This Fringe, Cogito, Ergo… Something? brings something alternative to the student theatre scene. Directed and written by James Harvey, with plot twists, spoiler-alerts, and laugh out loud moments aplenty, I sat down to talk about their process for creating this fringe production and all the wacky details which come with it.
I was joined by James Harvey, the writer and director of this dark comedy alongside actor Rishi Bhardwaj, who is playing Sebastian in Harvey’s directorial debut. Excitedly, and animatedly discussing the show, it was clear that there is chemistry between cast and director.
Asking about the basis of this bizarre darkly comical piece, Harvey noted that “it was something [he] was writing at 3am” based off his frustrations with Philosophy students and their mannerisms. Harvey talked of how he “wanted to [write] something about Philosophy students thinking that they’ll get away with doing something.” Thus, Bhardwaj’s character, Sebastian, and his faithful companion, Anthony, attempt a murder. But one which is riotously humorous and horrifically haphazard. From an actor’s perspective, Bhardwaj framed the show as a combination of “panic, slapstick and innuendo,” word choices which are equally enticing yet recognise the risk factor of this show, especially given its pace.
Slapstick is really the key to this piece as stressed by Harvey, who compares it to other “very British comedy like Noises Off” or “a Goes-Wrong show.” The title reflects the same farce which comes inevitably alongside the slapstick. Cogito, Ergo… Something? “came out of a necessity” in the words of Harvey, as this “show is about philosophy” and this “was the easiest pun to put together.” This similar humour transpires throughout the piece, laced with these witty gags.
Moving on to inspiration for the piece, Harvey explained that he “researched many crimes” and the idea of “thrill killing” became intrinsic to the piece. Leopold and Loeb became a large piece of research material for writer Harvey in his debut Fringe piece. The darkly humorous nature is synonymous with the theatre scene at the Bedlam Theatre, Bhardwaj highlighting “Burke’s death masks” which can be found in the university collections facility. Over time, Harvey has said “dead bodies” are the thread which runs through his scriptwriting, and this is reflected precisely in Edinburgh’s gothic surroundings.
Bhardwaj is highly excited and keen to make his Fringe debut with Harvey. He seemed inspired by the creative team and “silly” script to go alongside. He noted that “it’s Bedlam.” There are so many “random things which happen to his character.” He leans into Sebastian’s homoerotic tendencies and heavy alcoholism, while enjoying his “whole bit that his character is insanely posh.” Bhardwaj highlighted the simultaneous complexity within his character, who “must wrestle with the fact that he is not alright with the murder.”
To help with this process of development, rehearsals were talked about with great enthusiasm. Bhardwaj underlined that there is a “late scene in the show which requires a lot of choreography” and is very intense, which made for a great warm up. Bhardwaj spoke highly of Harvey and Assistant Director Bella Burgess’ work in making it a joyful, constructive rehearsal process, Harvey working diligently and even providing a meal deal pairing for each of the characters in the audition pack.
At The Student, it’s fascinating to see how Edinburgh’s student base evolves year on year, and I addressed this with Harvey and Bhardawaj. James Harvey sees the EUTC and Bedlam as a staple of the festival, and one of the larger venues. He exclaimed that “you’ve got to start somewhere,” and for actors like Bhardwaj, its playful, anything-goes nature works a treat. He sees possibility for more comedy going forward in student theatre and ironically, less of the dark-natured work which Edinburgh is home to.
Pairing dark comedy, sexual comedy, and everything in between into a deliciously Edinburgh statement piece. Bedlam theatre brings another unmissable piece to the Fringe.
Production images by Emily Sharp
