Edinburgh Fringe Artist Interview: Thomas Currie from Basically Nocturnal

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 Thomas Currie who talks about 2AM thoughts, battling the screen heavy world and moving to London ahead of his fringe debut!

Thomas Currie from Basically Nocturnal. Photo Credit: Niv Novak and Kyle Head

Without spoiling your show, what is Basically Nocturnal?

Basically Nocturnal is a collection of stories told through music. I sing and play piano, accompanied by an electric cellist who creates live soundscapes that weave through the songs. It feels a bit like a late night conversation—albeit a very one-sided one! Much of the music is original, with a few reimagined classics thrown in. I’ve always been fascinated by the way we tell stories—whether it’s a ghost story, a disastrous date, or a tale of broken dreams—and they somehow always land best in the quiet hours of the night.

I am a Night Owl myself! How do you distract your sleepless mind at 2AM?

Honestly… I don’t distract myself! Instead, I lean right into the chaos of 2am thoughts! There’s something magical about the stillness, when the world quiets down - I always feel more creative and productive. Fittingly, a show about late- night thoughts was actually written in the middle of the night.

Why do you think this show is an important one for audiences to see?

In our screen-heavy world, Basically Nocturnal is a small reminder of the beauty of real human connection. It’s an intimate night of music and storytelling—observations about people, life, and the absurdities in between. There's something rare and powerful about sitting in a dark room with strangers, all tuned into the same moment. If we can recreate the feeling of sharing stories with friends—laughing, listening, and connecting—then we’ve done our job. It’s the perfect time to switch off the phones and be present together.

How did this show come to fruition?

I first created and performed Basically Nocturnal for the Melbourne Cabaret Festival in 2021. The show later had a return season and was set to tour around more of Australia. Unfortunately at the time, the resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic put a stop to several performances, so I am very much looking forward to finally bringing this show to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year.

You have had a wonderful career so far! What has been a highlight for you?

I have just moved to London! Well, actually… I moved around the middle of last year (2024)… but the time has gone very quickly. As much as I enjoyed working in Australia, I always wanted to explore this side of the world. The UK has such a vibrant and varied arts scene. While moving here perhaps isn’t a specific ‘career highlight’ as much as it is a ‘life highlight’, I’m very much looking forward to the next stage of my career in this country.

How are you feeling about performing at the Edinburgh Fringe?

Edinburgh Fringe has been on the bucket list for a while, as it has been for many performers across the years. Having said that, I have very little idea of what to expect since I have never even been to Edinburgh before let alone the festival. I’m expecting a massive variety of fresh entertainment and a buzzing atmosphere. It’s a very exciting time.

What advice would you give somebody who wants to pursue a career in theatre?

I’ve had the pleasure of speaking at drama schools and theatre institutions both here in the UK and Australia so this is something I have been asked a lot. The best advice I ever got was from a theatre teacher who told me not to go into theatre. It sounds harsh, but it was perfect—because if hearing that doesn’t make you quit, you might just be cut out for it. Theatre requires passion, grit, and persistence. You’ll hear “no” a lot, but if you’re still ready to push forward, then you’re in the right place.

And finally, why should I buy a ticket to see Basically Nocturnal?

It’s a great late-night festival show—funny, heartfelt, musically rich, and a little bit different. If you’re roaming around Edinburgh late and looking for something intimate, thoroughly entertaining with music, then definitely come along!

How Can I Book Tickets to see Basically Nocturnal?

Performance Dates: 30th July – 25th August 2025 (not 5th, 12th, 19th) at 21:40.

Location: Gilded Balloon Patter House (Blether), 3 Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1HT.

Running Time: 60 minutes.

Box Office: Tickets are available from: www.gildedballoon.com 

Previews: £9.

Midweek: £ 11.50 (£10.50).

Weekend: £12.50 (£11.50).