Edy Hurst’s new show is called Edy Hurst’s Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Himself and is currently at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. We caught up with him to find out more.
STARBURST: How would you pitch Edy Hurst’s Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Himself to a an elderly relative who absolutely is not a witch?
Edy Hurst: Listen, you old bat, ever heard of the Pendle Witch trials? It’s local history and folklore, you’re gonna lap that up. I’ve found out that I, and as a elderly relative also you, am/are related to women accused through those infamous events. Also, I found out I have ADHD and want to share a big theory that the Vengaboys made a concept album, but quite frankly, I’m not sure how much that will land with you at your age, and the show is definitely not about those at all.
There’s also a big cauldron that I may or may not nearly fall out of every show, so as an elderly relative of mine there’s some additional jeopardy there. Yes I am happy with my life choices. PLease don’t give me that look.
And how would you pitch it to someone who someone who thinks Macbeth is a comedy?
Oh, you’re going to love this. Imagine if it was that opening bit of Macbeth with the witches, but instead, it’s one guy with a dead-on theory about the Vengaboys that, for legal reasons, he cannot talk about on a public platform. Also, there are some shamanic chants via a loop pedal. And here’s the best bit – not a damned spot in sight!
Why Witches?
My mum instilled in me a great fascination with fantasy and magic, as well as of contemporary beliefs in witchcraft, and as my previous work probably shows, I have a real interest in taking my experiences and hooking them onto high-concept ideas that I can bounce off.
I think that witches occupy a strange space in our popular culture. As one of the few gender-specific mystical antagonists, they’re also the only ones that have such a grounding in reality that there are court documents of people accused of being them. Say what you like about Dracula, but I never think he took the stand.
I’ve been really interested in making a show about shamanism, witchcraft and the role that magic has and does play in our lives, and this show, with the support of The Lowry, really let me explore it in a big way. Through huge deep dives into the folk philosophy of the 17th century to the court documents of the Lancashire Witch Trials, I think audiences are mercifully now spared a lot of extra reading I did (Bad luck, WIP audiences of 2023) but I hope through the show it’s a chance to look at how we treat otherness and those that are often the most vulnerable in society regardless of the period of time we are living in.
How different is this from your previous shows?
This is the first show where I have worked with a team and even received funding to develop it. The fantastic Joz Norris has been directing the show, as well as a number of comedians, dramaturgs and production team members, to create something that while keeping my DIY lofi vibe but stepping my work into something specific for theatre spaces.
It’s been supported by The Lowry’s ‘Developed With’ Programme and Arts Council England, and the opportunity through them to really sit and think about what we’re making as its developed has been a huge new experience and a real departure from previous work.
Would we notice if H.G. Wells’ Martians invaded?
Where do you live? If it’s outside of the 75-mile square radius of Woking and London, it’s incredibly unlikely beyond a BBC News notification. Don’t argue with me, read the book, he’s so specific to where the Martians invade, and not once does he say their effects are even felt beyond Birmingham. More like War of the Worlds and a number of Borough Councils.
Why the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
Edinburgh is the world’s largest arts festival and a place where audiences across the world gather to watch work that challenges the formats and mediums they’re made for. My new show straddles the worlds of comedy and theatre, as well as combining Witches, Neurodivergence and the Vengaboys. So, if it doesn’t find an audience here, then I am in trouble.
What’s the biggest change you’ve had to make to the show?
Probably cutting the 10 to 15-minute bit where I talk about the socio-political climate of James I’s England, alongside the social function magic provided in 1600s Britain, and why Witch Trials didn’t really happen in Britain in the same way as mainland Europe for a couple centuries. Turns out I didn’t need it! Who knew? Definitely the Buxton Fringe audiences of 2023!
What is the most important lesson you’ve learnt on tour?
Always check for parking before you get to your destination. Even if travelling by train, it’s just good to know.
What’s your next big project after the Fringe has ended?
Edy Hurst’s Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Himself will embark on a National Tour starting at The Lowry on October 31st – Autumn 2025. Other than that, I’m not sure yet. There’s a few pans on the hob, but I ain’t sharing the soup until it’s simmered.
Will we all be wearing witch hats next summer?
I hope so! I haven’t got any merchandise (yet), but they’re a great shady hat option that provides a great alternative to the ubiquitous baseball cap.
Where else can we find you?
You can find me on my occasional podcast, I Pod a Spell on You, where I use 1600s Magic to help solve guests and listeners’ problems, or in my very long titled War of the Worlds-themed podcast, Edy Hurst’s Podcast Version of.. The War of the Worlds. I’m on Twitter, Insta, and some others @edyhurst.
The Simpsons or Futurama?
Simpsons was a foundation for my humour and creativity, but those first 4 seasons of Futurama are just perfect, and I think i was the perfect age for when they came out. I was so excited for the millennium, but where were the jet packs?! Where was the floaty cars? Turns out they were all in Futurama.
Star Wars or Star Trek?
I’d rather go on a Star Trek, I’d rather watch a Star War.
Badgers or Racoons?
The age-old question – Bodger or Rocket? I think I’d have to choose Badgers as they’re one of the top five exciting animals to see in the UK, but raccoons have got those lil’ fingers that are all creepy, and I’m a big fan.
Doctor No or Doctor Who?
Doctor Who! I used to have a bit in my stand-up where I would ‘remember’ every single James Bond theme tune, but there’s no way I could even think about taking on that Derbyshire jam.
Truth or Beauty?
The beauty of truth, the dignity of being wrong. The vulnerable revelations that come with the art of spectacle.
