Linus Karp answers our questions ahead of Linus Karp Was Hit With An Umbrella heading to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Linus Karp Was Hit With An Umbrella takes a real-life homophobic attack in Soho, London as its starting point, exploring the emotional aftermath of hate crime, queer visibility and the uneasy search for closure, filtered through Awkward Prods distinctive blend of comedic performance, storytelling and theatrical invention. Following the critically-acclaimed Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story and Gwyneth Goes Skiing we chat to Linus and Joseph about the new show, shared laughter and a sense of community.

In your own words, what is this show about?

Linus: In 2024 I experienced an anti-queer hate crime. I was hit with an umbrella by a man who shouted he would have killed me. He was a complete stranger to me. The show retells the events of that night, the police investigation that followed, the aftermath and response, performing at Edinburgh Fringe days after and how to find a solution to an unresolved court case.

Awkward Prods built its name on parody, camp and exuberant silliness. This is your first true story. What did tackling real events demand of you as a writer that Diana and Gwyneth didn't?

Linus: I wouldn't have been able to write this had I not written those shows before. It's been the most work I've put into a script, and though it tackles many serious topics I also think it's going to be a fun and joyful show.

Last year you and Joseph became the first couple ever to marry live on stage at the Fringe. Was there something deliberate in celebrating your relationship that publicly, after being attacked simply for living openly as a queer couple?

Linus: The attack made me more determined to choose queer joy. There was a journey going from being homophobically attacked to a year later getting married on stage, the show covers part of that journey.

The attack never reached the resolution you might have hoped for through the legal system. Has making the show given you and Joseph a sense of closure that real life couldn't?

Linus: It has been cathartic. It has made me realise a lot about myself and what it is I've been going through. Ultimately though I also wanted to make sure the show is not me processing my trauma, but a good and entertaining live performance.

Your previous shows have built strong communities around shared laughter. Did those audiences give you confidence to tell a more vulnerable story?

Linus: I am so grateful people have responded so positively to the announcement of the show, as it is a departure from our normal side. We have built up an audience that are so inclusive and full of love, I don't think I could've created this show had I not felt so supported.

⁠Joseph, having previously performed alongside Linus, this time you're stage manager and creative collaborator. What has it been like helping shape a story you lived through from the other side of the stage?

Joseph: The first two shows we did as Awkward Prods I wasn’t even in, so I’m perfectly happy playing these particular roles again! It’s been a really interesting experience watching Linus craft this show, helping where I can. It’s his story to tell, and right from the start of the process I promised him I’d tell him if I didn’t think there was a ‘show’ in this. The first time he read some of an early draft to me, there was no question in my mind that it had to be the next show. I’ve never been prouder of him.

You worked with Olivier nominee Haley McGee as dramaturg on this show. What did she bring to material this personal?

Linus: Haley is a dream. Age is a Feeling is maybe my favourite piece of theatre I've ever seen. When I realised this was going to be the next show, she was the first person I knew I wanted to have involved. I am so happy she said yes and working with her has made me a much better writer.

The show arrives at a time of renewed concern around anti-LGBTQ+ hostility in public life. How conscious were you of the wider social context while creating it?

It felt important to create this show now, and be part of that conversation. Anti-LGBTQ+ hate has been rising such a worrying amount and though this show centres on my experience, it becomes part of something bigger than that. I don't think many people, especially outside the queer community, realise how bad things can be right now.

You performed at the Fringe in 2024 just days after the attack, and now you're returning with a show about it. Does Edinburgh hold a different meaning for you since?

I love Edinburgh Fringe, it is such a special place for me. After the attack I was very keen not to let what happened take away from my Fringe experience, but to continue to feel the love and joy of the festival.

What do you hope audiences leave reflecting on?

I think the show can open many conversations, but more than anything I want the audience to leave feeling queer community, queer solidarity and queer joy.

Linus Karp Was Hit With An Umbrella will be performed at 8:20pm at Underbelly Bristo Square from 5th-30th August. Booking link: https://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/linus-karp-was-hit-with-an-umbrella