The Hour

Mel Smith, who is probably best know for his comedic appearances on TV and film, is directing a new show at the Edinburgh Fringe. The show is called My Dear, I’m Still Here and features singer Peter Straker singing hit songs and sharing anecdotes from his long career as a performer.

Peter said: “It’s very loosely based on things that I’ve done, things that I didn’t do and things that I’ve wanted to do, we just put it with an amalgam of songs and just put it together like that.”

Peter, who first rose to fame in the original production of Hair, sings hits from the show, as well as classics by Stephen Sondheim, Freddie Mercury and Jacques Brel. He will share anecdotes of his experiences in show business between the songs. Mel returns to his theatre roots to direct him and is pleased to be returning to the festival to collaborate with Peter.

Mel said: “The fringe definitely still has an appeal for me. I haven’t performed at the fringe myself for a number of years but its great coming up with Peter, we came up last year and did a show and we’re back this year.

“It’s nice to feel that you are part of something, you put it on and share in the excitement. It’s a fantastic time of year I love it and Edinburgh is such a beautiful city as well,” he added.

Mel and Peter worked on a show for the fringe last year but have been friends for many years. They met through mutual friends and then Peter took a role in Mel’s first feature film with Griff Rhys Jones, Morons from Outer Space. Peter played the leader of a gospel choir, and Mel was impressed by his talent.

Mel said: “I’ve always admired him as a singer, in fact I don’t think there is anyone who doesn’t, he’s a fantastic singer.”

“The great thing about the show we are doing this year is that we have broadened out the range of music that we are doing, its less cabaret oriented.” He added.

Mel admitted that he preferred directing now as he doesn’t have to look his best. He also confessed that he has a secret love for the Scottish national dish, but always felt as an Englishman he would be judge if he ordered it in a restaurant here.

He joked: “My problem is I like haggis, which is an incredible cliché, and I always feel like such a fraud. I’m worried when I ask for it that people are going to think I’m just a poser.”  

For more information on My Dear, I’m Still Here and the Edinburgh Fringe, please visit their websites.