This summer we are very lucky to see some of life return to normal and one of the things that is coming back with a bang this year is Camden Fringe! We have spoke to a number of acts that you can go and see on the actual stage, so if you have missed comedy and theatre then this is a great time for you! If you are planning on going to the festival though please pre-book your tickets to avoid disappointment. Today we are talking to Rhiannon about the show – Emptier Nest

Date: 12th August

Time: 8:30pm

Location: Museum of Comedy

Hello! Tell us about Emptier Nest?

Hi there – Emptier Nest is a character comedy show where I try to tell the story of my life through silly characters I’ve met along the way.

How did you come up with the name of your show that your taking to the Camden fringe?

I did a show in 2018 called Empty Nest, and as this show is a pseudo-sequel I thought Emptier Nest was the next logical step. The idea of an ‘empty nest’ is very close to my heart, not because I have children, but because I’m consistently in a state of thinking about people who I’ve lost and reminiscing about the past.

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

My sense of humour is absurd and dark. My most direct influences are Steve Coogan, Julia Davis and James Acaster. I like to play with people’s expectations and I really enjoy becoming someone else for five minutes at a time.

What will your set be about?

My dad’s death, predominantly. It’s the biggest thing that’s happened to me in my life so far. It’s also about growing up and trying to find your place in the world.

What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at the fringe?

Chuck Salmon are doing a great show called Pool Noodles. Ania Magliano is also a fantastic comedian who got me a job recently, so I’m forever indebted to her.

Have you done the fringe before? What have been some of your favourite shows to date and why?

Not the Camden Fringe – the Edinburgh Fringe, yes, and the Leicester Comedy Festival too!

How has the last year in lockdown been for you?

Tough! Boring! Exciting! I’ve had it better than a lot of people.

Have you managed to do many online shows?

A couple – not all that many. I don’t dislike them, I just haven’t been asked.

And now you are returning to the stage!!! How exciting! What are you looking forward to the most?

That first laugh. The unexpected moment to let a line breathe that doesn’t happen in a rehearsal or a line-run.

What advice would you give to others who want to perform at Camden Fringe next year?

Do it! The world needs fun and laughs and adventure!

What is the best thing about performing at the Camden fringe?

Being able to get the Tube home afterwards.

What are your three favourite things about Camden?

The food, the people and the beers.

Favourite one liner you have done in a show and why?

‘What holds most women back my age isn’t vaginal dryness of the vagina, it’s vaginal dryness of the MIND’.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

James Acaster.

The iconic image of the Camden Fringe is the Pigeon – if you could call this years pigeon a name to represent its style what would it be and why?

Sharon – because she’s scooting along, a bit like Charon from Greek mythology, and also I love names that people wouldn’t call their kids nowadays.

If people want to find out more about you where can they follow you on social media?

@Rhiannoneshaw on everything! I’ve dibsed it. There’s also a Facebook event for the show here.

And Finally in three words – Why should people come and see the show?

Live, laugh, love. Nah, that doesn’t work. How about ‘I NEED MONEY’?