Award-winning theatre maker Victoria Melody returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with Trouble, Struggle, Bubble and Squeak, a bold new collaboration with political comedian and director Mark Thomas. The show explores the radical spirit of the 17th-century Diggers and how their legacy lives on in today’s grassroots communities.
Blending storytelling, stand-up, and immersive theatre, the production celebrates ordinary people doing extraordinary things in the face of political neglect. It’s a heartfelt and humorous look at survival, solidarity, and social justice.
Trouble, Struggle, Bubble and Squeak runs from 31 July to 24 August 2025 (not 4, 11, or 18 August) at Pleasance Courtyard (Above), 14:15 daily. Tickets available here.
You’re bringing Trouble, Struggle, Bubble and Squeak to Pleasance Courtyard – what can you tell us about the show?
You would be an absolute fool to miss it. It has taken years to make and working with Vic on this show has been THE BEST!!!!
You will not see another show like this. It is full of surprise, hope, tenderness and truth.
This piece blends storytelling, stand-up, and historical re-enactment – how did that unique combination come together?
I think all those elements—stand-up, storytelling, and the kind of journalism and inquiry that throws the performer into new experiences—are all strengths that Victoria and I share. To that extent, the result is very natural.
The show draws inspiration from the 17th-century Diggers and today’s grassroots activists – what parallels stood out most to you during the creative process?
You’ll see when you come to the show. But basically, it is working-class communities coming together to fight for a better place.
You’ve collaborated with Victoria Melody for the first time on this project – what was that experience like?
I love working with Vic. She totally commits to the process. You get involved, you make new friends, you have an adventure and come back and tell the tale.
She has funny bones and an unswerving instinct for inquiry. And she is kind. Working together has been an absolute joy and I can’t wait for people to see the show.
The show involves real communities and even local knitting groups – how important was it to ground the production in real-world collaboration?
Totally. It is what Vic does. You’ll see when you come to the show.
These are true stories told with love. The fact that people from the estate have come to read-throughs shows Vic’s commitment to making sure this is right.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Trouble, Struggle, Bubble and Squeak?
You’d be a mug to miss it.
