Ben Trigger is the creative genius behind Trigger Happy Productions and the main star of Swamplesque The Burlesque Parody. Ben has been in the live theatre industry for over 15 years, both on stage and behind the scenes. He has worked with companies such as Harvest Rain, Basement Arts, Metro Arts and The Powerhouse. We caught up with him find out more about this amazing show, on at the Assembly Hall in Edinburgh as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
STARBURST: How would you pitch Swamplesque to an ogre?
Ben Trigger: Get ready for Swamplesque, the wildest, most outrageous burlesque and drag parody you’ll ever see! Imagine all the zany fun of the original movie, cranked up with striptease, lip-sync battles, live singing, fire breathing, and even break dancing! It’s a rollercoaster of laughs, sexiness, and sheer absurdity, guaranteed to keep you roaring for more!
And how would you pitch it to someone who enjoys fairytales?
This show is a fairytale for the underdogs, a heartfelt ode to those who’ve been told they’ll never have a fairytale ending. Swamplesque celebrates the unconventional heroes and heroines, proving that everyone deserves their own magical story.
Does this ‘Parody’ have layers?
Absolutely! Swamplesque is packed with layers upon layers. Each character unveils new facets of themselves, and hidden meanings are woven throughout the show.
How similar is this to other projects you’ve worked on?
Swamplesque was my first parody production. While I’ve worked extensively on musicals and traditional theatre, blending burlesque elements like comedy, striptease, and elaborate costumes with classic theatre techniques in lighting, sound, and staging has been a thrilling, unique adventure. It’s a whole new theatrical format!
Why Shrek?
I’ve always loved the Shrek films, but as I grew older, I realised their true brilliance. Beyond the laughs, they deliver a powerful message: love everyone for who they are, not how they look. This resonates deeply with me and fits perfectly with the ethos of burlesque, where everybody is celebrated as beautiful and sexy.
What was the biggest obstacle to getting the show made?
Costuming was a massive challenge. Creating distinctive burlesque and drag outfits for over 15 characters was no small feat. Each costume needed unique elements and imaginative ways to be removed, keeping the audience engaged and entertained.
What is your favourite tune in the show, and how easy was it to write?
You can’t have an ogre parody without All-Star by Smash Mouth! It’s definitely a show-stopper and always gets the crowd going!
Why do we like laughing at fairy tales?
Fairy tales are inherently ridiculous. They paint a picture of perfection that, upon closer inspection, is delightfully absurd. Everyone deserves a fairy tale ending, but it’s the imperfections that make the journey so entertaining and relatable.
What’s the most entertaining part of the show for you?
I don’t want to spoil too much, but my absolute favourite moment is when the ogre meets Princess Number 3 in the tower. It’s such an outrageously silly scene, and the audience’s reaction is priceless every time!
Why the Edinburgh Fringe?
The Edinburgh Fringe is the ultimate arts festival, a dream stage for any performer. Bringing Swamplesque here means sharing it with some of the best audiences in the world, connecting with industry pros, and experiencing a vibrant mix of incredible shows all in one place.
Where else can we see you?
I’ll be doing a few extra spots around town including at Reuben Kaye’s – The Kaye Hole and Aiden Sadler’s – Big Gay Afterparty!
What’s next?
We are starting to plan the next instalment of Swamplesque – bringing in some characters from later movies and really developing those characters’ relationships!
Shrek or Donkey?
Shrek – only because I play him
Dungeons or Dragons?
Dragons – they’re just so campy!
Simpsons or Futurama?
Simpsons! Fun fact – the 2nd burlesque parody I worked on was called The Stripsons!
Truth or Beauty?
Truth – everyone is beautiful but not everyone is truthful.
Book for the show here.
