Eat. Sleep. Ruminate. Repeat.
SE Fest is a two week celebration of new writing, set across two of the loveliest venues you will find south of the river; Bridge House Theatre and Jack Studio. Every show performs at both venues, so given you two different opportunities to get to see some of the work on offer.
Jaylie Wayling‘s Eat. Sleep. Ruminate. Repeat will be appearing at Bridge House Theatre on Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 September, then at Jack Studio on Thursday 4 September. The show takes us inside Jaylie’s brain as she fights with her own anxieties.
We caught up with Jaylie and her director Karol Olszewski to find out more about the show.
(All responses Jaylie unless noted)
What can audiences expect from the show?
They can expect raw honesty and openness, with a load of laughter and tears.
Karol: It’s the kind of play that keeps you at the edge of your seat and all times, and you never quite know where it’s heading.
Is this going to be the show’s first time on stage, or have you already performed elsewhere?
Eat. Sleep. Ruminate. Repeat was debuted at Camden Fringe 2024 receiving 4 stars from LondonTheatre1.
“It was quite scary to see my inner monologue articulated so well. This is seriously good writing with Jaylie (the character) being very human, if a tad bonkers.”- LondonTheatre 1.
I wanted to bring this show to SE Fest as its important to me to share my story and connect with others who may struggle with overthinking.
What was your inspiration behind the show?
This show is based on my own struggles with overthinking. I wanted to get it on paper and be vulnerable so hopefully I could find others who connected with it.
Is this version how you originally envisioned it or has it changed drastically since you first put pen to paper?
This version is even better than I could have imagined. Karol and Roisin Kernan (Jaylie 2.0) are so passionate and creative. They have brought so many exciting ideas to rehearsal that I can’t wait to share with you all.
How challenging has this role been for you?
It’s been challenging because I am in an interesting position, not only writing the show but being in it. I’m sharing a lot of my life and inner anxieties with the audience. The vulnerability of it all is totally terrifying but I am determined to not let that stop me performing it because I know how important it is to share and to help people feel less alone.
Being a fringe festival, we all know sets have to be bare minimum, how have you got around this with your set and props?
Karol: As the play is set in an imaginary space of Jaylie’s mind we had the opportunity to play around and really have fun with the set. I suggested we use cardboard boxes as the imaginary library of Jaylie’s mind. There are a lot of little elements that just bring the whole world of the play together. We use a lot of fun props that people wouldn’t think of. We even managed to build a wardrobe in a box! The set is extremely unique, even though its basically just cardboard, it’s also very pleasant to look at.
What has been the biggest challenge in realising the writer’s vision for the show?
Karol: The biggest challenge about this show is that it’s based on real difficult situations from Jaylie’s life but ultimately is written as a comedy. My biggest challenge as the director was making sure that the comedy elements are so strong and contrasting with the actual drama of the piece so that when we get to heavier moments of the show, the audience is already awaiting the storm from all the buildup. Also, that the comedy doesn’t take away the reality from the situations and doesn’t ridicule them, so the real struggle is still very much present and audiences can resonate with it.
What’s the weirdest or most unconventional prop used in your show, and how did it come to be part of the production?
I was in a corner store getting my classic snacks and I saw it. Fragile Tape. I’ll say no more but it is one of my favourite moments in the show.
What words of advice/encouragement would you give anyone thinking about doing Camden Fringe next year?
Everyone has a unique story, you’re story is your truth, use that honesty to tell your story. We’re human, its messy. Don’t be afraid to stand out and tell your story, be different!
Thanks to Jaylie and Karol for taking the time to chat with us. Eat. Sleep. Ruminate. Repeat plays at SE Fest from Tuesday 2 to Thursday 4 September.
