The Spoonfed Comedy Team recommend 10 shows you should see at this year's arts festival.
There is no denying the lure of the Edinburgh Fringe, but for those punters and performers who can’t always afford to make the trip, there’s a pretty good alternative on offer – right here in the capital. 2010 will mark the 5th anniversary of the Camden Fringe Festival where hundreds of performers take over several theatres, studios and pubs in North London from 2nd-29th August. Since organisers Michelle Flower and Zena Barrie set it up in 2006, the Camden Fringe has grown in both size and popularity and this year has seen a staggering rise in applicants with a total of nine venues opening their doors to it.
For the paltry price of £7.50 per show, you can see musicals, poetry, science fiction, theatre, children's shows, and even a football themed performance or two for you poor World Cup folk who just can't let it go. Come on. It's OVER. We're guessing however, that you might be interested in the comedy and by Jove, you've come to the right place.
There's a heck of a lot of it going on, so to help you navigate your way through the programme, we've highlighted 10 shows we think it would be worth your while to see.
Tuesday 3rd - Thursday 5th August
Pointless Anger, Righteous Ire
Two respected stand-ups get together for an hour of furious debate. Angry BAFTA nominee Michael Legge doubles up with the even angrier Robin Ince to discuss whether all that ranting is really worth it.
Tuesday 3rd- Wednesday 4th August
Helen Keen: It is Rocket Science
‘Channel 4 New Comedy Writers Award’ winner Helen Keen, orbits the Camden Fringe stage this August with a show that emphasises her love of space rockets. With her quick-wit and ability to deliver punchy one-liners, it’s obvious why BBC Radio 4 have commissioned Helen Keen: It is Rocket Science.
Friday 5th-Saturday 6th August
James Mullinger's Schooldays
Mullinger's debut 2009 show The Bad Boy of Feminism was a roaring success last year, selling out its run and recently transferring to the West End. This summer he's back with more brutally honest and funny anecdotes about his schooldays.
Sunday 8th-Monday 9th August
Hope for Robots
Poet William Stopha showcases an all-new multimedia experience. With the use of film and music, Stopha wonders whether we are merely compliant consumers and passive machines or is there Hope for Robots?
Tuesday 10th- Wednesday 11th August
Andrew O'Neill
This cross-dressing occultist (pictured) is a must-see act at the Fringe. From cracking gags on reclaiming the phrase ‘I’m Not Racist But’ for absurd situations to encouraging a Jonas Brothers rape, he’s a unique and imaginative act that never fails to deliver a brilliant set.
Friday 13th-15th August; Saturday 28th-29th August
Scott Capurro Opens Up
Camden Fringe regular Scott Capurro returns with more caustic insights in Scott Capurro Opens Up, a show guaranteed to be as funny as it is shocking.
Every Fridays during August
The Fix
If you want guaranteed quality control, The Fix Comedy Club is the place to go. Over several dates in August they will present some of the best new talent on the circuit as well as some big name special guests (and by ‘big name’ they mean it – they’ve managed to get Bill Bailey on board in the past)
Saturday 21st-22nd August
Funny Women Awards Showcase
Every year, Funny Women scour the country looking for the best new female comics. and this weekend, they’ve brought their annual competition to the Camden Fringe, where you can see the cream of the crop so far.
Monday 23rd- Tuesday 24th August; Thursday 26th- Friday 27th August
Robin Ince Asks Why
Popping back with a solo show after his stint with Michael Legge, Robin Ince Asks Why explores a range of topics including dark matter, seahorses, rainbows and climate change. A good one for those of you who enjoy ‘the wonder of learning and the excitement of being inquisitive’.
Tuesday 24th-Sunday 29th August
Is the Daily Mail Dead Yet?
More stand-up comedy in the way of William Hanmer-Lloyd presenting a show for those of you who might not care to read the Daily Fascist, ahem, Mail. According to the funnyman, if you despair of Middle England and laughed when Robert Kilroy-Silk got hit with a bucket of ****, then this is the show for you.
To see all Camden Fringe comedy, click on the following venues:
Roundhouse Studio
Camden Head
Lion and Unicorn Theatre
The Sheephaven Bay
Etcetera Theatre
For more details visit: www.camdenfringe.org
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