Abey is a theatre-maker and actor-musician and the writer/composer of JULIE: The Musical (Offie Finalist Best New Musical 2023) and Tit Swingers (MTFestUK 2024). They are also a performer and writer for Jezebel Folk Trio.
Abey joins us on Close-Up Culture to tell us more about Tit Swingers…
In your own words, can you describe for us what your show is about?
The show is about real life Queer historical pirates Anne Bonney and Mary Read (and also Calico Jack is here) – they were known as the ‘Hellcats of the Seven Seas’ in the 17th Century, were queer polyamorous pirates, and were famous for terrorising Navy and Merchant ship by fighting with their tits out – as we all know, there’s nothing more terrifying than the female nipple… The show is asking “What would happen if these Pirates decided to write a show about themselves, and perform it on a bunch of stolen guitars in a dirty tavern, what would that be like?” – and of course it’s a punk rock gig musical with plenty of swearing, audience interaction and a Morris Dance in the middle…obviously.
And if you were to condense that into three words, what would they be?
Queer. Punk. Pirates.
What has preparation for the Fringe looked like for you so far?
As me and Sam are both AuDHD, it involves a lot of very organised to – do lists and spreadsheets, that we then ignore until the last minute and rush to get everything together at the last minute! We’re really excited to get back into rehearsals for the show with the fabulous Conor telling us what to do (he’s the director, it’s his job), while we have our amazing designer Becky and videographer India creating our set and some very exciting projections I’m also getting my comfy shoes at the ready – ALWAYS BRING COMFY SHOES TO THE FRINGE.
What do you want audiences to take away from seeing your show?
If you like anarchic comedy, if you’re queer, if you like punk rock, if you’re a pirate – there’s something for you in this show And we hope that after the show you’ll want to go out and cause a bit of anarchy yourself, and do some of your own Hot Girl Pirate Shit.
How did you come up with the concept of your performance?
The show is about real life Queer historical pirates Anne Bonney and Mary Read (and also Calico Jack is here) – they were known as the ‘Hellcats of the Seven Seas’ in the 17th Century, were queer polyamorous pirates, and were famous for terrorising Navy and Merchant ship by fighting with their tits out – as we all know, there’s nothing more terrifying than the female nipple… I’m a massive history nerd and Sam loves sea shanties and punk rock, and we’re both queer too, so when we heard about Bonney and Read it was just the perfect fit for us!
It was actually during rehearsals for JULIE: The Musical that we started messing about with ideas for TIT SWINGERS, in breaks between shows we’d be picking things out on guitars and sending each other late night voice notes of tunes and lyrics. The show is asking “What would happen if these Pirates decided to write a show about themselves, and perform it on a bunch of stolen guitars in a dirty tavern, what would that be like?” – and of course it’s a punk rock gig musical with plenty of swearing, audience interaction and a Morris Dance in the middle… obviously.
Edinburgh Fringe is certainly an incredibly busy event, what are you most looking forward to doing whilst there?
Obviously watching other shows (but that’s a given at the Fringe) and seeing something unexpected – but there’s also an amazing Pie Shop I can’t quite remember the name of I can’t wait to find again! I’m also looking forward to saying ‘Yes, let’s definitely go to Arthur’s Seat and watch the sunrise’, and then never making it up the hill.
Where can people catch you?
You can find us on Instagram, TikTok and Twitter (…sorry,‘X’) @titswingers for Hot Girl Pirate Shit Shenanigans Or you can also see our other work at www.legasp.co.uk and @legasp.productions on Instagram.
Finally, what would be your dream venue or theatre to perform at?
Oo that’s a tough one – as a Manchester native I would LOVE to perform at The Royal Exchange, but then we also love performing in unexpected places too! TIT SWINGERS would be amazing in an abandoned warehouse, an actual dive bar, A REAL PIRATE SHIP!
SHOW LINK: https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/tit-swingers
TWITTER / X ACCOUNT: @titswingers
INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT: @titswingers