Shay Mace
Amnesia is the name of Kimberly Hart-Simpson’s upcoming Edinburgh Festival Fringe solo show, set in Rhyl, the piece follows Kelly, a dementia carer and daughter of two Tom Jones tribute acts, who prides herself on holding everything together, from chaotic care home shifts to turbulent friendships and family expectations. However, something else is bubbling beneath the surface, and across the hour, the cracks in Kelly’s life begin to show.
Through this piece also ringing with irreverent comedy, Kimberly hopes to shine a light on carers, community spirit and the realities of dementia. We caught up with her for a pixelated pint to find out more about why she’s bringing this story to the stage now.
You can catch Amnesia at Bunker Two at Pleasance Courtyard on August 5th – 31st (not the 17th) from 16:25 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Shay: Hi Kimberly, tell us about why you have decided to bring this story to the stage now?
Kimberly: There are many influences contributing to the themes and topics raised in Amnesia. Firstly, it is set in my hometown of Rhyl, which is sadly often ridiculed (like many seaside towns) by the mainstream media. I am incredibly proud of coming from there and firmly believe Rhyl is fighting back. I left home at a very young age, so I guess this is my love letter to say thank you… and I miss you, babe.
I once worked as a carer in a dementia and Alzheimer’s home, a job which I loved. It was there that I learnt the importance of music and gained a better understanding of the care role – something which has clearly had a long-lasting impression on me.
Placing the show within these two worlds felt very personal, complemented by the sounds of my childhood – Clubland. This show has been in my bones for many years, but receiving the news of my uncle’s dementia diagnosis made it feel all the more connected.
Shay: How has the creative process been of putting the show together? Give us an idea of the journey you’ve been on with it so far.
Kimberly: Well, this is quite an unusual turn of events, I suspect. In 2017, I did an R&D of Amnesia, originally set in Ibiza! (Who cares about budget, I hear you ask.) Well, apparently… TV.
Last year, the show was optioned as a sitcom, where we all firmly agreed the likelihood of seeing Kelly and her bestie in Ibiza was quite slim. TV is an amazing thing – I can’t get enough of it – but you have to be mindful of costs, whereas imagination in theatre is free.
After spending some time developing the pilot, I knew I wanted to have a summer where I got to tell the story regardless of whether it ever makes it to the screen, and completely free of chains. Having said that, I still chose to keep the show based solely in Rhyl… which some would argue is the original Ocean Beach, with our fair adopting the name first.
Taking it back to my “why” – why I wanted to make the show in the first place – has really informed my creative process.
Shay: What will be the first thing the audience sees, feels, and hears as they enter the space?
Kimberly: CLUBLAND!!!!! Pure vibes, energy, and a chair.
The show contains so many characters’ soundtracks. Kelly’s idol is Cascada. Now, if you don’t know who she is, or songs like Pretty Green Eyes, you could be in for a long hour.
Shay: What are you hoping the audience might take away from the experience, if anything?
Kimberly: Dementia is still the UK’s leading cause of death, so there is every chance audience members have either been affected by this illness or know someone who has. The consequences can be devastating; however, this show is a celebration of each person who walks through Bryn Moore Care Home’s doors – every version of who they are.
Despite Kelly’s very obvious flaws, I reckon most people would like someone like her looking after their loved ones. She is the beating heart of the community and is belting at her job.
I would also like the audience to walk out and book a UK seaside holiday… preferably Rhyl.
Shay: What journey has the show been on to find itself at EdFringe 2026?
Kimberly: It was in December that I firmly decided I was going to the Fringe. I emailed Liam Evans-Ford at Theatr Clwyd explaining my dream. He was so brilliant with me and offered some time for us to chat further.
Naturally, I was leaving this very late (ADHD for you), but he said he could chat with Kate Wasserberg and suggested I send over the script. I only had the TV script completely finished at that point.
We then jumped on a Zoom where Kate said she would love to help and wanted to direct the play. At that point, my head rolled off into a bin. I couldn’t believe I’d managed to get two people I admire on board at a theatre so close to home.
Following this, I applied for the Edinburgh National Partnership Award with Sherman Theatre and Pleasance and, to my second surprise, received their backing.
PLUS some incredible sponsorship from Care ADHD and Pario Holiday Parks (a place I always stay when I go home to Rhyl), which made it financially possible, alongside the theatres.
Finally, I slid into Queenie Miller’s DMs late one night after reading about how brilliant she is in her producer role. Once we had a Zoom, she agreed to take Amnesia on as her first-ever play with Hat Trick.
My agents at United have also been amazing, and somehow I’ve managed to assemble a team stronger than the Avengers.
Shay: With EdFringe now just around the corner, what are you most excited for?
Kimberly: That I get to perform every day to the people I wanted to make it for.
This story, at its core, is about hope and home. It’s full of nostalgia and energy. I mean, there’s even a dance mat in it – you can’t get more throwback than that.
I just want to be really happy and have a lovely summer, speaking to people who’ve watched the show, hearing their thoughts and feelings, and continuing to make this story the best it can be.
I can’t wait to see other shows and be a full-on chatterbox in the Pleasance Courtyard.
Shay: Given the themes of Binge Fringe, if your show was a beverage of any kind (alcoholic, non-alcoholic – be as creative as you like!), what would it be and why?
Kimberly: A Blue WKD. Full of E numbers, old-school and bright.
A reminder, you can catch Amnesia at Bunker Two at Pleasance Courtyard on August 5th – 31st (not the 17th) from 16:25 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Roe McDonnell
