Fife girl's Fringe debut is huge success

Fife girl Abi Brydon's debut in the Edinburgh Fringe last week went down a storm with both the audiences and critics.
Katie Milne and Abi Brydon rehearse Fringe production of Downs With LoveKatie Milne and Abi Brydon rehearse Fringe production of Downs With Love
Katie Milne and Abi Brydon rehearse Fringe production of Downs With Love

Abi (23) has Down’s Syndrome, but she certainly doesn’t let her disability hold her back.

And it’s that feistyness which she took into her performances in Downs With Love, by the Cutting Edge Theatre Company.

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Abi played Beth, who quickly forms an easygoing friendship with her new support worker, Tracy. They spend lots of time together doing Beth’s favourite things, shopping for clothes, watching films (particularly horror ones), and listening to music – Beth’s favourites are One Direction.

Beth also likes Mark who plays guitar in her local pub, and drags Tracy along to see him. In summary, he falls for Tracy and they try to keep their love a secret from Beth so they won’t upset her. However she finds out and their friendship is shattered.

This is a simple but moving tale of love, loss and disability told beautifully and honestly through the eyes of Beth.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house after Beth’s final heartfelt monologue, and what made it more special was the fact that the drama by Suzanne Lofthus was written to mirror Abi’s own experiences.

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And it’s sure to propel Abi Brydon, who lives with her family in Edentown outside Ladybank, into the limelight.

“I loved every minute of it and everyone has been saying how well I did,” said Abi.

“I had great fun and I really hope to keep my acting going. It was my dream come true.”

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