Julien Cottereau Q&A

What can we expect from Julien Cottereau: Imagine Toi?

Audiences can expect to see the best show they've ever seen in their life. It's a modern fairy tale and a moving poem! I am alone on an empty stage with my character and have to rock the house with tenderness and fever. As soon as I see that there are people in front of me watching my steps and waiting for something, I will do my very best to entertain them, find friendship, love and get revenge!  

If you had to label your art, how would you? 

First a clown. One who uses the mime and sound technique to express himself more directly, more instinctively and personally. My technique comes from circus and the street but it takes place in a theatre 'cause I want to tell a story.

How important are children to your performance? 

Children are my passport to many things. If I hear them asking the adults questions I know I may not be clear enough. If I see them sleep there's a good chance that I may be boring... To be honest, when there are no children in the audience I get a bit bored myself. 

What does performing in Edinburgh mean to you?

For me it's the best zoo ever. The quality of the other shows is inspiring. The artists, the public, the reviewers... everybody raises their work to a special level. I dig it.

What did you want to be when you were little?

Not a doctor or a fireman but understood, listened, loved, not alone. I wanted to be someone else many times, funny, handsome, popular, clever and HAPPY! 

This year all kids shows will be reviewed by our ten-strong Kid’s Review Panel; Fest Force! If you were a superhero who would you be?

I would be SUPER 8 so I could talk for eternity, filming life as it is now but with eyes from the past! Or I could transform dreams into reality in a snap of my fingers.