Angela Beevers makes her international debut with How To Write A Eulogy That Kills

How To Write A Eulogy That Kills by Angela Beevers is set the night before her mum's funeral... Angela is due to give a speech, but she hasn't written it yet. The question is how do you wrap up the extraordinary life of a belly-dancing, beekeeping, honky-tonk fiddler and professional psychic in a traditional tribute?

After a sold out run at the Hollywood Fringe, we spoke to Angela about honouring your parents as well as being embarrassed by them and what she hopes happens at her own funeral...

When was it you realised your parents were... different shall we say?

I think I first realised my parents were different when I found out that not everyone goes to renaissance fayres or has an official family-coordinated renaissance fayre costume. I was far too old when I found this out: I was about ten years old. The only reason I even realised this was that I wore my renaissance fayre costume to school, which my parents not only allowed, but encouraged.

What was more embarrassing - your mum picking you up from school in a gold bra, or finding her dildo?

I think being picked up from school (and multiple other functions) by my fairly nude mother was a bit more psychologically scarring that finding her vibrator. When I found her vibrator, I was able to tell myself it was just a neck massager or a strange power tool I'd never seen before. Versus the giant wig and 5 pounds of jangling coins affixed to her boobs which were a bit harder to ignore.

What advice do you have for any grieving audience members?

If you're grieving, I'd say the only possible thing to do is watch Pretty Little Liars start to finish. It probably won't remind you of your loved one, and it will allow you to turn your brain off and commit to a very stupid story. It's the only thing that worked for me. Also, make sure your friends know that you want them to buy you food and presents. A lot of people assume you don't want to see them while you're grieving so then you end up all alone and very hungry. People want to buy you food and presents, just make sure they know that you're open to it.

What do you hope someone says about you at your funeral?

It's my wish that my funeral is filled with all my crushes saying they loved me. And all my bosses saying they wished they'd promoted me. Other than that, I hope people say I was a good friend and that everyone fights over who gets to keep my cat now that I'm dead. Oh, and I hope at least someone calls me a singular visionary. That sounds really nice.

You used an online guide to write a eulogy. If there was one for writing an Edinburgh show, would it be helpful? If so, would you share it or keep it a secret?

If there was a guide to writing an Edinburgh show I wouldn't use it because I hate any and all self-help books / textbooks. Following that guide honestly sounds harder than writing one from scratch. Plus I wouldn't want to have the same show as everyone else. And if it was given only to me, then I'd definitely share it. I don't believe in gatekeeping.