A one-woman show founded in Liverpool is heading to the iconic Edinburgh Fringe Festival after experiencing success on the BBC.
'Val from Anfield' is the brainchild of Claire Bryan, a broadcast assistant and producer at BBC Radio Merseyside, who came up with the eponymous Val in her bedroom back in 2021. Asked to create a radio character for presenter Paul Beesley's show, Claire drew on her experience of "all the tough, loving, witty Scouse women" in her life to devise the character, who went on to become a regular 'phone-in caller' on air.
The character's popularity led to the development of a full show, which will hit the world's largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, this August. Claire and long-time friends and collaborators, co-writer David Catterall and producer Thomas O'Kane, had originally planned an entirely different show for 2020's festival but their plans, like many others, were scuppered in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
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Speaking to the Echo, Claire, 31, said: "In 2020, myself and my production company Quarter House Pictures decided we would take a show up to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Originally, it was a one woman comedy show about being in your 20s, but after months of writing five minute radio monologues for Val, we decided that there was more to this character and so we changed the show."
' Val from Anfield ', Quarter House Pictures' new 50 minute comedy show, is the team's "silver lining" after having their creative plans thwarted during multiple lockdowns. Claire, from south Liverpool, continued: "In a way, the cancellation of the Fringe due to the pandemic allowed for us to bring Val to life and take her up instead - silver linings."
The show sees the titular Val packing up her home in Anfield after being unable to save it from developers. Audiences will be treated to a blend of comedy, heart and nostalgia as Val shares all from the comfort of her "living room".
Claire, who uses the professional name Claire Crossland when performing, added: "After over two decades of playing multiple different acting roles, Val has to be my all-time favourite. I connect with the character so much because, as a Liverpool woman born and bred, we all know a Val.
"She wasn't based on just one person but more so all the tough, loving, witty Scouse women that have raised us and who we see all around us. I like to think they're the backbone of Liverpool. She's the Scouse auntie that would give you her last pound but never take any messing.
"She has a heart of gold and a tongue quicker than a scally on a push bike. Val is a joy to write and even bigger joy to play. I'm so proud of my hometown and very excited for audiences from around the world to see what the women of Merseyside are made of."
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2022 will take place from August 5 until August 29, and will see a medley of performers take to the stunning Scottish city for an explosion of theatre, comedy, circus, dance, cabaret, children's shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken word, exhibitions and events. 'Val from Anfield' will take place from August 15 until August 20 and you can book tickets here.
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