Alex Reynolds is a writer and actress. She has performed at the Almeida Theatre, Theatre 503, Southwark Playhouse, Marlowe Theatre, and The Pleasance London. She has performed in rehearsed readings at the Royal Court and the NT Studio. Her short plays have been performed at the Royal Court and Theatre 503 and she is currently working on CrossDay’s upcoming Nigel Cole project.

Alex is bringing her debut play ‘In the Land of Eagles‘ to the Fringe this August. We spoke to Alex about ‘In the Land of Eagles’, the story behind it, and her hope and expectations for the month.

Can you tell us about ‘In the Land of Eagles’?

Without giving too much away (or making promises I can’t keep), ‘In the Land of Eagles’ is a play inspired by my relationship with my grandfather. In many ways, I wrote this play for him. It’s the story of a journey, told through the eyes of eighteen-year-old Her as she travels with Grandpa to his homeland Albania. It explores a relationship not often depicted on stage along with a country that I have found to be deeply misunderstood, especially here in the UK.

The play is inspired by your relationship with your Albanian Grandfather. To what extent is it fictionalised?

Almost all the events in the play happened. The characters are all based on real people. However, for reasons I can’t give now, the play was always going to be a work of fiction.

Who are your biggest influences as a playwright?

This is my first play. Not sure I identify as a playwright just yet. What I can say is, my influences for this play were specific. I had to immerse myself in a world that wasn’t my own. I read a lot of Ismail Kadare and poetry by Havzi Nela. Mud Sweeter Than Honey by Margot Rejmer was hugely impactful. I also listened to Albanian Kaba music, and looked to the paintings of Agricola Filippo.

How difficult is it to get a play financed and produced?

All sorts of difficult. Finding an excellent producer is a top priority. The goal is to collaborate with someone who genuinely believes in the potential of your show. I’ve been so lucky with ‘In the Land of Eagles’. My producer is not only incredible in the business sense, but she has real theatrical vision and comes from an artistic background.

As for finance, it’s the mountain you don’t want to climb but have to. I know an array of artists and producers who explore avenues like the following; personal investment, reaching out to patrons and donors, fund-raising evenings, crowdfunding online. It doesn’t have to feel awkward or transactional. Make people feel like they are part of your show’s journey, because they are.

Martha Geelan is directing ‘In the Land of Eagles’. What has she brought to the show as a contributor?

Despite being a solo show and autobiographical, rehearsing is all about collaboration. She has brought the play to life in almost every aspect. A script on the page is one thing, but it’s Martha’s vision that you see on stage. She’s brilliant with text, so she was also able to guide me through final edits. Her insightful thoughts on the world of the play, and its potential, has meant she’s brought the text to life in ways I wouldn’t have ever considered.

Is there anything you’re particularly looking forward to (or dreading!) about the Fringe? What would constitute a successful August for you?

I keep being told, be prepared to work the hardest you’ve ever worked and place no expectation on outcome. My aim is to focus on my audience day-to-day and the festival experience. Getting to perform and celebrate with other artists in this kind of environment is pretty special. There is always that nagging part of you that hopes people enjoy your show, so I’m trying to embrace that and do the best job I can. Everything else is sort of out of your control.

 Are there any other shows or performers at the Fringe that you would recommend audiences see?

Two shows that have been recommended me to recently are ‘This Blighted Star‘ at Underbelly as well as ‘Giselle: Remix‘ at Pleasance. You’ve also got to catch some stand-up whilst at the festival.

‘In the Land of Eagles’ is at Pleasance Courtyard – Baby Grand from Wed 30 Jul t0 Mon 25 Aug 2025 at 15:00