Camden Fringe is now over for 2019.
29th July – 25th August 2019
Welcome to our coverage of Camden Fringe.
“The Camden Fringe is a performing arts festival, established in 2006, which takes place in Camden during August. Anyone and everyone is welcome to apply. Previous fringe events have encompassed new writing, opera, musicals, stand-up, sketch comedy, dance, cabaret, poetry, opera, mentalism, improvisation and Q&As. Shows take place throughout the day and generally last one hour.”
Essential Links
Visit the Camden Fringe web site
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I want to see… at Camden Fringe
Here’s our unique guide to help you find a show to see at Camden Fringe. We’ve pulled out the popular, the weird and the eclectic. So, scan down and get booking!
I want to see…
… an emotional rollercoaster of a play, played by an award winning actor . Then see No One Likes Us
… some competitive comedy improv. Then see Extreme Improv
… two of Chekhov’s finest, sharpest and most poignant comedies back to back. Then see A Tale of Two Chekhov’s
… a cabaret musical. Then see Separate Ways
… a new adaptation of three of Shakespeare’s most blood soaked plays. Then see My Other Self; The Evolution of Shakespeare’s Richard III
… a immersive theatrical experience set in an eerie underground art gallery. Then see Virtually Reality
… a combination of clowning, stand up/confessional storytelling and interactive ‘gameplay’. Then see I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight..?
… storytelling comedy, with silly stories, informed observations, and provocative punchlines. Then see Sezar Alkassab: Telling Stories
… a dramatic conversation between music and spoken word. Then see Do You See What I Hear?
… some theatre we enjoyed at Brighton Fringe – a highly physical adaptation of Tolstoy’s lesser known masterpiece. Then see The Death of Ivan Ilyich
… some new writing, a play about being young, alone and trying to survive. Then see All the Little Lights
… some powerful political theatre. Then see In Addition
… some acclaimed theatre, as Joseph Conrad’s ‘The Secret Sharer’ is retold as a dark romance. Then see The Geminus
… some theatre at lunchtime. Then see Baby Mine
… some character comedy. Then see Holly Burn is Jane Pasty
… a Virginia Woolf adaptation. Then see Orlando by Virginia Woolf
… some rap. The see Rap History of the World
… a new one-man play for anyone who’s ever been shaken, stirred or seduced by the world of espionage. Then see Agent 14
… a children’s theatre show with magical puppetry and unique pop up set. Then see The Lost Luggage Adventures
… some historical, solo theatre. Then see Before I am Lost
… a raw and candid one-woman play following a fearless young carer coming-of-age in the South Wales Valleys. Then see Forgetting Heledd
… the finest songs from the master of the modern chanson, Jacques Brel. Then see Alive and Brel
… a devised theatre piece. Then see PYNEAPPLE
We’ll be adding more recommendations in the run up to, and during the Fringe.
Camden Fringe Link Collage
A new visual way to explore Camden Fringe.
Simply click on an image to reveal details of a recommended show.
Follow your artistic instincts…
We’ll be adding more recommendations for our link collage in the run up to, and during the Fringe.
Keyword Chaos at Camden Fringe
Here is our quirky and intuitive way to find a show to see at Camden Fringe.
We’re trawling the program and pulling out intriguing and inspiring phrases from the show descriptions.
How it works: Click on a sentence or a phrase that draws you, and then get booking…
A God who chooses to sleep. A girl left awake. An exploration of time, grief and mythology
We’ll be adding more recommendations for our Keyword Chaos in the run up to, and during the Fringe.
POSTCARDS from Camden Fringe
Our first postcard from show and theatremakers at Camden Fringe has just arrived…
Dearest Comrades!
It is only 10 Days until the Theatrical Revolution that is “10 Days That Shook The World” storms the streets of London (well, 2Northdown, King’s Cross, 1-3 August 7pm) direct from it’s glorious victory as Winner off the Best New Writing Award at the People’s Republic of Liverpool Fringe.
We will now join the Bolsheviks, led by our wonderful leader, Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, in a rousing chorus of The Internationale!
I SAID SING YOU CAPITALIST PIGS! That’s better. Wish you were here,
Lots of love, All your comrades at Thereby Hangs A Tale
xxx Sen
Send us your postcards to gubbins@fringereview.co.uk.
INTERVIEW
Anita Giovannini talks about Anita Luna THE DIVA
What’s the theme of the show?
She is The Diva with super powers. She can do everything: she can act, sing, dance.
She is an acrobat. She is a Mentalist: she can move objects and people using solely the power of her mind.
This is a voyage of transformation: from vulnerable tomboy, who everyone made fun of, to becoming the greatest DIVA of all time. This is a story about inner conflict, fighting to fit in and even not to, trapped in a world of stereotypes. In choosing to be different and becoming her alter-ego, Anita Luna the Divine Feminine, she saves herself, maintaining her authenticity, and in turn hopes to encourage others to embrace one’s spiritual concoction of being both divine and human.
