Edinburgh Fringe Artist Interview: Kevin Martin Murphy from End of the World FM
- Richard Brown
- Jul 29
- 5 min read
As so many shows prepare for their trip to Scotland in August, I am so excited to launch my Edinburgh Fringe 2025 Artist Interview series. I'm hoping to share some amazing shows with you, as I chat to the artists who are working tirelessly behind the scenes to make them a reality! Today, I got the chance to chat to Kevin Martin Murphy who talks about his Irish roots, how he got into theatre and onstage mishaps.
Tell me a little bit about your show.
'End of the World FM' is an absurd dark comedy about a radio host who has found himself the last living soul on Earth after the apocalypse. He does what any sane, logical person would do and keeps the surviving few entertained with a radio show.
We see him divulge into insanity in his isolated echo chamber as he ponders religion, culture and confronts himself on bizarre news segments and time filling games with his 'Dear Listeners.'
It's a bit Fallout, it's a bit Black Mirror, but it is largely a hopefully message. I think there's too much doom and gloom happening in the world and I want the audience to leave with an idea of how to cling onto your humanity in the wake of disaster
How did you get into acting?
I didn't really get into acting until I was about 15! I had a chance to be in Oliver with Claremorris Musical Society (Much love!!) when I was in Transition Year and the buzz I got from being a part of a community gave me a new hobby, passion and obsession. I've taken every chance since then! Going on to study it in Galway, where we met, and finally taking the plunge over to London where I am happy to call it my career now.
When did writing come into the picture?
When I was about 19 I had an idea for a show that took place during RAG week (Spring break for the international readers!) and I took a lot of inspiration from my own wild days of college. It was unlike anything I'd ever experienced to that point. It was rough, it was messy, it was clunky but by god that show had some heart in it. And I think I discovered that writing is what I really get to the heart of me as an artist. As an actor I can become someone, bring my own heart to it sure! Directing: Same thing, but it is such a collaborative process that you're almost a curator for everyone else's heart. With writing, I really feel all of my soul in there.
What are some of your favourite moments from creating theatre in college?
Oh god, there are so many to pick from. I stayed around NUIG's Dramsoc and GUMS for as long as I possibly could and nothing has taught me more than those days. I think if I had to pick one highlight it would be my Directing turn with GUMS. 'Pippin' was such a huge culmination of everything I learned over those six years. I was part of a holy trinity with some dear friends, Eoin and Meadhbh on the production team as well as many amazing friends that ranged all the way through my college experience. I really do think there was indescribably magic in that show. But every chance I got to be on stage or behind the scenes was a joy and I often reflect on them!
What show are you most proud of to have worked on?
I think it has to be this one. Any show that I've written or directed I am so attached to and proud of. Whether it's a Dramsoc show, an Off West End show, NewsRevue or a project with Wandering Artist Collective (My theatre company with Rachel and Mia! Check us out!!). However, EOTWFM has gone from a work in progress with an audience of five friends, to a London tour with several reviews, an award and now, FINALLY, I'm going to Edinburgh Fringe. This is a ten year long dream realised and it's all through this show that I've refined and changed and loved and cried and hated and cherished!
You have just finished up Newsrevue, what was the most challenge part of that show?
Oh I absolutely adore NewsRevue. It has such a special place in my heart and it feels like a home to me in London. I had performed in the show late 2023 and was back as a director this time. I think the biggest challenge was from an organisational standpoint. I had a team of 4 brilliant writers/ performers and a gifted genius of an MD. These guys and myself would write so much that it was a huge time management project to A) keep material varied enough (Trump gave us his best shot though!!) B) Make sure the cast are in enough and showcasing their brilliance. C) Relevance. An idea that can be brilliant in a room does not always translate to the show and sometimes that is so difficult to gauge! But it's such a brilliant creative gym, I love NewsRevue dearly.
Your favourite onstage mishap?
Nothing is ever going to top The Producers with GUMS. I was playing Roger and had a suuuper quick costume change into a full SS uniform as the man himself in 'Springtime for Hitler'. I was so sweaty and the mustache just wasn't gluing on correctly. I could sort of feel it slipping but I persevered. Until, it ended up getting inhaled as I was gasping for breath. So for a split second I'm on stage choking on Adolf's mustache, thinking this is how I died. Wouldn't mother be proud.
It was fine in the end and I found it on the ground later on in the number.
People thought it was part of the show! The magic of theatre!
How's the preparation for Fringe going?
I've just finished my last rehearsal before our preview at Canal Cafe Theatre on Saturday! It's weird, I haven't done an overwhelming amount of rehearsals and yet, I'm completely off book and feel super comfortable. I just think this show is a part of me. I still had to work really hard to learn them again but I feel I've grown a lot as a performer since last time as well. It's been a huge learning curve as a producer. I wouldn't try and do the writing, performing and producing all at the same time EVER again!!
What are you most looking forward to about Edinburgh?
Just embracing every part of it. I've never been and feel like its a significant box I haven't ticked off yet. I just want at least a small crowd every night and to meet some crazy artists who are just as passionate about this wonderful art form as I am
Are you hoping to catch any shows while you are over there?
Oh absolutely! There is a little gang from the Irish Creative Collective who I'll be supporting in various shows but I just want to take a chance on as many shows as I can. I'll try and support solo shows as well as I know it can be a lonely feeling at times helming this massive undertaking.
Why should people see your show?
People should see my show if they need a lift from the heartbreaking news we are seeing on the daily. It can feel extremely hopeless at times and I want people to leave this show with a newfound sense of purpose and urgency with what they can do when disaster strikes, whether that be global or personal
Where can my audience find you?
I'll be at the Fringe from 11-16 August with the Space UK Surgeons Hall Theatre 2!
See you there, My Dear Listeners!
End of the World FM runs at the Edinburgh Fringe from the 11th-16th of August. Tickets are available here!
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