Interview - Attila the Stockbroker

Firstly, (without giving too much away) what could we expect "Cheryl"?

It’s an everyday story of Satanism, trainspotting, drug abuse and unrequited love. Chaucer meets Monty Python, with a goat.

You last performed this Rock Opera in 1991. What can you remember from that run?

We did it in Marco’s, a converted boxing ring. Loads of people turned up. We got great reviews. We drank oceans of beer and ate steak every night.

How has it changed over the last 35 years?

It is literally identical. You wouldn’t change Chaucer’s Miller’s Tale, would you?

And how have you changed over the last 35 years?

More reflective, twice as angry, wonderful marriage

We have seen John Otway on stage over the years. Can I assume that he never gives the same performance 2 days running?

I’m presuming that is satire. He’s done the same set since 1977 unless I kick him. I kicked him when we wrote ‘Cheryl’ and because he’s brilliant he came up with the goods!  

You are also performing "An early music show". What is the appeal?

The glory of the crumhorn, the subtle wail of the cornamuse (literally a bagpipe without the sac)

You have three shows at this year's festival. Are you mad? 

‘They seem to think that no-one minds

His work being all of different kinds’

 (Written about my poetic inspiration, Hilaire Belloc)

Seriously, how are your energy levels and will you pace yourself?

I shall drink half as much and sleep twice as long as I did in 1991.

What is the appeal of punk?

What is the appeal of chocolate?

Is punk dead or resting?

It is an attitude of mind, so it is alive as long as human consciousness.

You have supported a lot of bands over the years. What have been your stand out moments?

My musical HERO John Cale getting me thrown out of my own gig after I got an encore supporting him.

And being supported by the Manic Street Preachers and Prince and standing in for Donny Osmond.

(all these are true!)

You have been performing at the festival since 1982 and seen a lot of changes. What has improved and what has got worse?

Everything has got worse apart from PBH Free Fringe which is the only reason I have come back. It’s brilliant. The corporate Fringe is bollocks.

Over the years you must have seen some memorable performances. What stands out for the right and wrong reasons?

I went to a poet’s gig and was the sole audience member. He was brilliant and very pleased I came because he was a huge fan. 

What is it like to be one of the more experienced performers at the fringe?

It means I’m still alive

What shows are you looking forward to seeing this year?

Dunno till I get there.

I owe you a drink for this. What can I get you?

Some really good locally brewed pale ale.

Thanks to Attila for taking the time out to answer our questions, you can see him with John Otway performing Cheryl - A Rock Opera at Back Cave at PBH's Free Fringe @ Bannermans from the 11th to 15th August.

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/cheryl-a-rock-opera

Details of his other shows at this years fringe are here