The show has travelled to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Paris, Brazil and Rome. This is Anita Luna’s premiere in the UK and she is scheduled to perform in New York (United Solo) later this year.
Written by and starring Anita Giovannini. Co-written and directed by Jango Edwards.
What is new and different about it?
Anita Luna THE DIVA has a unique mix of theatre, clown, dance, singing, tragedy and comedy. Like life, every show is different and unique; she shares her vulnerability with irony on stage, baring her emotions and soul.
The show celebrates life and the joy of being who you really are. It’s about being a human-being who is not scared of being ridiculous doing what he/she wants. Anita Luna is a brave character, who isn’t afraid of not being perfect, breaking the same stereotypes roles that society tries to put us in. She’s a real super hero, a pop gladiator; she’s open, vulnerable out in the arena of life but never a victim.
The show is about embracing diversity and weirdness in their community; nobody is different really because each person is different actually.
How have you experimented or taken risks with your work?
From the beginning, my approach to artistic growth is to always take risks, to be outside my comfort zone. I immediately understood that it was the only way for me to grow.
I have always tried to do new and different things, not just focusing on what I am good at. (In fact I have done many different types of theatres – classic, Shakespeare, contemporary, experimental, comedy, clown, theatre circus.)
When I had the chance to attend circus school, it was tough at the beginning. Most people are only focused on perfection and doing something just to impress others. What’s more important for me is to find my own breath, my own flow and style; it may not always be perfect but it’s with personality – it’s about authenticity and about being human.
The same when I take the chance to perform in English. I know my English isn’t perfect but it’s a plus point for me because it’s more risky but way more interesting because my accent and my speaking style highlights my uniqueness.
Like everyone, I am afraid of not being perfect and being judged. But with my art,
I want to overcome my fears, to help myself and others to embrace the imperfection.
How did your show come into being?
In 2014, I was working on my trilogy, in the role of actress, writer and director; the first two were adaptations of the works of Tonino Guerra and Antonio Tabucchi, two famous Italian writers. The third was my first one-woman show “Leap into the Void”. At about the same time, I met Jango Edwards in Paris when I went for his masterclass in clowning; he saw the potential in me and encouraged the development of my one-woman show. This started our collaboration, evolving Leap into the Void to Anita Luna THE DIVA ; we worked on this show for 3 years, presenting parts of the show and then six previews of the whole show in different arenas (theatres, pubs, cabarets, festivals) in Europe and Brazil. In 2016, we premiered the full show in the Teatro Furio Camillo, Rome.
What is your take on the world right now?
Superficially, you can think there’s still this search for perfection but I think we are almost at the end of this homogenisation.
We are becoming more aware that if we put our attention only on things external to us, we will lose the sense of life, our inner personal growth.
Everyday I work towards this goal, working on myself, to become a better human being. I practice transcendental meditation and yoga everyday.
By having your own personal path and not continually making a comparison to others, you can be happy.
Happiness is always underestimated; this is weird as we are only here for a second on Earth.
As Aristotle quotes, “Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence”. We should remember this more.
The simplest things are often the most difficult.
Why are you bringing your show to the Fringe this year?
I have always liked Fringe festivals because of its concept , a big chance for outsiders to be seen in a new arena.
I waited until now to propose my show, because when you propose your show, your soul is totally naked up there.
I needed the time to get stronger and be ready for this. And now, I’m ready !
Describe one of your rehearsals.
What makes this show special is Anita’s emotional link with the audience; the connection is profound, a sharing of feelings in situations that most people have experienced and can relate to. It’s all about love and acceptance. Be it in a rehearsal or a live show, it’s always a shamanic experience, a ritual with the Luna (moon). ART comes from the heART.
Who inspires you most, and why?
I am inspired by many in life, there is always something to learn from others. If I have to mention some :
Pippo Delbono. Artists are often focused on using pain to bring creativity. In part, this is true but in part, it’s too much of a cliché. What’s amazing about Pippo Delbono is his ability to focus on joy and not pain, in his work; he’s like a lotus flower, able to flourish in mud. In his works, he is able to transmit loss in a profound and delicate way; not focussing on the shortness of life, but appreciating the NOW, being alive and giving value to being different.
This is the same approach I choose in my heART and ART.
Freddie Mercury. He always sings from his heart, he’s immortal. On stage, he’s the performer. I have a tattoo of him, he gives me strength.
Alan Cumming. I saw him perform in Cabaret, in New York, it was an enlightening moment.
Last but not least, I want to mention the director of my show, the king of clowns Jango Edwards; he put his faith in me and he let me see my real potential.
