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 the show Hold Me Close.

Date: Sunday 29th August
Time: 7pm
Location: Canal Cafe

Hello! Tell us about Hold Me Close? 

Hold Me Close is a show about Jade and Sophie’s friendship…through a farewell tour to their epic friendship. They both know it has to end soon, so instead of letting this get them down, they decide to hire a venue and take an audience through a highlights (and lowlights) reel of the past 10 years. Expect a wheel of fortune, audience interaction, dancing, karaoke, swearing, discussions of interesting coloured vomit and a friendship that is supposed to be ending once the show is over. 

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

The name comes from one of the songs featured in the show, Hold Me Close, by David Essex. 

Tells us a little bit about your style of show?

The show is rough around the edges, full of heart and soul – just like us! We would also say the show’s a bit silly and that it doesn’t take itself too seriously – after the last year or so we’ve all had, I think we deserve to come to see theatre that’s going to make us laugh and be filled with pure joy.  

What will your set be about?

The set will be a little messy – full of miscellaneous trinkets and items from Jade and Sophie’s friendship throughout the years. One of my favourite props is a Groovy Chick Duvet set that I found on ebay! 

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

Joffrey! The Pantomime by Quintuple L Productions is on my list – especially after rewatching Game of Thrones over lockdown! Also Essentially Black, By Naomi Denny, seems like one to watch. Finally our friends over at Queen of Cup’s one woman show, Bad Teacher!

Have you done the fringe before?

This is our first time at the Camden fringe and we are so excited about it! 

How has the last year in lockdown been for you?

 It definitely was a weird year – full of fear and anxiety, but our theatre company was born out of it, and so we have to thank it for that. We would never have been able to develop this show or debate topics such as can Ketchup ever belong on a roast dinner, or become gal pals without zoom! 

Have you managed to do many online shows?

In March, we organised and hosted a sell-out online scratch night for emerging creatives, pairing up actors, directors and writers up and giving them a short amount of time to create together. It was amazing, especially because we had creatives working on it from all over the world! 

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

There’s nothing quite like an audience, is there? I want to hear the people laugh, I want to see them share a secret look, I want to see them completely engrossed in this world we’re sharing with them, I want them to be in on the joke we’re telling.  

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

Do it! I think as creatives it can be really difficult to get into spaces and to create with others. I’ve learned in this last year that if you can’t get into the spaces you want to be in, or if you feel like the spaces you’re in don’t reflect you or your identity as a creator, then you have to make your own spaces. Build a network (however small – we’re a team of three!) and make plans and goals, and tailor those goals to what you want to achieve, not what others think you should achieve.  

It can be a bit daunting to think about how much organising and work it will be to put a show on, but ask someone who’s done it! You’ll be surprised how much you can achieve with a good team and a zoom account. Our DMs are always open if anyone wants to pick our brains! 

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

The best thing so far has been the community! We’ve connected with so many lovely fellow performers and companies already and are really looking forward to meeting more!

What are your three favourite things about Camden?

The Roundhouse, Propaganda nights at the Electric Ballroom and the Spoons (obvs)

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

So many to choose from! If I were to choose one of my favourites from Hold Me Close, it would have to be “What the hell are you saying about Louis Theroux?” 

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Daniel Radcliffe…he’ll know why once he watches the show. 

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?

We’re all living in limbo, waiting for the next update….so, Ping!

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

We’re on instagram @_skinandblister , and on twitter @_SkinAndBlister! Please say hi! 

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

So Tonight Matthew