After an acclaimed run at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, Zoe Wohlfeld brings her hit show Dog Funeral to London’s Soho Theatre. I chat to Zoe to find out more.

What can audiences expect from ‘Dog Funeral’?

They can expect a goofy and sinister solo comedy performed by a maniacal and demented woman grieving the loss of her childhood dog. Expect audience participation, tears via water pistol, and only a tiny bit of sadness (we promise we love dogs; this is not an anti-dog show)

Congrats on a hugely successful run in Edinburgh over the summer. The show includes audience participation. How receptive were audiences to this at the Edinburgh Fringe?

Thank you! Yes, there is a ton of audience participation in this show, but I don’t like to put people in a position where they are genuinely uncomfortable. The joke is on me, and pretty much all of our participants have been very receptive (even those in the back row)! This show can’t exist without an audience, and each audience really brings their own flavour to the show. I feel more prepared than ever to take on the drunks, the chatty Kathys, the shy guys, and the women who crochet in the front row (yes, this happened)!

Why do you think humour is such an important tool in exploring and understanding grief?

I don’t know how we would ever cope with grief without humour; we’d never leave the pit. Grief and bereavement are a part of living, and everyone who is lucky enough to live a long life will go through some of the worst things imaginable. For me, humour is a special gift, our healthiest coping mechanism available. It’s better than drinking!

I love that your cats came to the Fringe! How did they find the journey, and are they now Fringe converts?

Haha, me too! They are good and special boys who like to travel. They love exploring new spaces, going on walks together, and hanging out with our friends. I’m still in shock that we have cats that can handle and even enjoy being on the road; it is fairly unusual, but I am also a big believer that cats are much more adaptable (especially if you start them young) than many people think. And do look out; they may be planning a duo show for next year. But I think they will be going with the International Festival.

Zoe Wohlfeld: DOG FUNERAL runs at Soho Theatre from 10 – 12 September. Tickets are available here: https://sohotheatre.com/events/zoe-wohlfeld-dog-funeral-2/