Edinburgh Fringe Chats (#124): Christian Barry, RED LIKE FRUIT

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 Christian Barry to find out more about Red Like Fruit.

1. Can you begin by telling us about your show and what inspired it?
My wife, Hannah Moscovitch, began writing this show in 2017. In some ways it was inspired by period pieces - things like the TV show Mad Men. She was thinking: “We look at these shows that depict the lives of women just 40 years ago and we think - Wow, that was awful!” And she found herself thinking what would it be like to make a show about why it is to be a woman now? Would we say the same kind of things? The other thing that happened is: When we were still early in our relationship, Hannah would describe things that had happened to her as a woman, and I would say: “That’s awful.” And she was so surprised - both by my characterization, but also by the confidence with which i was able to say “That was an unfair thing that happened to you.” or “That man knew what he was doing - he was abusing his position of power over you.” So this show is an exploration of the way that the male voice can transform our confidence in the truth of stories.

2. What made you want to bring this work to the Fringe this year?
I sent the script to the team at the Traverse. I had a feeling it was a fit for the Traverse audience. And they agreed. So i guess its a perfect marriage of content, venue, and audience. Also, we are a touring company. And the Fringe has been an ideal launchpad for our international tours in the past. 

3. How would you describe your show in three words?
Feminist, Truthful, Unconventional.

4. What do you hope audiences take away from watching your performance?
I hope audiences feel seen. I hope it empowers people to look back on similar experiences in their own lives in a new light. 

5. What’s your top tip for surviving the Fringe?
Run when you need. Sleep when you need. Eat what you need. Drink what you
need. Worry about the credit card bills later.

6. Where and when can people see your show?
Traverse 2. 31 July - 24 August, Various times: Traverse.co.uk