‘A Canadian explains Eurovision to Brits’ (And others who just so happen to be there). Comedian Matti McLean leans into the controversies, the triumphs and intricacies of the world’s biggest song contest from a uniquely outsider perspective. And to exponentially add to the confusion, now said Canadian explains his show for Brits to an Fringe Review’s resident American interviewer Dr.Pants. You can catch the show during Colchester Fringe October 22-30th.
Read our ‘HIDDEN GEM’ review for the show here.
NAP: Hello Matti! Welcome across the pond to cruddy ole UK. Tell us, what is your show about?
ML: I explain Eurovision to people who should know better. I explain Eurovision! I’m Canadian! It’s ironic! But also go into the heart that beats behind the contest and not just why it matters, but why it matters to me.
NAP: The heart of the show is what stood out to me when I first saw this piece performed in Orlando. Can you give us a hint of what to expect there?
ML: I don’t think this show is a direct commentary or explanation of Eurovision (although both of those are a part of the production) – Instead it is more of an exploration of what exactly the contest means to me. Why I think it matters to a queer individual half a world away. So while a lot of the technicalities of Eurovision might already be known to UK audiences, I doubt they realize the depth, complexity and impact that someone so seemingly ordinary can have on a world that so desperately needs community, light and power right now.
NAP: How would you convince me to see your play if I was hesitant? Not everyone is particularly happy with Eurovision at the moment.
ML: It’s big! It’s musical! It’s kinda gay! A treat for those who love Eurovision and an introduction for those who are Euro-curious. It’s an examination of the contest and it’s intricacies and intricacies!
I am someone who knows that Eurovision has a checkered reputation. Many people dismiss it, or roll their eyes, or brush it aside- but it is still a cultural juggernaut that has lasted over 70 years now. It’s embraced – primarily by those that aren’t normative – especially the queer community throughout its existence. I think that’s very telling that the things that people hate on like disco and Eurovision usually end up revealing that the reason they were so hated was because of queer culture.
NAP: So why did you decide to perform at Colchester Fringe?
ML: I am a Fringe legend back in Canada- and I must extend my world dominance to different shores before everyone over there is sick of me. I saw an opportunity to bring my show overseas and I jumped at it.
Going international is a huge step! I have to market, explore, promote and connect from afar. As someone who has never been in the UK by myself before the leap is intimidating – but also will my impeccable Canadian humour cross the ocean with me? How will people react to my show when they already know what the contest is? So many thrilling and exhilarating questions that I’m eager to dive into and share.
NAP: So how then are you hopeful audiences react?
ML: Sing song songs! Make fun of Canada and Canadians! Have a great time! This show is meant to not give you a syllabus, but to give you the feeling of Eurovision from someone who can only assume they know how that would feel!
‘A Canadian Explains Eurovision to Brits‘ is on Thu 22 October 7:00 pm, Sat 24 October 5:30 pm, Sun 25 October 7:30 pm, Mon 26 October 8:30 pm, Tue 27 October 7:00 pm, and Fri 30 October 7:00 pm during Colchester Fringe. While you’re here, why don’t you check out the rest of our coverage of Fringe including a Giraffe in a G-string, a drag king explaining animal sex, and Dr.Pant’s messy queer psychological thriller (a play in a) DARK ROOM.
