There are music gigs and musicals to see at Camden Fringe. So pull aside the curtains of Comedy and Theatre and enjoy a bit of music. Here are our choices, gleaned from the music and musicals sections of the fringe programme.
Most fringe festivals seem to cover flamenco and, if you havbe never been to one, it can be a site to behold and even something to join in with on occasions. Flamenco-Electro. “Join acclaimed Flamenco Guitarist Mike Rizk, local dancers on a captivating journey from the roots of Traditional Flamenco, Progressive Flamenco to the cutting-edge realms of modern Flamenco and Electronica.” The show is billed as “a must-see for those who relish the art of blending tradition with innovation. Revel in the intricate rhythms, and transformative energy that define Flamenco-Electro!”
For “a collection of songs and a little poetry which are relatable, comedic, and heartfelt around gender dysphoria and the challenges of modern life”, take a look at Louis King‘s Manboy.
A hit from Brighton Fringe, John Callaghan’s Cabaret Electro is a music must see. This is it: “Electronic songs with quirky theatrics, costumes, live electronics, surreal visuals and animations.” There really is nothing quite like it. “His live show is energetic, wistful, experimental, humorous and always interesting.”
For a musical choice, Housemates is described as “a Riotous Tale of Friendship, Love, and Cultural Revelations”. After premiering in the United States the musical is “written by Korean Playwright Woori Han and featuring an all-female international creative team. Directed by American director Alexis Jade Colón and featuring Woori Han and English actress Lizzie Lister, this show includes beautiful music by co-composers Woori Han and Korean composer Su Kim, who also serves as the pianist and musical director.” We are invited to “join Korean housemate Yujin and English housemate Zoe as they throw a wild graduation party. Amid the festivities, they navigate cultural clashes, secrets, and incidents that challenge their friendship. Their journey highlights the humor and heart in everyday misunderstandings and misadventures. Plus, enjoy a mix of English and Korean for an authentic and engaging experience.”
Creators of the critically acclaimed “Fabulett 1933”, Fabulett Productions and Michael Trauffer bring The Pink List to Camden Fringe. This is “a one-person musical inspired by the untold stories of gay men in postwar Germany, takes its name from the lists created by the Nazis to track and target gay men – lists that were still used by the German police in post-war years. This thought-provoking work sheds light on the struggle for recognition in a society that refused to acknowledge the suffering endured by the persecuted.”
Navarre from Plain Janes Productions is award-winning director Harriett O’Grady’s first independent production. billed as Shakespeare revamped, we are invited to “”ttep into the hazy, sexy world of NAVARRE, London’s infamous underground jazz club, for the party of the century. Well known as the best in the city, this is where you go for revelry, hedonism and the silkiest-smoothest jazz in town. However, it’s all about to change; King Ferdinand and his dapper dons are planning to embark on a three-year quest of the mind. No more parties, no alcohol and – most importantly – no women to distract. Just books, books and more books… But they seem to have forgotten about AQUITAINE, the neighboring jazz club, and their upcoming visit led by the fierce, unforgiving Princess and her band of provocateurs…”
Imbokodo The Musical covers important ground. Using the sounds of Marimbas and indigenous instruments, this musical “looks into the horror of gender based violence (GBV) and other situations women go through while trying to survive”. This is a “musical show performed by an all-female cast who share their stories to each other through dialogue, music and dance. The stories looks at the struggle women from all aspects of life go through. The women who left for exile to fight for the liberation of our country leaving their behind. The horror of Chobediso, looking at the effects on the victims.”
A Series of Introductory Lectures On Psychoanalysis: The Musical is an offbeat “bold new musical charting the budding relationship between medical student Fran and her library crush Anna, alongside her friendship with four lovable but confusing housemates. A fantastical version of Freud bursts into Fran’s life, puppeteering her loved ones in songs that re-interpret their actions in his own (very Freudian) way. As the story unfolds, and relationships intensify, Fran’s ironic fascination with psychoanalysis threatens to become something more sinister…” Contains “a score of 14 original songs, with musical influences spanning from Sondheim to Bavarian folk music” !
For a brand new musical, “an unconventional love story swirling with humour, heart, and noodles”, then book for Instant Luv-noodle: A New Musical. “In a world where love can be bought instantaneously, watch as our protagonist, Naomi, navigates the complexities of real relationships. Set to a backdrop of catchy original pop tunes and funky graphics, this musical comedy delves deep into the universal themes of loneliness, envy, anxiety, and addiction. Come along and get tangled up in this spicy, soul-stirring exploration of love and longing.”
“A Character Comedy Séance that uses the power of musical theatre to summon theatre kids’ Lord and Saviour, Stephen Sondheim”. Well, that’s all wrapped up nicely in Summoning Sondheim. “Grace O’Keefe (Best Newcomer Musical Comedy Awards 2024 and co-creator of five-star two-time EdFringe sell-out Bad Teacher) and Jordana Belaiche (West End credits: Little Cosette in Les Misérables and Jane in Mary Poppins; yes, really) host a séance to summon Stephen Sondheim to save musical theatre. This love letter is a testament to Sondheim’s legacy and how we summon Sondheim every time we’re in a theatre.”
And finally, a few more picks…
For some improvised hip-hop, see Track 96 Improvised Hip Hop . “We make-up rhymes on the spot and, as improvisers, create a story/scene that audiences connect with. Our live show is a high energy party atmosphere, consisting of a mix of freestyling, short games, and scenes that break out into full fledged hip hop musical numbers, all accompanied by a live beatboxer.” Improv fans might also enjoy Lost The Plot: An Improvised Musical.
So, not many “gigs” so to speak, but plenty of musical of different kinds on offer at Camden Fringe.
