Written and performed by BAFTA nominee Yolanda Mercy, Failure Project is a “Comedy drama… Or “dramedy” about Ade. Ade is a successful writer, or so it seems. She has everything she has ever wanted; her career is flying, she’s (kinda) moved out of her mums house, her situationship isn’t as complicated as she expected. But things don’t always go how you plan, and Ade is about to find that out.
Ahead of the show’s Fringe debut, we caught up with Mercy about what it’s returning to Edinburgh.
Q&A with Yolanda Mercy
How does it feel to be returning to Edinburgh Fringe?
I’m excited to be bringing failure project to Edfringe. It’s my first fringe in 7 years… I’ve grown so much as an artist and this show discusses issues that I’ve been told audiences are keen to hear more of.
What can you tell us about your show and its inspiration?
I wanted to peel back the layers of what it means to be a writer seemingly at the height of their career. I wrote this play a few months ago – and it seems that the themes and reality of what it means to work in the industry is very topical…. Twitter is lined with artists discussing this. People have said “you’re play is very timely”. So I feel very honoured to be writing a play that I hope resonates with people.
In terms of development it has very much been me working on the script, I have the support of amazing collaborators Jules Haworth and Joseph Barnes-Phillips who have been great sounding boards, supporters and collaborators. Joseph is also the co-director of the show.
I’m also blessed to be partnering with Black Minds Matter through this process because this show has themes that mentions mental health- and I want to make sure that I sign post those experiencing the show to places like Black Minds Matter who have great support.
How have you been preparing for the festival?
I’ve been spending time connecting with fellow artists. Community is important and I’m so thrilled to be finding my tribe
Will you get a chance to enjoy the rest of the festival?
No. For this show I am The writer, actor, marketing manager and producer. I’m very much a one person band, so I’m working very hard to bring the best show to and edfringe Audience. I’m sooo excited.
How do you think audiences will react to the show
I have been told this play is very relatable… and I’m hoping it resonates with a lot of audiences. I feel so honoured to be sharing this story … it’s a show about I hope will make many people feel seen and in the words of Elton John feel like “I am still standing”…. I want this show to start a conversation much like my other show Quarter Life Crisis which won the underbelly untapped award and subsequently toured.
