Punk, Partridge and cardigans - Laura Horton talks Lynn Faces

Get ready to don your quirkiest cardigan for Laura Horton's Edinburgh Fringe show Lynn Faces. It's a punk-rock comedy theatre mashup paying homage to Alan Partridge's long suffering sidekick Lynn Benfield.

Laura won a Fringe First Award for her debut play last year and now, for 2024, she's back with a personal punk rock offering about regaining confidence after trauma, with a little help from Lynn.

It's a moving show about the aftermath and effects of an abusive relationship, all through the lens of Laura's long time identification and connection with the much-loved cardigan connoisseur character.

What's the snazziest cardigan you've ever worn, and does it rival that of Lynn Benfield?

I've owned my fair share of snazzy cardigans growing up in the 80s. I don't think any have ever rivalled those of Lynn, but I had a pink fluffy cardigan with ducks for buttons when I was four-ish which was fab. It's been so fun heading out to the charity shops for this show and sourcing cardigans, we have two songs specifically dedicated to the snazzy cardigan in homage to Lynn!

What's your go-to karaoke song when you want to embrace your inner rocker?

I Love Rock 'n' Roll by Joan Jett. I am absolutely awful at karaoke, though I did win a singing contest at Haven Holidays when I was nine, weirdly singing Great Balls of Fire, though I expect they just felt sorry for me. This has been an interesting show to make as none of the characters are particularly musical; it's going to be weird gigging every night and never actually getting any better.

What's the funniest thing that's happened during rehearsals for Lynn Faces?

The conversations we had were ridiculous:

"Let's do it after Kiss my Tits."

"The props are coming in, we've got the triangle, the traffic cone and the fart machine."

"We need to get the backup cow stuffed."

I think we've all had odd and concerned looks on public transport when we've been talking about the show. It was the most incredible rehearsal room and the coming together of all things punk and Partridge has been magical. It's my first time performing too and though I'm incredibly nervous, the sheer joy in the room is infectious.

What sort of emotions do you want audiences to feel during the show? Will you pull on their heartstrings?

It's ostensibly a daft, silly show, but it does deal with a woman who is in the aftermath of an abusive relationship, so though it's hopeful at heart, there are some moments of reflection. If there are some tears of joy and sadness (and a few belly laughs and guffaws), that would be wonderful. I find comedy the best way to deal with deeper issues.

If you could invite 3 fictional characters to dinner, who would they be? Would Lynn make the cut?

Definitely Lynn, she'd have to make the cut, I think after a few wines and without Alan, she'd let her hair down. Then I'd go for Shirley Valentine, and Mrs Goggins from Postman Pat. I think we'd have a terrific time.