New York City-based artists Amanda Andrews and Kyle Lacy have written and composed Bipolarcoaster, a solo show performed by Andrews that visits the Edinburgh Fringe in August.
“Are people born on the mental health spectrum, or is the mental health spectrum thrust upon them? Inspired by personal experiences with bipolar disorder, Bipolarcoaster is a one-woman play about finding freedom on the other side of uncomfortable self-awareness. Amanda Andrews’ narrative comes to life with original music by Kyle Lacy. Bipolarcoaster premiered at the Rochester Fringe Festival in 2025. “
Where: Haldane Theatre at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall
When: 24-29 Aug
Ticket link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/bipolarcoaster
About the show
Bipolarcoaster is a one-woman musical about harnessing self-awareness and finding empowerment through taking responsibility for her mental health. This personal story comes to life with original music by Kyle Lacy, an unfiltered narrative, and light-hearted humor.
Where did the idea come from?
After feeling uneasy about receiving a diagnosis, I began developing one-woman shows about the mental health experiences that I identified with: manic and depressive episodes, intrusive thoughts, and obsessive behaviours. In addition to shining light on these symptoms, I also wanted to depict the evolution from resisting and questioning a diagnosis to finding empowerment on the other side of accepting it. The goal of my work is for people to feel less alone in their mental health challenges and to feel inspired to become more self-aware.
Selling the show to audiences
Join award-winning writer, singer, and actress, Amanda Andrews, for a vulnerably wild ride on the edge of the mental health spectrum. Inspired by personal experiences, Bipolarcoaster is a one-woman musical about finding empowerment through taking responsibility for her mental health. Bipolarcoaster is bursting with original music, an unfiltered narrative, and light-hearted humor.
Fringe highlights & what I’m looking forward to
This will be my first time at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe! I am looking forward to being immersed in a bubble of creative energy. I am excited to perform the show every day and deliver it in a way that is freshly impacted by the individuals who attend each performance.
What’s next for the show?
I intend to tour with Bipolarcoaster. My goal is to uplift and empower as many people on their mental health journeys as possible.