Valery Reva‘s show, At Least I’m Not Bald, heads to the Edinburgh Fringe following a preview in London (14 Jul, Lion & Unicorn Theatre).
“Using comedy and black humour, Valery draws on her own lived experiences and other testimonials to explore the depths of despair and those moments in-between that make life worth living, no matter what.
A journey towards healing and self-betterment, this show will leave you stunned, crying and laughing in the face of death.”
Where: C ARTS – C Venues
When: 31 Jul – 11 Aug
Ticket link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/at-least-i-m-not-bald
What are you looking forward to the most at Edinburgh Fringe?
Having experienced a ‘trial’ Fringe last year, this year I’m going in with a more optimistic mindset. Ready for the challenge ahead and excited for the vibrant atmosphere.
I like how the entire city comes alive with creativity and art. It feels like a big summer camp for adults where you can always find someone to connect with.
Plus, there’s a constant sense of hope and anticipation: you never know what surprises are around the corner.
Your show “At Least I’m Not Bald” is a “darkly comic one-woman show” about dealing with cancer. Can you tell me more about how the show developed?
In March, I returned to Ukraine for a dental check-up (UK dental prices are astronomical, especially for a freelance actor and migrant).
During my visit, I decided to get a general health check-up and was shocked to discover I had a tumour in my thyroid.
Hearing the word ‘cancer’ felt like my world stopped; my grandmother died from cancer, so it was always a forbidden topic at home. I immediately felt like I was already dead.
Fortunately, it was caught early, I’m currently recovering after the surgery but this experience made me realise how many people feel lost and unsupported when facing the big C.
Your loved ones are often as shocked as you are and can’t fully be there for you.
So I wanted to bring this topic to the stage to support both patients and those who haven’t dealt with it themselves but are around, helping to remove the stigma, to prepare them for what to expect and some ideas on how to act.
Cancer can be catastrophic but also comical. Did writing the show, and now performing it, make you look differently at your own experiences and recovery?
I’m still processing what happened, but writing the show involved interviewing others who had dealt with cancer.
It was fascinating to see the similarities, such as feeling alone in a hospital room or relying on work to stay grounded.
However, there were also stark differences, such as attitudes towards God—some found prayer crucial to their recovery, while others didn’t think about religion at all.
But everyone has something to laugh about. You can’t be dead serious even with death – light moments and fun is something that makes us alive.
Are you hoping to catch any other shows at Fringe? What do you enjoy watching?
Absolutely! I hope to catch as many shows by my Mountview fellows as possible. We have a strong community and support each other.
For instance, my friend Arden Winant is directing a show called Why Am I (Still) Like This. I’m really looking forward to watching it.
I really love pieces with a strong idea and message, whether they’re comedy or drama, and I’m sure this show will be just that.
This is your second Fringe show—what’s coming up for you next?
My first show was about the war in Ukraine, and my second one is about cancer. Hopefully, the third one won’t be about anything tragic!
I want to write something light and silly. That was actually the plan for this year—to write a show about dating in London—but sometimes life has its own plans.
For good or for bad, the topic chooses you, and you just have to let it flow.