Edinburgh Fringe Chats (#123): Marie Hamilton, MADONNA ON THE ROCKS

As anticipation builds for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025, we’re catching up with a range of exciting creatives preparing to bring their work to the world’s largest arts festival this August. In this series, we delve into the stories behind the shows, the inspiration driving the artists, and what audiences can expect. Today, we’re joined by Marie Hamilton to find out more about her show, Madonna On The Rocks.

1. Can you begin by telling us about your show and what inspired it?

I made it as I was just finding my way out of the darkness of post natal depression. There’s so much stigma attached to the confusion of feelings that can often come after having a baby, and I think many more people than we realise feel very lost and scared in that time. But the longer it stays a taboo, the more likely it is people will fall into it. When it feels like it’s only you who’s lost and scared, and that everyone else knows what they’re doing, it can be incredibly lonely. I also really needed a laugh, so I made this.

It’s about making art when the world is on fire, about trying to be a semi-decent parent and also a semi-decent artist. It’s about love and rage, mothers and daughters and generational self sacrifice.

And, even though it’s all of that, it’s also a lot of fun.

2. What made you want to bring this work to the Fringe this year?

I think it’s really important to keep working, making, being an artist while also being a mother. And though maybe it’s crazy (and maybe there’s a reason people don’t do monthlong Fringe shows with a baby and toddler) I’m going to keep flying my flag for artist mums whenever I can. So people know that though it’s hard it is possible.

And even if we have had a lil rent free guest in our wombs, we don’t have to hide away in peanut butter covered pj’s.

3. How would you describe your show in three words?

Dark, hilarious, BangingTUUUNES

4. What do you hope audiences take away from watching your performance? 

I hope they will feel empowered, to see their own mum’s as human beings with fears and flaws, to have had a good laugh, a good cry and leave ready to make some art and change the world.

5. What’s your top tip for surviving the Fringe?

It’s a long game, keep the faith, don’t compare yourself to anyone else.

6. Where and when can people see your show?

Assembly Roxy, RoxyBoxy, 11.55am!

Have a morning coffee and a pastry, and start your fringe day off with a party.

INSTAGRAM: @marierhymeswithgary

SHOW LINK: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/madonna-on-the-rocks

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