Interview: Niamh O’Farrell-Tyler “ROADKILL”
Conducted by Emmie for Theatre and Tonic
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 Niamh O’Farrell-Tyler about the show ROADKILL.
Credit: Kallum Linnie
1. Can you begin by telling us about your show and what inspired it?
ROADKILL is a show that, at its heart, is NOT about getting hit by a car - that's what happened to the main character, Cosmo, and it's probably what you want to hear about, but it's not what Cosmo wants to talk about. It's ultimately the coming-of-age story of a young trans person exploring their identity and sexuality through the years, and while reflecting on this, coming to terms with how others perceive them after they've suffered a transphobic attack. Oddly enough, it was inspired by a Halloween costume that has ultimately ended up being the costume of the piece, as well as personal experience of dealing with being one queer or trans person expected to represent entire communities of millions in every conversation!
2. What made you want to bring this work to the Fringe this year?
It's no secret that disparaging discussion of the trans community has become a very popular topic in our media today, along with anti-trans legislation being passed constantly in Ireland, the UK, the US, and worldwide. ROADKILL, and our company DYKEish as an extension, is about celebrating the individual stories and people in the community that are overshadowed by what society is currently projecting onto us as a whole. The queer and trans community deserve to see art that doesn't solely focus on trauma, but on the incredible, passionate, world-encompassing lives we lead.
3. How would you describe your show in three words?
Rollarcoaster, dykeish, horny (sorry, Mum)
4. What do you hope audiences take away from watching your performance?
My hope is that queer/trans and cishet audiences alike will come away feeling seen and celebrated. It's ultimately a joyful, hopeful show, and I sincerely hope that it inspires feelings in kind in its audience. On a larger scale, I hope that it sparks conversation about how trans people are seen and treated by our societies at present, and how we can best support our community from within and from without.
5. What’s your top tip for surviving the Fringe?
I've worked the last two Fringes as a technician, so believe me when I say: you want your techies and venue staff on your side! Come into your tech with biscuits, sweets, and a healthy dose of respect, and you'll have a far smoother run!
6. Where and when can people see your show?
ROADKILL runs 1-9th August in Space 2, theSpace on the Mile at 7.30pm with a runtime of 45 minutes. Short and sweet!
