Part confessional, part exuberant oral history of sports entertainment’s greatest matches and most loved characters. Acclaimed comedian Tegan Verheul leaves no Stone (Cold) unturned in her unflinchingly raw autobiographical debut that grapples with heartbreak, friendship and the healing power of bloodsport. Riotously funny, unexpectedly touching, brilliantly human. You will leave a wrestling fan.
Returning to the Fringe by popular demand, ‘Chokeslam’ is a testament to Verheul’s mastery in physical storytelling. With minimal set and props, Verheul’s commanding presence transforms an intimate stage into a grand arena, engaging the imagination of her audience in a powerful way. Whether you’re a hardcore wrestling aficionado or a newcomer to the world of body slams, you’re in for an enthralling experience. Last year’s run was a smash hit, resonating with a diverse crowd and garnering rave reviews for its universal appeal and Verheul’s dynamic performance.
Q&A with Tegan Verheul
How does it feel to be returning to Edinburgh Fringe?
I’m so excited to be returning to the Fringe! It feels like I learned so much last year, I’m eager to put those lessons to use and make newer, bigger, more embarrassing mistakes. I think knowing what to expect to a degree has given me a bit more confidence and calm, but I’m sure that will be gone the moment I set foot in Edinburgh. It will be a beautiful, chaotic month.
What can you tell us about your show and its inspiration?
Chokeslam is a love letter to pro wrestling, but it’s also a story of love and loss and what gets you through it. It’s one part Wrestling 101, one part oral history of the Attitude Era, one part spilling my deepest darkest secrets. It’s a bonkers mix, but it somehow works? It’s autobiographical, which is slightly terrifying, but the Fringe is all about taking risks.
How do you think audiences will react to the show?
As much as Chokeslam is a silly show about wrestling, it’s got some very vulnerable moments and a number of unexpected twists and turns. It makes me so happy when audience members tell me Chokeslam made them want to get into wrestling. And I’m equally touched when people tell me the show moved them, or that they connected to its deeper themes of love and disappointment and redemption. I think audiences at the Fringe will be surprised. They will laugh, and maybe cry, and (hopefully) leave as wrestling fans.
How have you been preparing for the festival?
I made a bet with a friend that I could transform my physique to match that of WWE’s Jade Cargill in three months, just in time for the Fringe. I’ve been hitting the gym really hard, but my biceps are still lacking. Thankfully, I think all that hard work will still be useful in terms of endurance—my show’s quite physically demanding and I expend a lot of energy onstage, so I’m grateful I worked on my conditioning so that I can perform at the same level each day, even it I don’t look as intimidating as I want to.
Will you get a chance to enjoy the rest of the festival?
I hope so! My show’s at 17:50, which means I’ll be riding an adrenaline high until at least midnight. If my maths are correct, that means I can fit in seeing 4-5 shows each evening if I sprint? I intend to sprint everywhere. Immersing yourself in theatre and seeing weird and wonderful shows you wouldn’t normally catch is really the best part of the Edinburgh Fringe, so I’ll make sure I do.
Do you have any Fringe anecdotes you can share with us?
Last year Shooter McGavin stopped me on the street to ask for directions to a Thai massage parlour. I hope it happens again.
