( 2025) Production
We caught up with Daf Hughes – (Writer of Music/Book/Lyrics) and John-Paul McRohon (Director / Cast Member playing Band Manager Colin Cashman For Girlz now playing at Edinburgh Fringe.
Girlz is fast-paced and packed with music — did writing for a Fringe
context affect the structure or length of the show?
(Daf – writer)This version of Girlz has been adapted for the Fringe. The full version is currently one act of approximately 100 minutes. We workshopped it in February and then the director and I worked on the Fringe Version. It’s been hard work adapting and trying to tell the story in such a short time, but I hope we’ve mananged
(John-Paul-Director)
Directing the Fringe Version of the show has really allowed us to focus on the pace of the storytelling and ensuring that one scene merges seamlessly into the next to display the kaleidoscopic nature of the world of Girlz.
What made you decide that Girlz was right for the Edinburgh Fringe
stage?
Girlz is a Brand New British Musical drama, and so many new British Musicals have started their journey at the Fringe. The stripped down nature of show with a cast of just seven is ideal for the intimate setting of a small Fringe Venue. However our Venue of Jade Studio in Greenside@George Street allows us to suggest the wider world of the pop music industry, notably section of the show where we see the Girlz performing live!
How do you keep the energy of the show high in a festival where the cast and crew are performing daily.
This show is such a rollercoaster of emotional highs and lows and moves quickly, from the moment it begins, there is no choice other than to commit and give it everything. Just being part of the Fringe is naturally energizing and for the month you almost run on adrenalin, boosted by the joy of taking in so many other great shows and being part of the Fantastic Fringe Family.
Did you direct this with a touring future or transfer in mind, or was
the focus purely on making it shine at the Fringe?
Our focus is currently one hundred percent on the Fringe and we are loving the experience of bringing this new show here. However, we both definitely hope that this show will have a future beyond the Fringe, as it can be adapted to so many different spaces, from the smallest black box to a large scale venue which maximizes the Live Music and choreographic elements of the show.
How do you balance performance with self-care, especially when dealing with emotionally intense material?
All the cast are staying in a house together, and spend time together seeing lots of other very upbeat shows. We try and create an atmosphere of positivity and mutual support. Cast members have happily taken on board various other jobs (cooking, managing social media, flyering, games etc) Cast members go the gym, read, go out for coffee and of course watch the cricket!
Most importantly all cast members have friends and family who are making the trip up to Edinburgh.
When working on the emotionally challenging material the cast have always had an input into shaping it ensuring they are comfortable with what they are being asked to portray.
What message do you hope audiences leave with after seeing Girlz?
Can you remember when pop music was fun? And where did all the girl bands go?
More seriously, friendship is key to happiness. Everyone has their own battles and sensitivity and an understanding of other’s personal issues makes the world a happier place!
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/girlz
About the Author
Seeing this show is a must! Great music and a fantastic performance delivered by young and talented cast! Go and see!!