Camden Fringe champions new writing and even gives it its own section in the fringe programme. Here at FringeReview we are rather partial to new writing, as newness is usually a key quality of “fringe. So here are a few recommendations for enjoyers of the “new”.
Black Velvet is a “new dark comedy, about time moving forward when it feels like everything should just stop” that is already garnering positive reviews. “Wishes are they? You know, I never really liked flowers for graves. What do they matter to the dead, they can’t enjoy ’em. An’ when they wilt they just serve as this morbid reflection of death – as if this place need any more of that… I like them as wishes better.’ When Llew arrives at the graveyard with flowers for his Mum, the last thing he expects to find is a feisty, possibly feral girl, hijacking his night. Llew can’t stand her cynicism and Aoife thinks he’s an eejit, but the two are apparently stuck with each other, with nothing in common but grief.”
Themis Theatre is “a new writing collective dealing in myth, mayhem and mis-represented women”. Schrödinger’s Lesbians (Sappho: A Year in the Life is Structured around Sappho‘s fragments” and is billed as” a joyful, irreverent new play … about love, lesbians, and how to cope with a history that’s written you out of it.” Here is the lowdown: ““If a tree falls in a forest and no one hears it, does it make a sound? If two lesbians fuck and no one records it did it happen? Sorry let me rephrase that: if two women fall in love but none of the men write about it, did it happen?”
But it’s not only the men. Because on an island called Lesbos, Sappho is writing…”
Perseus is important work currently at a staged reading stage in its development. Developed by Osimiri Sprowal it is “a retelling of the myths of the famed Greek hero, told from the perspective of the three Black women who made him famous: Medusa, Cetus, and his wife, Princess Andromeda.” This new piece “grapples with the way colourism, fetishization, fatphobia, and the prison industrial complex uniquely affect Black women, even in death. It explores the ways Black women find love and community with each other, across space and time.”
Dreamatorium Theatre;s‘s Count to Five looks intriguing. “In her somewhat-biographical Fringe debut, decorated writer-performer Zamalisa personifies her own memories (be them real, lyrical, or hyperbolic) to embark on an unhinged and laugh-packed exploration of the absurdities and rationales of her innermost rage. Through five characters and much delusion at hand, Zamalisa loses the plot with the flair and righteous, senseless indignant fury of an infant who lost their dummy.”
For something historical, take a look at The Lancashire Witches from Larkey Kindred Productions. a new theatre production based on a true story. It’s 1612 and Lancashire is ablaze with a witch hunt. Nine-year-old Jennet Device unwittingly becomes the face of a witch trial. Her testimony, unprecedented for a child, seals her family’s fate. 24 years later, history threatens to repeat itself, and Jennet is forced to reckon with her past to discover the truth behind the Lancashire Witch trials.”
Tellus Theatre bring Night Train, billed as “an exciting physical-theatre production. This philosophical comedy revolves around Maia, who wakes at the rear of a mysterious train and befriends a chorus of merry morons. But journeying through countless carriages, curious characters, and confusing signage, Maia and her unruly troupe seek answers to questions like: Who’s driving? How do we get off this train? And most importantly… What is the true magic in a sandwich? Exploring this strange world through slapstick comedy, puppetry and occasional tumultuous chaos, this show is a must-see for anyone who adores or abhors trains!”
For a dose of science fiction theeatre, you might like SpaceEater from Kraken Theatre. Here’s a bit of teaser text from the programme blurb: “…the SpaceEater sails on the cosmos, devouring the universe. But what happens when there are no stars ahead, only darkness? What happens when they reach the edge? This narrative challanges our preception of reality and forces us to question our understanding of the universe and our place within it. Experience this unsettling journey and the relentless pursuit for the meaning of human existence, while prodding the boundaries of our knowledge in this cosmic odessey. The journey awaits.”
For some female-led theatre work, The Pudding Club “originated as a play for the Vault Festival 2023. After further development, it is now a brand new Female-led production created by a fully Global Majority team. The play is based on REAL STORIES of 26 interviewees from over 7 countries and regions.” The premise is thus: “Jane has been waiting for her first baby impatiently, however, as the days go by, a strange thing happens – She keeps having the same dream about a creature wrapping her up with tentacles until she can’t breathe… Meanwhile, a mysterious diary “The Pudding Club” takes Jane to another world adventure a journey with Pearson. Engulfed in a whirlwind of emotions and experiences, Jane’s body and mind have undergone unprecedented changes during this pregnancy adventure…”
So, these are a few choices from the 33 shows listed un new writing at Camden Fringe. I wouls see them all if I had time.
Paul Levy, Editor
