Heartwarming look at life of a single mother
T his week we talk to Laura Dalgleish, who is appearing in the show How to Be Brave, which will be at Edinburgh and Theatr Clwyd.
Q
Tell us about your family:
A
I have an amazing family. I am one of ten grandchildren and we are all like brothers and sisters which is great, cos my immediate family is just my Mum and two sisters. The whole family are so close and we have huge family get-togethers, with all the kids and everything. Very funny people. Always have a great time when we are all together.
Q
What are you best known for?
A
I’m not really sure. I never really think about myself like that. This hopefully! Ha!
Q
Tell us about your show
A
The show is called How to be Brave and we are playing at Machynlleth Comedy Festival, Roundabout at Summerhall for Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and Theatre Clwyd. It follows a young woman, Katie, in a day of her life where there is a lot going on. She is a single mum, down to earth and it’s a funny, real, heartwarming story about what she is struggling with at that point in her life. It’s
also a love story to Newport.
Q
When is it running from/to?
A
Machynlleth Sat 4th May/ Edinburgh 31st July - 25th August/ Clwyd 2/3 September. Q
What can audiences expect?
A
It’s a one woman show, so it’s me talking to them directly, and in the round. I think what’s so great about the show is that people are really connecting with it. I play different characters and we all know people like those characters. And we all feel the struggles and pains that she’s unable to deal with. It’s a very real, honest, moving and funny show.
Q
Tell us five things which make your show great?
A
Female writer. Female director. Female performer. It’s great in this climate that plays like this are getting made. A great female voice but inclusive of everyone. I like that I get to connect with different people every performance. And mainly the writing. Sian Owen has written this amazing, complex, funny woman. It’s beautiful. I feel very, very lucky to be part of it. Q What’s your favourite part of the show A I don’t want to give anything away but there is a dance sequence. It’s great. You’ll have to come see it to find out more. But it’s hilarious and sad all at once.
Q
Tell us about the costumes
A
There’s only one costume! Pretty simple. Ha! Being just me on stage we need to keep that audience gripped and entertained. If I popped off for a costume change it would be a bit boring! Q What’s the best song from the performance and who’s it by? A
There’s only one song but I don’t want to give it away. It’s a nice surprise for the audience. But we have an amazing sound design by Dan Lawrence. Q What are your best and worst habits: A My worst habit is that I bite my nails! I don’t know if it’s a habit but my best trait is that I really like people. I love chatting and connecting with people. I come from a family of teachers and carers. It’s in our blood to connect with people. Q
Who’s the biggest celebrity you’ve met?
A
I met David Attenborough once and it blew my mind. I’d grown up watching all his programmes, and I wanted to be a marine biologist when I was
young. I adopted Killer whales and dolphins because of that man. Absolute legend.
Q
Once the tour has finished what are your plans?
A
Going and doing this show in Edinburgh is one of those jobs that you dream about getting. I’m so, so excited for that, and it’s life after Edinburgh, but it’s quite intense so I’m sure I might give myself a little holiday away, and spend some time with my fella! Then get back to work!