Edinburgh Fringe Chats (#112): Kyle Schaefer, HOLD ON TO YOUR BUTTS & FLY, YOU FOOLS!
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 Kyle Schaefer to find out more about Recent Cutbacks’ two shows this summer, Hold On To Your Butts and Fly, You Fools!
1. Can you begin by telling us about your show and what inspired it?
Fly, You Fools! in its Fringe premiere is Recent Cutbacks' second show and Hold On To Your Butts, which premiered last year, was our first. Both are born out of late night hilarity with friends, roughly acting out scenes from mutually beloved movies, capturing the best lines and moments and swapping characters as needed.
We love these iconic films, almost more in the way they live on in our imaginations than even just watching for the hundredth time. Our favorite movies become a part of us. We wanted to bring that feeling to audiences with a heartfelt playful joy.
2. What made you want to bring this work to the Fringe this year?
A bemusing wizard appeared at our little hobbit door and told us to bring Fly, You Fools! to the Fringe..... Also, we had a blast premiering Hold On To Your Butts last year, the Fringe audiences are amazing, and our vibe feels right at home in the eclectic atmosphere. Not to mention getting to perform Fly, You Fools! in a setting that could have been ripped directly from the film.
3. How would you describe your show in three words?
Irreverent, epic & FOOLISH
4. What do you hope audiences take away from watching your performance?
Our playground is the nostalgia in the minds and hearts of our audience. We're aiming to stir up those "oh oh! I love this part!" feelings from your favorite movies. Also hoping for at least one giggle at our overcommitted antics. A glorious, boisterous giggle!
5. What’s your top tip for surviving the Fringe?
Band together with your closest friends and set out on your Fringe journey together. No creature is too small to lead their fellowship into the fires of Fringe. You never know what new companions will join you along the way!
6. Where and when can people see your show?
Check out both shows by Recent Cutbacks at the Pleasance, 30th Jul - 25th Aug. Hold On To Your Butts (Pleasance Courtyard at 12:30) & Fly, You Fools! (Pleasance Forth at 15:10). Or better yet, make it a double feature!
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