EDINBURGH FRINGE 2024
Interview
K LORREL
MANNING
LOST...FOUND
On the heels of a major childhood event, K Lorrel Manning's Lost... Found takes you on a soul-searching, delightfully human rollercoaster ride through music, unlikely heroes and The Artist Formerly Known as Prince.
Well hello Mr Manning, thank you for taking the time to talk with The New Current, how does it feel at The Assembly this summer?
I’m having a blast! We love our venue, and the audience response has been tremendous!
Do you still get nerves ahead of a festival run?
Yes, but they quickly fade after the first performance.
Will you be making any flyering trips to the Royal Mile? Godspeed if you do!
Yes! My two directors, Lee Brock and Chrisine Cirker, stage manager Rob Howard, and I have been flyering away. It’s been fun meeting so many new people and seeing their work.
What does the Edinburgh Fringe mean to you?
This is my 1st Fringe. It’s been overwhelming! So much amazing theatre. There’s a bit of everything. I’ve been averaging 3-4 shows a day. I’m so happy to be here as a participant.
Can you tell me a little bit about how your show came about, what can we expect?
It’s a solo show about one man’s journey to self-discovery and forgiveness through music, God, and his relationship with this mom.
What was it you wanted to say with your show and do you think you’ve achieved it?
I set out to tell the story of my crazy journey to self-forgiveness. It’s sad, incredibly funny, and enlightening. My hope was that audience would be not only be entertained but also inspired when they leave. Based on the responses that we have received, thus far, I would say, YES!
When creating a new show how self reflecting did you allow yourself to get in the writing?
This is the most honest I’ve ever been in my work. Every single word of it is true. Many of my friends were in shock after seeing the first few shows back in New York, earlier this year. They had no idea how much I’ve gone through. Just goes to show you that everyone has a story to tell.
If you could describe your show in three words what would they be?
ROCK. GOD. LOVE.
What would you say have been the most interesting things you’ve discovered about yourself in the process of bringing your show to the Fringe?
I would say patience and positivity. My director, Lee Brock, has been a daily example of that. It’s rubbed off on me in a big way!
"There are always several ideas swirling around in my head fighting for attention– plays, films, songs, etc."
When a show is running do you give yourself much flexibility with the material?
With this show, I would say “yes” - within reason. The entire monologue is delivered to the audience. There is a written script that I follow, but there are several moments where it’s interactive. I just go with the flow.
What are your warm up and warm down routines during a shows run?
I meditate, pray, and say several mantras. It works! My sinuses have been on the attack since I’ve been here. One day I was so scared that I didn’t have the energy to perform, but I did my prep, and I was fine. It turned out to be one of my best shows so far.
Where did you passion for theatre come from?
The very first play I ever saw was a college production of James Baldwin’s “The Amen Corner,” that my Dad took me to at age 10. I was blown away. It totally changed my life. I knew right then and there that performing was something I HAD to do.
How much has your approach to the way you create your shows changed since you started out?
Honestly, every new work is different. Along with being an actor/playwright, I’m also a filmmaker and musician. There are always several ideas swirling around in my head fighting for attention– plays, films, songs, etc. Whichever one screams the loudest usually wins. LOL!
What, if any, advice would you offer anyone making their Fringe debut this summer?
Give it your all and go see shows!
And finally, what would you like your 2024 Fringe audiences to take away from your show?
The power of forgiving yourself and letting go the shame of your past.