Helen Anker, THE ESSENCE OF AUDREY

9 Jul

As anticipation builds for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025, we’re catching up with a range of exciting creatives preparing to bring their work to the world’s largest arts festival this August. In this series, we delve into the stories behind the shows, the inspiration driving the artists, and what audiences can expect. Today, we’re joined by Helen Anker to chat more about her show, The Essence of Audrey.

Can you begin by telling us about your show and what inspired it?

My show is about the life of Audrey Hepburn. I own some coffee table books about her and during lock down my tenant mentioned that she thought I looked a bit like her. It got me thinking about whether anyone had written a play about her, as I thought maybe I could learn one and put on a show about her. As I couldn’t find anything and had time on my hands , I decided to try writing one for myself.. well, I did it! and put it on in a London venue as a try out!

I’ve now performed it over 30 times in small venues across the country and am so excited to bring it to the Fringe.

What made you want to bring this work to the Fringe this year?

My Mum and her husband visit the fringe every year, and it’s been a dream of my Mum’s for me to perform at it one day… As I have a break between contracts of Dear Evan Hansen, giving me August free.. I figured it was a sign, so why not do it this year?

How would you describe your show in three words?

Charming, moving, inspiring

What do you hope audiences take away from watching your performance?

I hope people come away with a new idea of how challenging the life of a film star is. We never really know what a star’s real life is like, as we imagine they must be happy and confident people. During this play we discover the truth of how hard and anxiety ridden a celebrity’s life can be. Also, learning about the wonderful work she did for UNICEF, which I’m trying to continue in her legacy.

What’s your top tip for surviving the Fringe?

I’ll have to tell you after I’ve done it.. But I imagine it will be, pace yourself!

Try not to do too much too often, but try and experience a little of something different every day

Where and when can people see your show?

I’ll be performing at 11.15am every day of the fringe (apart from the 13th) at the Pleasance Courtyard Cellar