Edinburgh Fringe Chats (#106): Toby Thompson, THE LITTLE PRINCE

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 Toby Thompson to find out more about The Little Prince.

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

The show is an adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic novella The Little Prince. I am the writer and performer, but many outstanding creatives were involved in bringing the story to life. We’ve sought to create an experience that is, like the original, philosophical and silly, bittersweet and joyous, intimately poignant and cosmically vast. The performance lasts an hour. It’s advertised as 8+, but adults without children are very much welcome. It features a full original score that I adore beyond words. What else? Oh just come along. I reckon you’ll like it. 

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

I’ll tell you the honest truth: I go where I’m sent! The show is produced by The Egg, Theatre Royal Bath, they take care of the bookings. But when they asked if I was up for the Fringe, I certainly didn’t have to think twice. The last time I performed a whole month at the Fringe was also with The Pleasance, in 2018. It was a unique experience in my life and I’m so happy to be stepping up for round two.  

3. How would you describe your show in three words?

Cosmic, playful, heartfelt. 

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

I wouldn’t dare to prescribe one thing. The Little Prince show doesn’t have an axe to grind. True, it contains a fair amount of satire, but its purpose is not so closed-ended as a ‘message’ or ‘takeaway’. I hope it has an opening effect an audiences. I hope it opens up questions and wide eyes and hearts. I hope it reminds people of things they’ve always known but sometimes forget, about what’s important, about how friendship feels. Which is all perhaps just to say I hope it entertains. 

5. What’s your top tip for surviving the Fringe?

Oh I’m sure you can do better than survive! I believe in you! Top tip. Hmmm. I suppose I’d say, try not to get stuck in a swamp of obligation. There are always more things to do and shows to see. It’s good to do and see a lot of stuff, of course. But don’t let a feeling of should strangle your joy. Here’s my tip: Don’t consume the Fringe. Inhabit it.

6. Where and when can people see your show?

 Catch me at 12pm midday, six days a week, at Pleasance Beyond!

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