Kayla Boye returns to Edinburgh Fringe this summer with Call Me Elizabeth – now expanded to two shows following its 2023 run. The shows are now subtitled from Lassie to Cleopatra and from Burton to Humanitarian. I asked her to tell me about her continuing fascination with Elizabeth Taylor and about the new show.
“An audience with Miss Taylor! Kayla Boye (Shake It Away) returns as the Hollywood legend, revealing her innermost feelings about life, love, triumphs and tragedies, until she meets Richard Burton on the set of Cleopatra, when her life, along with several others’, is turned upside down!”
“Presented on even-numbered days (excluding Aug 12), your audience with Elizabeth Taylor resumes! Kayla Boye as Elizabeth reflects on her tempestuous passion with Richard Burton, which nearly killed them both, but which also transformed her to play perhaps her greatest role… AIDS activist and humanitarian. “
Where: Assembly George Square – Studio 2
When: 5-30 Aug
Ticket links: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/call-me-elizabeth-from-lassie-to-cleopatra and https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/call-me-elizabeth-from-burton-to-humanitarian
You can read my review of the original Call Me Elizabeth.
This is a sequel to the original Call Me Elizabeth, which went from Elizabeth Taylor’s early career up to meeting Richard Burton on Cleopatra. What is the new show about and what made you want to continue the story?
Since premiering Call Me Elizabeth at the 2023 Fringe, I have expanded the piece to two acts, which are being presented on alternating days at the 2026 Fringe. (Part 1 is playing odd-numbered days and Part 2 is playing even-numbered days.) Part 2 picks up in 1985 as Elizabeth is planning the Commitment to Life Dinner.
She finds her voice as an activist while reflecting on her tempestuous relationship with Richard Burton and her experiences with addiction and rehab. Because Part 1 explores Elizabeth’s origin story, I was inspired to show with Part 2 how she embraced her greatest role: humanitarian.
How would you sell this to a potential audience member in one paragraph?
Join Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor for an intimate afternoon at the Beverly Hills Hotel as she reveals her innermost passions! A legendary life presented in two parts: from ‘Lassie to Cleopatra,’ and from ‘Burton to Humanitarian.’
What does the Fringe mean to you? Do you have any lasting memories?
To me, the Fringe means excitement and possibility. In 2023, Fringe legend and Olivier Award-winner Guy Masterson surprised me at my very first Fringe performance. As a result of that serendipitous meeting, Guy has collaborated as dramaturg on the piece, bringing firsthand knowledge of the subject matter as the grand-nephew of Richard Burton. Guy is presenting this year’s Fringe production of Call Me Elizabeth.
What are you looking forward to in Edinburgh?
This will be my third visit to Edinburgh! In addition to catching other Fringe shows, I am looking forward to immersing myself in the city’s vibrant culture. The castles, parks, and galleries are quite a treat!
What’s next for the show?
Following Edinburgh, Call Me Elizabeth will play The Playground Theatre in West London from 1-6 September.