Little Lark of London

“The show is really a cathartic outlet for a lot of stuff that’s happened in my life.”

Rat Tails (WIP) brings us into the world of Jasper, “a Prozac-popping, biracial, millennial model agent from the American South living in London with his British, aristocratic husband.” We learn about his life as he waits for the birth of his baby in a maternity waiting room, focusing on themes of mental health, intergenerational trauma, gay culture and class dynamics. 

Recently, we had the opportunity to chat with Jeremy McClain, the writer and performer of Rat Tails who is bringing the show to the  Edinburgh Fringe in August. We discussed what it has been like to create the show, the differences between performing on stage and on screen and what he hopes audiences take away from the show. 

How did you first get involved in the world of theatre?

When I was about 13, I started doing community theatre and the next year I got into a charter performing arts high school where my focus was on musical theatre. I was hooked immediately! 

What was the creative process like for Rat Tails?

The show is really a cathartic outlet for a lot of stuff that’s happened in my life. I got the idea to do the show when my husband and I were starting our own parenthood journey and were asked by a doctor, “What kind of parent do you want to be?”, which really got my wheels turning and eventually turned into the show. My dramaturg and director, Matt McBrier, has been pivotal in getting it all where it needs to be so I couldn’t do it without him either. 

Can you tell us a bit about your character and the show in general?

Jasper is a neurotic, millennial model agent from humble beginnings in the American South. The show follows his existential journey in a waiting room in London as he attempts to make a semen deposit for the baby he and his husband – a British aristocrat he met in New York while studying fashion – are trying to make. It grapples with themes of intergenerational trauma, mental health, gay culture and class dynamics while the character navigates his childhood, fears, traumas and aspirations. It’s funny, it’s sad and it’s gay.

How do you fit an entire story into just one hour?

LOTS of editing!

How did you find the balance between telling stories about your own life versus creating fiction?

I think you have to approach the line delicately. Luckily, it is fiction so, even if it is based on truth, you can imbue the character and story with more and take it to new heights. That’s the beauty of fiction – no one knows what’s real until you say.  

What is it like performing on stage versus on screen?

They both present different challenges but, overall, I think stage is harder. It just takes so much stamina and energy, both mentally and physically. There are no cuts in stage—you just gotta keep going!

What is it like performing as an American artist in the UK?

It’s great! I’ve been coming to the UK since my husband and I got together in 2012 so I feel very comfortable here. He’s from Edinburgh and we are working towards starting a family so we’ve based ourselves here more now. Rain sucks but free healthcare does not! 

Do you have any shows you’re looking forward to seeing at the Edinburgh Fringe?

Arturo Luiz Soria’s Ni Mi Madre is top of the list. Also, ALOK, Gwenyth Goes Skiing, Christopher Hall: Girl for All Seasons, Rose Matafeo: On and On and On, James Barr: Sorry I Hurt Your Son (Said My Ex to My Mum) and Rob Madge: My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?). 

What do you hope audiences take away from Rat Tails?

To not let your past affect your future.

How would you describe Rat Tails in one word?

Manic!

Rat Tails runs from 1 to 18 August (Excluding 5 and 12 August) at 17:00 at The Studio @ The Fruitmarket. Tickets are Pay What You Can and can be purchased here. 

Photo Credit: Nicholas Elliott