Fringe Spotlight: Linus Karp was hit with an umbrella
A new play from Awkward Productions, inspired by a real-life hate-crime.
We've long been fans of Linus Karp and Joseph Martin - the duo behind Awkward Productions and the creators of camp classics such as "Gwyneth Goes Skiing" and "Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story".
Their latest show is Linus Karp was hit with an umbrella, which they are taking to Edinburgh Fringe.
In July 2024, shortly before taking their hit show Gwyneth Goes Skiing to the Edinburgh Fringe, Linus Karp and Joseph Martin - a couple of eleven years - were walking through London holding hands when a man approached them, struck Linus across the head with an umbrella, and shouted homophobic slurs.
Taking that incident as its starting point, this show follows everything that came after - the shock of the attack, the slow legal process that followed, and the emotional aftermath of being targeted for being visibly queer.
We caught up with Linus for a behind-the-scenes look at the production.
In moments of threat - such as a homophobic attack - our fight or flight or freeze instincts kick in. Were you surprised how you instinctively reacted in that moment?
I didn't actually react or do much in the moment. Joseph, however, was amazing. He chased after the attacker, tackled him to the ground and held him until the police arrived. I knew he was good in a crisis but how he handled himself on this day was nothing short of heroic.
For queer people, Minority Threat Syndrome means that we're generally hyper-vigilant and anxiety-ridden, but in what we perceive to be safe spaces - such as Soho in London - we tend to let our guard down. Has the attack made it difficult for you to feel safe in spaces that are perceived to be queer-friendly?
Before the attack I was never really scared when out and about. As it happened in Soho, an area as you say I perceived as safe, I've lived with the feeling that I can be attacked anywhere in public.
However safe and happy I feel, if someone walks by me, just a bit too close, or bumps into me, I suddenly feel an attack could be imminent. It's really been a challenge.
Was there a lightbulb moment when you realised that you were ready to transform the experience of the attack into something theatrical?
I started writing soon after the incident, but for a long time I wasn't sure whether it was a show or just me processing.
As I started sharing it with Joseph, he said: "This has to be your new show".
It has been cathartic and I do feel like it's a story that needs sharing. But, more than that, it is a show and a live event that becomes bigger and more universal than just my singular story.
I think it's important to say the show is not me processing trauma in front of an audience.
In this production you imagine a courtroom drama - which was one of the highlights of Gwyneth Goes Skiing. Did you have to do a lot of research into how the legal system processes homophobic attacks, or is it leaning into the absurdity of puppets on trial?
Somehow, I always end up making shows around trials!
I have done a lot of research into homophobic attacks and have spoken to other victims too.
That said, I hope people don't come to the show for an accurate depiction of a trial! For that part of the show, the creative licence definitely takes over.
What do you hope that people feel when they come to see Linus Karp Was Hit With An Umbrella?
I hope they feel like they will never hit a gay person with an umbrella.
I also hope they feel a sense of community and especially queer joy.
Despite its more serious topics, I think ultimately, this show is all about celebrating queer joy.
Linus Karp Was Hit With An Umbrella will be performed at 8:20pm at Underbelly Bristo Square from 5th-30th August. Booking link: https://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/linus-karp-was-hit-with-an-umbrella
Gareth Johnson