• Advertise
  • Request Review
  • Write for Us
  • Privacy
  • Login

Theatre Bubble

The UK Theatre Network

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Features
  • Spotlight
  • Opinions
  • Interviews
  • Guides
  • Tickets

INTERVIEW / Harry Butler on Changing the Sheets

August 1, 2022 by Tom Bailey Leave a Comment

We spoke to writer and performer Harry Butler about his upcoming performance of Changing the Sheets, presented by The Playground Theatre, which is making its way to the Edinburgh Fringe next month. The show gives an insight into hook-up culture and dating in the modern age through the spicy and carnal, honest and intimate things we say behind closed doors when the lights are off and no one’s around.

What made you want to write about dating in the modern age?

I was interested in how brief encounters with strangers that you might only see a handful of times can have a pretty big impact on you. How certain people stick around in your brain long after you’ve met them. They can really mean a lot, even if the relationship only lasts a short period of time. I wouldn’t tell my current girlfriend that, mind you. Also I was fascinated by pillowtalk and the way we get to know someone in bed. It’s a private intimate space and a unique type of chat. It’s also not something I had seen before. I think the audience will get a kick about hearing conversations that they have had themselves in private, on stage.

You have some pretty intimate exchanges with your co-star in the play. Did that affect the rehearsal process?

I don’t think so! Rehearsals were always very fun and felt safe. The intimacy and having conversations about sex and dating might have been a bit awkward on day one but you quickly get used to it. I think Anthony Biggs, our director, did a great job of creating an atmosphere that felt lighthearted and fun where we could talk about intimate things. Myself and Máiréad are very good friends too which I think helps.

How do you want your audience to feel after seeing the show?

I want them to have a good time first of all. I wanted to make a pop play. Something that was accessible, snappy, fun and captures something universal. I hope it reminds them of flings they’ve had or the weird/cringy things they’ve said in the bedroom. We performed the show in Dublin in 2021 and people of all ages were saying how relatable they found it, which is lovely – a bit strange when it’s your auntie who says it but look, I’ll take what I can get.

What’s your favourite moment or line in the play?

There’s an argument just over half way through. The characters are fighting over what “meaningful” sex is. It gets a bit heated, in a playful way. They both get a bit worked up about it and score points at various moments and it’s a lot of fun. But they aren’t really talking about what they are talking about in the way that a lot of conversations in the early part of a relationship tend to be.

What are you most looking forward to at the Fringe this year?

I have never been to Fringe before so I am so excited just to see it! People keep telling me it’s amazing so I hope they are right. I can’t wait to see loads of shows and have a good time (please god). I’m buzzing. Nervous but buzzing.

Changing the Sheets is being performed at The Drawing Room in Assembly Rooms between the 3rd – 28th August and tickets can be bought here.

Author: Tom BaileyTom is a theatre maker and writer based in London, England. He covers news and interviews for Theatre Bubble.
T: Twitter F: Facebook

Filed Under: Featured, Interviews Tagged With: Anthony Biggs, Assembly Rooms, Changing the Sheets, edinburgh fringe, Edinburgh Fringe 2022, Harry Butler, The Drawing Room, The Playground Theatre

Join the discussion Cancel reply

INTERVIEW / Richard Vergette on Leaving Vietnam

We spoke to Richard Vergette, writer and performer of Leaving Vietnam. Richard plays a war veteran who feels ignored and [Read More]

Review / The Journey To Venice at the Finborough Theatre

Bjorg Vik’s play The Journey To Venice is a delightful production, entertaining yet full of pathos. A play with a [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Tzarini Meyler talks KITES at VAULT Festival

We spoke to Artistic Director of LipZinc Theatre, writer and performer Tzarini Meyler about her upcoming show at VAULT Festival [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Naomi Westerman talks BATMAN (aka Naomi’s Death Show)

We spoke to writer and performer Naomi Westerman from Little But Fierce about her upcoming show at VAULT Festival Can [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Angharad Jones on The Swearing Jar 

From New Perspectives, The Swearing Jar is a comedy about love, heartbreak, living with the past and accepting the future. We spoke to director Angharad [Read More]

Top Posts & Pages

  • Tim Edge talks Under the Black Rock
  • 5 Stage Elements to Consider for a Rousing Theatrical Production
  • Writing the Perfect Press Release
  • The Donmar Warehouse's Julius Caesar at the King's Cross Theatre
  • Is this the real location of Ambridge?
  • The Further Adventures of the Owl and the Pussycat
  • Art of Believing at The Space
  • The Bacchae - National Student Drama Festival 2015
  • A Midsummer Night's Dream at Brasenose College, Oxford
  • Abel Law on becoming a musical theatre student during COVID
  • Tom Bailey
    Editor

  • August 1st, 2022
  • comment iconNo Comments
  • FacebookTweetLinkedInEmail

    Newsletter

    Enjoyed what you've read? Get even more great content directly to your inbox - Completely Free

    About Theatre Bubble

    Theatre Bubble is the news, review and blogging site created by Blue Pie Media and run by a dedicated team of outstanding editors and writers: we're always looking for new contributors - to find out more click here.

    Contact Us

    News: news@theatrebubble.com
    Reviews: reviews@theatrebubble.com
    Website: webmaster@theatrebubble.com

    Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2023 · Blue Pie Media

     

    Loading Comments...
     

      Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

      Email sent!