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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, acclaimed queer theatre company Awkward Prods returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with Linus Karp Was Hit With an Umbrella, a witty, fearless, and deeply personal new solo show exploring the aftermath of a real-life hate crime and the pursuit of theatrical justice.
Fringe favourites Awkward Prods are heading back to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with their most personal production to date. Following a string of massive sell-out hits like Gwyneth Goes Skiing and Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story, the acclaimed company is set to debut Linus Karp Was Hit With an Umbrella.
Turning Real-Life Trauma Into Theatrical Art
The new solo performance, written and performed by Linus Karp, stems from a frightening real-life experience. In July 2024, Karp and his partner of eleven years, Joseph Martin, were walking through London holding hands when a man approached them, shouted homophobic slurs, and struck Karp across the head with an umbrella. Martin quickly intervened, tackling the attacker to the ground until authorities arrived to make an arrest.
Rather than letting the trauma go unaddressed, the show examines the harrowing aftermath of the incident. It looks closely at the psychological toll of being targeted for being visibly queer in a historic London hub like Soho. It also tackles the complex emotions that follow a violent encounter, including the anxiety around routine activities like holding hands in public and the surreal experience of processing the attack while still having to perform on stage at the Fringe just days later.
Reimagining Justice on Stage
Moving beyond traditional memoir, the production takes a unique turn in its final section by transforming the stage into a fictionalised courtroom. Because the actual legal process was cut short when the perpetrator died shortly before facing trial, the show builds a space for structural justice. It offers a theatrical trial to confront unanswered questions, explore the limits of the legal system, and seek closure when a real-world verdict was never delivered.
Despite the heavy subject matter, audiences can still expect Awkward Prods’ signature blend of high camp, wit, multimedia elements, and heavy audience interaction. The company is known for breaking the fourth wall, ensuring that crowds do not just watch a performance, but actively participate in it.
Creative Team and Production Details
The production features strong creative backing:
- Dramaturgy: Provided by Olivier Award nominee Haley McGee (Age Is A Feeling).
- Creative Support: Led by Joseph Martin, who serves as stage manager and collaborator.
- Production Partners: Presented by Awkward Prods alongside Eric Kuhn Productions, Side Hustle Productions, and Daddy’s Money.
Additionally, Tony Award-winning producer Eric Kuhn, Side Hustle Productions, and Daddy’s Money are making notable debuts or continuing their support for queer-driven, boundary-pushing live performance at the festival.
Where and When to Watch
For those eager to catch the work early or catch the main run, multiple performances are scheduled:
Edinburgh Fringe Run: 30th July – 24th August (excluding 11th August) at 8:20 PM at Underbelly, Bristo Square (Friesian).
Alongside the new show, Awkward Prods will also bring back their cult favourite Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story for a limited run during the final week of the festival, performing at Underbelly, Bristo Square (Ermintrude) from 24th – 30th August at 10 PM.
Find more from Akward Prods now:
Tickets are on sale here: https://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/events/event/linus-karp-was-hit-with-an-umbrella
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