Edinburgh Fringe Chats (#47): Naomi Johnson, THE WORLD AT 15MPH..ISH

3 Jul

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 Naomi Johnson to chat about The World at 15mph..ish.

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

The World at 15mph... ish tells a true story of cycling 20,000 miles through 26 countries with a man I'd met just three times. It's my own story and aligns with my book of the same name. I share stories of cycling Cairo to Capetown, heading up Alpe d'Huez and around the Annapurna circuit in Nepal - all with a smile and sense of humour. I describe myself as an ordinary human with an extraordinary adventure. The show makes people laugh, cry and interweaves personal life journeys with the bike/travel story.

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

I always held the 'one life - one opportunity' mantra but given a recent breast cancer diagnosis I am now on a mission to raise awareness while inspiring others to live their dreams/do things they have been putting off and not always wait until tomorrow.

How would you describe your show in three words?

Inspiring, authentic, uplifting.

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

A lust for life - a sense that the time is now and a bucket list is not just for retirement!

What’s your top tip for surviving the Fringe?

As a first timer, it's hard to know but as someone who used to live in Edinburgh I'd say pace yourself and always assume it takes twice as long to get around the city in August. Perhaps I should say - get a bike to ease your travel!

Where and when can people see your show?

I'm part of PBH Free Fringe and will be in Brewdog on Lothian Road (venue 102) at1105am every day (inclusive) from Aug 2nd to 24th.

For more info my website is www.bikemind.co.uk