US based creative Michelle Renee Johnson came to the Festival this year with her first Fringe offering, ‘Extra Dry’, an autobiographical solo show about one woman’s relationship with alcohol and a need for validation. 

We’re big fans of solo shows here at ThreeWeeks, and it’s always good to spend some time with international acts and get their perspective on the whole Edinburgh thing. And, of course, we’ve heard good things about Johnson’s work. 

I spoke to her to find out more about the play and how she’s enjoying her time in the Festival City. 

CM: Can you start by telling us what ‘Extra Dry’ is all about? What story does it tell? 
MRJ: ‘Extra Dry’ is an autobiographical solo show about a young woman’s desire to be memorable. She quickly discovers that her popularity greatly increases when she is drunk, leading to many blacked-out nights – or days.

The stories accumulate rapidly and she begins to question if her notoriety is worth it. 

CM: What themes are explored through the play? 
MRJ: Themes of loneliness, desperation for inclusion, the desire for a legacy – even if it’s not in good favour – being seen, heard and remembered by others. All this is tied into what leads to the main character’s alcohol abuse. 

CM: Is it all based on your own experiences? To what extent, if so? 
MRJ: Yes, the whole show is based on lived experiences. And it’s stated at the top of the show: all the stories are true. 

CM: What made you want to create a show like this? 
MRJ: They say “write what you know” and as this was my first shot at writing any form of theatre, I figured an autobiographical piece was a great way to get something down on paper! 

CM: What made you want to bring it to the Fringe? 
MRJ: I first attended the Fringe in 2023 and was inspired to create my own work to bring across the pond. The energy here is unmatched. I wanted to build my stamina as a performer and, honestly, just prove to myself that I could do it. 

CM: What were your expectations of this Fringe run? Have they been met? 
MRJ: I came in without any expectations outside of “OK, I’m gonna have to do this show 21 times”. I purposely didn’t want to hold high expectations as a first-timer here.

Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s not a bit disappointing to have smaller audiences, but I’m happy to be able to perform to anyone at all. I’ve had some wonderful audiences of three, five, six people! I think that’s what makes the Fringe amazing. 

CM: What do you love about the Fringe? Is there anything you don’t like about it? 
MRJ: Being surrounded by a bunch of performers who are equally as motivated as you are is truly thrilling.

We are all here, trying to pull an audience, trying to find the energy to perform day after day, but knowing we are having an experience others only dream of.

It is a very competitive market and the costs are extraordinarily high; it is upsetting knowing that a lot of people won’t make it here for that reason even if they have a brilliant idea. 

CM: What have you been doing in Edinburgh when not performing? 
MRJ: I am training for the New York City marathon – so, naturally, I must tell everyone! – and I have been getting out on plenty of runs in the morning.

My favourite spots are the Meadows, the trails a bit outside of town, and the Meadowbank Sports Centre track.

CM: Have you seen any shows you would recommend? Apart from your own, obviously!
MRJ: I am absolutely blown away by the talent at this festival. I have seen more than 20 shows! I would encourage everyone to find the smaller performances that may not be drawing the crowds. Also check out the sauna theatre, it’s a very cool experience!

CM: Can you tell us a bit about your past? Did you always want to perform?
MRJ: Growing up in East Tennessee, professional theatre was not the most accessible industry. I performed at local community theatres and, although I really enjoyed it, I didn’t see myself pursuing it as a career.

A few years after moving to New York City, I found myself missing the stage. I started studying at the Barrow Group and was reconnected with my passion for acting. 

CM: What have been the highlights of your working life thus far? 
MRJ: This isn’t my full-time career, so If you’re asking from a performing perspective, I was in a feature film that was released last year called ‘Misfits’, and it was very exciting to have my first exposure to film work.

However, being here at the Fringe may be the biggest highlight.

CM: What aims and ambitions do you have for the future? 
MRJ: Like many before me, I am hoping I can bring another piece back to the Fringe. I don’t know if I would do another solo show – it’s HARD work – but I could definitely see myself back here in two to three years time! 

As far as ‘Extra Dry’ goes, I think my team and I have learned a lot about the show and how it is received by the audience. I would love to rework it a bit and see if we can get another run in NYC.

‘Extra Dry’ was performed at Greenside at Riddles Court at Edinburgh Festival 2026.

LINKS: a-parkproductions.com | instagram.com/michellerj57