The Camden Fringe kicks off this week and it couldn't come at a better time. As lots of comedy clubs shut for August and promoters, comedians and producers all decamp to Edinburgh; the London home of music lovers, goths and teens in stripy tights goes into entertainment overdrive, with 118 different shows held in four venues across a month.
Don't make the mistake of thinking all the good comics have buggered off either – the likes of Shazia Mirza, Robin Ince, Simon Amstell and Scott Capurro are all performing and there's plenty of excellent up-and-coming acts to discover. And it's not just stand-up; there are sketches, plays, funny poets, quiz shows and musical numbers to get stuck into as well. So what to see?! To help navigate your way through the multitude of shows, we asked five of our favourite performers what we can expect from them, who they'll be checking out and why the Camden Fringe is such a popular choice year after year.
Why the Camden Fringe?
It is a much easier commute than Edinburgh and it's near a good record and tape exchange for buying Tindersticks rarities.
What's your show about?
Human rights atrocities, consumerism, Carl Sagan, bongo playing physicists and custard doughnuts.
Who else would you recommend?
Scott Capurro, Tony Law, Tom Price and some challenging theatre that will shock me probably.
Why the Camden Fringe?
Because I can't afford Edinburgh, since I have a Brazilian boyfriend. AND because Tupelo Honey, near Camden tube, is one of my favourite restaurants in London. Every July I wonder why we all trudge north when actually London is capable and worthy of a fantastic festival.
What's your show about?
55 minutes. God I'm funny. Anyway, it's about what we can and can't say on stage. Lately I hear rumours that comics are shockingly being allowed to say what they like. I've never found that to be true. I constantly edit and reshape and reform my shape, because really what's most important is my relationship with the audience. Comedy is as intimate as illness. Actually I think my job is to make what I think is funny seem accessible whilst remaining likeable as well as the smartest person in the room. It's a tightrope I walk because I look good in tights. Well, I think I do, and that's all that counts.
Who else would you recommend?
James Mullinger's show about Feminism.
Why the Camden Fringe?
Because it's fresh, exciting and still run by people who love and are passionate about performance.
What's your show about?
Recently
I found a school photo and wondered what everyone was up to now. Who
was married? Who was dead?! Finding out seemed like an effort, so using
info I did remember, I made the rest up. This is a collection of
stories and lies about people I used to know.
Who else would you recommend?
The Quiz That Ate My Brain is a silly and brilliant night mixing together a pub quiz and comedy night, Tony Law is always a joy, Grainne Maguire is lovely and funny and The Trap are one of the best sketch groups around.
Why the Camden Fringe?
My friend Charlotte recommended it as she had performed at Camden before. It sounded like a nice place to try something different.
What's your show about?
Fortune telling, dog handling, action painting and poetry. I have been running a monthly night in the Montague Arms, the night mixes performance artist with music and comedy. My show is a revue of the funniest bits I've done for those shows. It is about what happens when a performance artist tries to write comedy.
Who else would you recommend?
Charlotte Young – Twinless. I saw the preview last week. It is about bereavement but it is very funny. Charlotte uses video and live performance.
Why the Camden Fringe?
It's cheap, well publicised and we love performing at The Etcetera anyway.
What's your show about?
It's a sketch comedy show which we hope appeals to all age groups. But it probably doesn't.
Who else would you recommend?
A Dave & Dave Show and Robin Ince Vs The Moral Majority, of course.
Click here see a full listing of shows and buy tickets.
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