One Woman, One World to Save, Zero Sorted Recycling Bins – Verity Mullan on her debut Fringe Show

Actress and writer Verity Mullan brings her debut solo show Single Use to the Edinburgh Fringe this August, tackling climate guilt, plastic waste and emotional inertia. Set in a world of shampoo bottles, recycling confusion and Deliveroo receipts, this one-woman play follows Ella, a woman who tries to fix the planet instead of her own life. Here, Mullan talks climate guilt and why she only invited one person to her first-ever performance.

The show deals with climate guilt and personal responsibility - what inspired you to write about those themes?

Over the last decade I have felt super passionate about and dedicated to the climate crisis, like individual action was vital and would ultimately ‘save us’. But over recent years, I hate to admit that fire has faded and I’ve seen that shift in people around me too. What use is my refillable water bottle when 1.3 billion plastic bottles are used everyday. It’s so hard to feel like your actions make an impact when you’re up against global consumerism and huge corporations. This show is about the pressure we put on ourselves to solve a problem that’s far bigger than any of us, and what that pressure does.

The show walks a tightrope between comedy and climate collapse—how do you find humour in something that, frankly, feels terrifying?

There are many things contributing to climate collapse, but we’re focusing on the most boring and least sexy of them all – recycling!

I love observational comedy, taking the everyday and finding the joy and humour in it; and nothing says ‘worst part of your day’ more than doing your recycling. We all do it, and if you don’t, I bet you feel guilty about it. Whether it’s confusion over the logos on your packaging, running after the bin man in your slippers or washing a hummus pot out at midnight, there is humour in the mundane. 

The character of Ella feels very relatable - how much of her comes from your own experience?

Ella is facing a lot of the same problems many of us deal with. She’s stuck in a dead-end job, behind on rent, and struggling with the personal relationships in her life. Ultimately, she feels lost and left behind. She’s waiting for life to start, which I relate to a lot. It’s easy to look around and see everyone else cracking on and feel like you’re just waiting your turn.

It took me, and Ella, a while to realise: this is life, better get going. I hope everyone sees a bit of themselves in her

If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice before starting, what would it be?

Things don’t happen overnight. Keep going one step at a time.  And don’t be afraid to share your work. The first time I shared the show I booked a theatre above a pub, planning on inviting an audience and got so scared I only invited one person. This person, Emma, became my Co-creator and Director, so it all worked out. 

What do you hope audiences take from the show?

Ella doesn’t feel like she can face her problems, so she turns to the world of plastic pollution instead as a distraction and something to possibly fix. I want people to feel courage to face their demons and address what is holding them back. The show is about recycling but it is also deeply rooted in our relationship with our family and loved ones. If it encourages people to connect with one another and address old baggage, this would be a win. Finally, it goes without saying, to do their recycling.

This is your Edinburgh debut - how do you feel about the upcoming festival? What do you hope sets Single Use apart from other solo shows?

Buzzing! I’m ready for every show, whether it’s a one-person audience or a full house. We’ve worked really hard on this show and it's time to have fun and get it out in the world. Endless coffees and vitamins at the ready!

I know I’m going to be up against loads of amazing solo shows (can’t wait to see some!) but so far I haven’t come across any about recycling. Is that because there are way more exciting things to be writing about? Probs! Did that put me off? Absolutely not! 

Single Use will be at the Pleasance Courtyard during the Edinburgh Fringe.

For tickets and more information, visit: https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/single-use