Yolanda Mercy, the BAFTA-nominated writer and performer, is set to premiere her new show, Failure Project, at the Edinburgh Fringe.
This comedic drama, or “dramedy,” follows the life of Ade, a seemingly successful writer navigating the complexities of modern life and the unexpected twists that challenge her sense of accomplishment.
Failure Project delves into themes of failure and recovery, offering a relatable and emotional journey for audiences. Yolanda Mercy, known for her insightful and humorous storytelling, promises a show that will make you laugh, cry, and feel seen.Failure Project will be performed at Summerhall Anatomy Theatre from August 1st to 26th at 13:30. Tickets are available now.
You’re bringing Failure Project to Summerhall Anatomy Theatre at Edinburgh Fringe. What can you tell us about the show?
Failure Project is a comedy-drama, or “dramedy,” about the rollercoaster life of Ade, a seemingly successful writer who’s always on the go. Written and performed by BAFTA nominee Yolanda Mercy, the show delves into the often unglamorous reality of being a jobbing writer in the UK. Ade’s career is soaring, she’s (kinda) moved out of her mum’s house, and her situationship isn’t as complicated as she expected. Life is perfect, right? Well, not quite.
As Ade juggles deadlines, personal aspirations, and the occasional existential crisis, she’s constantly reminded that life rarely goes as planned. The show captures the candidness and heartache of trying to maintain a work/life balance—if such a thing even exists. Ade’s journey is a relatable and, at points, humorous exploration of what happens when your professional success doesn’t necessarily translate to personal happiness. Through witty dialogue and heartfelt moments, Failure Project invites the audience to laugh, and maybe cry, but hopefully feel less alone.
Failure Project is described as a “comedy drama” or “dramedy” about Ade, a successful writer. What inspired you to create this character and her story?
I wanted to peel back the layers of what it means to be a writer seemingly at the height of their career. I wrote this play a few months ago, and it seems that the themes and reality of what it means to work in the industry are very topical. Twitter is lined with artists discussing this. People have said, “your play is very timely.”
The show explores themes of failure and recovery. How do you approach these themes in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences, especially millennials?
By keeping it real. A lot of people have said, “your work is so relatable,” and I always aim to tell stories that feel like something that audiences resonate with. I also handle this subject matter with care, and I’m so honored to be partnering with Black Minds Matter, who have helped provide information within my program that signposts people who need support.
You mentioned that Failure Project will make audiences laugh, cry, and feel seen. Can you share some of the techniques or elements you use to evoke these emotions?
As a writer, I’ve been told, “you write with a lot of head and heart.” This was shown through my EdFringe hit Quarter Life Crisis and my BAFTA-nominated show BBW. People tend to feel emotionally connected to the stories I tell because they are relatable.
This is your return to the Edinburgh Fringe after seven years. How has your experience and perspective as a performer and writer evolved since your debut?
If I’m honest, this show is a more stripped-back version of any show I have ever made. When I made Quarter Life Crisis, I had funding, so there was money to make the set, pay for my time to write, have a producer, SM, and even cover my accommodation. This time around, I sadly have no funding. I’ve been making work for over seven years, and it feels like I have fewer resources to make work than before. I am not paid to write and perform this show. I’ve tried to raise money but have received a lot of rejection. Amidst the rejections, I was very blessed to receive the “Keep it Fringe Fund” and “Meadows Award,” which paid for accommodation and a tech operator. But everything else I am having to work so hard to fundraise and get creative with ways to raise money. So at the moment, I am mainly a “one-man band.” I am the writer, producer, marketing manager, performer, production manager, designer, lighting designer, and co-director of this show. It’s a lot of work.
And I think that’s the daunting thing about our industry now. A lot of artists, including myself, are having to take on multiple roles in order to share their work. But with full transparency, this is my first new writing job of the year and my first new acting job in three years. So it felt vital to share this story, especially given its themes.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Failure Project?
Booookkkkk! This show has been described as “witty, honest, and relatable.” It’s a 60-minute show with so many unforgettable layers. It’s been said to be the tonal love child of Fleabag meets American Fiction.
“The humor never undercuts the pain; it coexists with and provides necessary moments of lightness, hope, and perspective in the midst of profound sadness.”
