By Peter Anderson
•
26 Jun, 2024
A knockout solo show about one woman’s love of pro wrestling. Returning to the Fringe by popular demand, 'Chokeslam' is a testament to Tegan Verheul's mastery in physical storytelling. With minimal set and props, Verheul's commanding presence transforms an intimate stage into a grand arena, engaging the imagination of her audience in a powerful way. Whether you're a hardcore wrestling aficionado or a newcomer to the world of body slams, you're in for an enthralling experience. Last year's run was a smash hit, resonating with a diverse crowd and garnering rave reviews for its universal appeal and Verheul's dynamic performance. I caught up with Tegan to find what her audiences could look forward to, and what she was looking forward to at the Fringe in 2024. It seems her love of acting, and maybe her love of herself, leave Wrestling an entertaining third place! " I’ve been an entertainer since birth, I think. I always knew I wanted to be an actor, and grew up in a family where comedy was a love language so I’ve always been driven to make people laugh. " I went to a special fine arts school in Canada as a child and have been in comedy, theatre, and film ever since. It’s what makes me come alive, and I truly believe it’s my calling and the best thing I can do for the planet. I was never going to be a scientist or a doctor, but if I can bring joy to people through my performance then I’m happy with that." "I’ve always dreamed of performing at the Edinburgh Fringe, and got my first taste of it last year bringing a play called ‘Artist/Muse’ to Assembly with WWWC (Wednesday Women Writing Collective), the creative collective I co-founded. I co-wrote, co-directed, and co-produced the show and while I’m very proud of it, I realised in the leadup that I needed to perform as well. I’m an actor and entertainer first, a narcissist second, and a producer/writer/director third, so I’m glad this year my focus will be spending time onstage." So, where did the idea for the show come from, happiness & joy are not words we associate with Pro-Wrestling? " I started this show as an exercise in drama school a few years back when we were asked to write about something we were passionate about. I love wrestling – watching it makes my heart feel like it’s going to explode, and seeing it live is one of the few things that gets me to jump out of my seat and scream." " I love getting invested in the storylines and characters, and have so much respect for wrestlers putting their bodies on the line for our entertainment. Wrestling really has gotten me through a lot—heartbreak, hard times, big life changes—and it’s brought my friends and I closer. I hope to be able to give that to others now through ‘Chokeslam’. So, what can your audiences look forward to? " Audiences can look forward to getting REVVED UP! Whether you’re a devoted wrestling fan or have never seen a single suplex, this show is all about getting you excited about sports entertainment’s greatest matches and most-loved characters. It was so heart-warming hearing from audience members who have either never watched wrestling or used to watch it as kids that seeing 'Chokeslam’ made them WANT to get into it. I talk a lot about the Attitude Era, which holds a lot of nostalgia for people and has relatable themes in terms of love and disappointment and redemption, so I think audiences will be surprised at how much they’re moved by the show as well. "I’d love to tour this show through the UK and around the world. I’ve been lucky enough to start appearing on YouTube on shows like Wrestletalk, partsFUNknown, and No Rolls Barred, and have been touched by the support that fans have shown for both me and my show. It would be so nice to tour it around and meet the lovely humans who have helped make it happen! I’m looking forward to doing more stand-up gigs as well in and around London, and creating more content that makes people laugh." Following her recent theatrical triumph with the dark comedy 'Surrogates', Tegan Verheul's compelling blend of comedy and commentary cements her status as a fan favourite and a multi-faceted entertainer. Chokeslam will be performed at 5:50pm at Assembly George Square from 31st July - 25th August 2024 Tickets available HERE For more information on The Wednesday Women’s Writing Collective please go to wwwc.uk