Edinburgh Fringe Artist Interview: Beth May from Beth Wants The D

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 Beth May (She/Her) who talks about presenting the hardest moments of her life onstage, the comedy improve podcast "Dungeons and Daddies", and leaning into what makes you unique!

Trigger Warning: This article includes conversations about mental illness and sucicide ideation.

Beth May from Beth Wants the D. Photo Credit: Brandon Dougherty

Without spoiling your show, what is Beth Wants The D?

Beth Wants the D is a comedy about all the times Beth May has thought about killing herself. This autobiographical one woman show puts you in the splash zone of death and delusion as Beth journeys through her struggle with bipolar disorder, but like, in a funny way. Through the bizarre highs and perilous lows, Beth knits comedy and drama together to find the scariest thing of all — a future full of hope.

Content Warning: This production includes conversations about mental illness and suicidal ideation.

I think it is very powerful that this show is based on your own experiences. What is the most challenging part of creating autobiographical theatre?

I think everyone’s life is populated both by boring moments and moments seemingly too wild to be true, and I think my biggest challenge was finding and communicating the importance of both types of moments. Very rarely are things happening in our lives where we have the time to think, “and here’s what I’m going to take away as a lesson from this,” yet our values are shaped by these things all the same, so trying to narrow down both what has happened to me AND what I took from it in a way that still seems relatable and funny and not esoteric was a challenge. Also, yeah, I’m talking about some of the hardest moments of my life and I’m asking questions I can’t answer yet. There’s a vulnerability in that that might hopefully connect to people, but it’s also just an emotionally taxing kind of thing to write and perform. 

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

I think this show might be helpful or cathartic for people and I’ll tell you why. So this solo show is about my experience with mental illness, but I'm actually just one of millions, because 1 in 20 adults live with SMI or serious mental illness. These people, particularly those who deal with psychosis or have substance use issues, are often feared and vilified, and many times they haven’t survived to share their story. My story can’t bring them back or even do justice to their experiences, but it can show people that the curtain between sanity and madness is shockingly thin, and that our values are sometimes fragile. And even though it’s my very specific story being told on stage, I genuinely think anyone can see themselves in elements of it. I think this show makes the case that even when things are so bleak and even when you feel like you’re CRAZY, you can make it one more night. You can come back from this. I think that’s a message worth spreading. Or maybe I’m just an ego-maniac!

Beth May from Beth Wants the D. Photo Credit: Brandon Dougherty

How did this show come to fruition?

This whole show was basically my friend Alice Stanley Jr.’s idea. I was lamenting my lack of tangible success with writing and acting, and she was like “Do a solo show about your bipolar disorder.” When I told Alice that I had a lot of shame still attached to my mental illness, all she said was, “Lean into the shame and the weirdness.” Alice isn’t even my therapist – she’s just a good friend! But yeah as embarrassed as I was to even try, I leaned into it and I was shocked at how proud and fulfilled I was by the end result. Good friends are life savers. 

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

I’m probably best known for playing bumbling stepfather Ron Stampler on “Dungeons & Daddies”, an improv comedy podcast that tells the tale of four dads flung into the world of D&D on a quest to rescue their lost sons. A highlight of this has been touring the U.S. (and parts of Europe) doing live shows with my fellow hosts, who are some of my absolute favorite people. I genuinely love performing and trying to make people laugh, but there’s honestly nothing better than the hours before a show, just kicking back with some of my best friends and laughing with them. I sincerely cherish being included in stuff like that. 

How are you feeling about performing at the Edinburgh Fringe?

Excited. A little nervous. Mainly I’m looking forward to meeting other performers and sharing Beth Wants the D with as many people as possible.

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

Probably to marry rich. But also definitely to lean into what makes you unique, even if it’s something you’ve been told is a drawback. I don’t think a lot of people want to watch stories about perfect people being normal. The people want weirdos! At least that’s what I say, being a bit of a weirdo myself. 

And finally, why should I buy a ticket to see Beth Wants the D?

It’s funny, dark, and hopeful — and while it normalizes and pokes fun at the very fine line between sanity and madness, it also speaks to the very serious consequences of mental illness, and how they affect a person, a family, a community, and society. Ultimately it is intended to be a reminder that things can get better, and that even people some deemed to be crazy and useless can go on to write a funny and touching solo show about their experience.

How Can I Book Tickets to see Beth Wants the D?

Performance Dates: 30th July –24th August 2025 (not 6th, 13th, 20th) at 13:45.

Location: Pleasance Courtyard (Baby Grand), 60 Pleasance, Edinburgh, EH8 9TJ

Tickets are available from: https://www.pleasance.co.uk/

Previews: £9

Midweek: £13 (£12)

Weekend: £15 (£14)