Deranged Dating
Ritchie Community League (7727 98 street) August 14 – 20 (every day)

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An interview with Shirley Kirchmann.

Describe your show in five words.

Funny, naughty, truthful, absurd and profound

Okay, now that we’re intrigued… what’s the longer description?

Shirley is 35 and single join her on her elusive search for love. A hilarious fusion of stand-up, skits and absurd story telling. Meet her concerned family, the bizarre dates and the terrifying Match maker. “You definitely want to hear what Shirley Kirchmann has to say” www.thevisitorium.com

You say that you returned to theatre after time as a professional film stunt woman and special effects technician because “the explosions, car rolls and high jumps were not enough”. What about that wasn’t enough and brought you back to theatre?

As much as I learned and progressed in the film industry, I was never going to be an amazing technician.

I loved the work it was interesting, calculated and methodical.

It fascinated and challenged me but my heart was still thinking of comedy. I really love making people laugh. I like to think I have more talent and potential as a performer than as technician.I miss the film industry: filming in beautiful places, working with talented and interesting people. Learning how to flip a car with such precision that cameras can be placed with in meters of the car’s rolling point. I don’t miss arriving on set in the dark on cold winter mornings, squeezing into a wet and cold wetsuit. Then getting into a tidal pool in freezing Cape Town water for a 15 hour day for 5 weeks. It tested my determination.

Deranged Dating is written by your sister – what is it like to work on a show written by someone you have such a long and intimate relationship with?

We both wrote the show. My sister is 8 years younger than me. I remember the day she was born and her first steps, she was adorable. While creating the show we had to put boundaries into place because I get completely obsessed. The rules were I could not discuss new ideas and material as long as she was; sleeping, eating, playing PlayStation or reading. We work very well together she has amazing comic timing and she has this ability to help make sense of my creative madness.

Anything else you want audiences to know about the show?

Its lots of fun, you’ll laugh and then you will leave smiling.

My venue has a full bar service no minors please.

Bonus question: Any names you want to drop who have been involved in your show (Edmonton arts people or otherwise)?

Can’t think of local help it’s been 8 years since I was last here but my Billet Gay and Gerry have been wonderful.

The 33rd Edmonton International Fringe is August 14 – 24. Get your tickets at tickets.fringetheatre.ca.