Jake Mace
Ella Hällgren describes her upcoming EdFringe solo show r/Conspiracy as a play for messy girls, hungry sleuths, and the chronically online. The story follows Alex, who tumbles headfirst down an online conspiracy rabbit hole when she spots a Reddit thread documenting a man with a machete roaming her local park. We caught up with Ella for a pixelated pint to find out more about what inspired the show.
You can catch r/Conspiracy from 30th July to 24th August (not the 12th or 19th) at Gilded Balloon Appleton Tower (Ruby) from 15:00 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Jake: Hi Ella! Your upcoming show r/Conspiracy follows 20 year old Alex who stumbles down an internet rabbit hole – tell us about her, and what inspired you to create the piece.
Ella: Hiya Jake! Alex is a riot – she’s a messy girl, a lost soul, and in my head, kind of the embodiment of chronical online-ness. And of being 20 something. She’s the product of the many hours I have spent online obsessing over stories, mysteries, urban legends, true crime – all of which started tickling my brain into thinking, “what if this was a play?”
I describe r/Conspiracy as a digital noir – it’s got the pace of a detective story, and the atmosphere of an all-nighter. But really, it’s a story about connection. And finding purpose, to not be alone in this pressure cooker of a digital age. Both inspired by all those Big Feelings of being in your 20’s, and by the never-ending collections of YouTube deep dives, Reddit mysteries, crime podcasts… All those pulse-racing, intoxicating virtual thrills. It’s like Alice in Wonderland, high on caffeine.
Jake: Tell us about what the audience can expect coming into the show, and what they might not expect about the show.
Ella: You can expect to have a good laugh, to conspire as the story goes on, and hopefully to relate to Alex’s journey. Maybe not in the exact way she’s spiraling, but in the way we’ve all been consumed from time to time. And it’s a thrilling tale – expect to be at the edge of your seat from the moment the mystery starts brewing.
I don’t think people will expect just how much heart there is in r/Conspiracy – it’s fun and it’s cool but it’s also really quite tender. But I can’t stay more than that. You’ll have to come see it to find out!
Jake: What are you hoping the audience might take away from the experience, if anything?
Ella: I’d love for people to come out of the show thinking fondly of the time they’ve spent online, and with that sense of caution that we all know so well. Online cultures have their pro’s and con’s of course – we’ll maybe be our most authentic selves behind our screens, or complete strangers at the same time. It will be really nice to reflect on these sides of us that are such big parts of our lives, especially in the younger generations of people who have had the internet present throughout their childhoods, teenage years and early adulthood.
As much as it’s really easy to say “just go out there and touch some grass”, we know it’s not that simple. Or maybe it is for some. But reality is daunting, and it can be particularly tough when you’re feeling vulnerable in the real world. We love escapism! I would love for everyone to have a good think about their online spaces, how they navigate them, where they move, and maybe what they’re running away from.
Jake: With Edinburgh Fringe 2025 just around the corner, what are you most excited for?
Ella: I’m buzzing to be in the thrill of it all again. The Fringe is such a special environment for theatre makers and lovers alike. I’m so keen to see lots of shows that challenge me, and make me laugh. I’m ready to have lots of fun, exciting conversations with people about what they’ve seen or made or are supporting this year.
But nothing beats going out there with something you’re really proud of, and I just can’t wait to get this show in front of an audience and drag them down the rabbit hole with me. It’s going to be an absolute blast.
Jake: 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?
Ella: Ice cold can of Monster, straight out of the fridge. Disgustingly sugary. Delightfully addictive. Perfect for hours of sleuthing. Join me for one?
A reminder, you can catch r/Conspiracy from 30th July to 24th August (not the 12th or 19th) at Gilded Balloon Appleton Tower (Ruby) from 15:00 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
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