What can the audience expect?
Anita Luna THE DIVA has a unique mix of theatre, clown, dance, singing, tragedy and comedy. Like life, every show is different and unique; she shares her vulnerability with irony on stage, baring her emotions and soul.
The show celebrates life and the joy of being who you really are. It’s about being a human-being who is not scared of being ridiculous doing what he/she wants. Anita Luna is a brave character, who isn’t afraid of not being perfect, breaking the same stereotypes roles that society tries to put us in. She’s a real super hero, a pop gladiator; she’s open, vulnerable out in the arena of life but never a victim.
The show is about embracing diversity and weirdness in their community; nobody is different really because each person is different actually.
Your show listing details: Greater Manchester Fringe : 2 July 2019, 7pm @ Lock 91
https://manchesterfringe.
Camden Fringe : 6 August, 6pm; 7 August, 7.30pm; 8 August, 9pm @ Hen & Chickens https://cam.tickets.red61.com/
INTERVIEW
Lesley Ann Albiston talks about A Slice Of Eel Pie
What’s the show bout?
Spanning several decades and with a killer soundtrack, its principal characters are lovable but violent grotesques embodying the human consequences of the permissive Sixties and their iconic London hippy epicentre; Eel Pie Island. An absurdist revenge tragicomedy exploring identity, freedom, art, gender and murder, all against the tense backdrop of contemporary London, with its own savagely poetic language for a diverse cast to relish
What is new and different about it?
The play is deeply rooted in London’s history and mythology, from The Shard and The London Eye to East Street Market and Eel Pie Island. The musical and sociological legacy of Eel Pie Island forms the backbone of the play’s narrative, and we hope to reignite interest in this largely unknown slice of London’s cultural heritage
How have you experimented or taken risks with your work?
Yes. It travels in time, and deals with controversial issues
How did your show come into being?
I tried to write a Pinter play but wrote an original Albiston play. It looks like an amalgam of my polymath skills. I wrote it instead of doing my tax accounts and to forget that my Dad had died
What is your take on the world right now?: F***ed
Why are you bringing your show to the Fringe this year?
Because I finished writing it in time to meet the deadline – and it’s very much a rock and roll London play, which suits Camdenperfectly
Describe one of your rehearsals.
Loud. Funny. Handstands.
Who inspires you most?
Martin McDonagh. Frida Kahlo. Picasso. Victoria Wood. Bowie.
What can the audience expect?
To be shocked and to laugh until it hurts. Plus some classic music and psychedelic excursions. And a clever twist… NO SPOILERS
Show listing details: Hen & Chickens, 22-25 Aug, 7:30pm
Book here
PREVIEW
Horseplay’s follow up to their smash-hit Witch Hunt comes to The Bill Murray
Horseplay present are back at Camden Fringe with a new show, Bareback, billed as “A fast-paced, absurd, character comedy show about sex and its contradictions”
So, what’s it all about?
What is sex? From a young age, we are told a lot of ridiculous, untrue and frankly damaging things about sex. We’re told what we should be doing, but not how we should do it, nor how it should actually make us feel.
Bareback is an absurd, narrative character comedy about these hypocrisies, contradictions and confusions. With a twist – all the characters we meet are in the afterlife, reflecting on the messiness of sex in the real world. In an interwoven narrative, you’ll encounter among others a frustrated self-help guru, a failed actress, an artisanal sex toy saleswoman and an arsehole and a vagina shunned by society on a quest to be appreciated.
Expect wigs, drag, accents, musical numbers and an honest attempt at unpacking both universal and intensely personal themes – from sexuality to musical theatre.
‘We’re excited to be bringing to life a new set of ridiculous characters, and this time it’s much more personal’ – Kathy Maniura, writer/performer
‘Sex: I’ve never laughed or cried harder about a single thing, simultaneously’ – Derek Mitchell, other writer/performer
Following a five-star Edinburgh Fringe run last year of their debut show Witch Hunt – which then toured to London, Amsterdam and Barcelona – Horseplay bring their second show to The Bill Murray ahead of a year further developing and touring the show.
The two writer/performers, Derek Mitchell (American gay) and Kathy Maniura (bisexual woman), met in 2015 as part of the Oxford Revue. They have developed a distinctive character-led and absurd brand of narrative sketch comedy which resonates strongly with a younger, politically-engaged audience keen to laugh at the contradictions of modern life.
Connect with the show
Twitter/Instagram: @hrsplay
Facebook: /HorseplayProd
Listings Information
The Bill Murray (Camden Fringe)
39 Queen’s Head Street, N1 8NQ
Sat 10 August 2019, 17.00
Sunday 11 August 2019, 17.30
Tickets £7
Book tickets here
We’ll be updating this page in the run up to, and throughout the Fringe.
