It is August which only means one thing – it is Camden Fringe time! Over the next few weeks we are chatting to acts that are performing at the festival and finding all about their show and what they would call this years iconic Camden Fringe Pigeon! Today we find out about the play The Last Word.

Date: 1st – 7thAugust
Time: 7:00pm
Price: £15 Concession £13
Location: The Hope Theatre
Ticket Link: https://camden.ssboxoffice.com/events/the-last-word/

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

We are a company of three. One writer, two actors. 

Lisa McMullin (writer) is a playwright and screenwriter. Her theatre work includes Siren Song, Rapture and Priceless. 

Television work has included Doctors, EastEnders, Moving On, and Casualty,  and she has just completed an original commissioned script for BBC Studios. She has other dramas in development with Jed Mercurio’s HTM production company, Red Planet, Wall To Wall, and BBC Studios. Lisa also writes audio drama for BBC’s Doctor Who and recently won an Audie Award for Doctor Who – Stranded. The Last Word is Lisa’s fourth original play.

Rik Grayson (actor) graduated from Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. He has appeared in DOCTOR’S for the BBC and the film THE EXORCISM OF ANNA ECKLUND. He performed in Lisa McMullin’s previous play RAPTURE, and was also part of the hugely successful Edinburgh Fringe show, THE TURN OF THE SCREW.

Ryan Kennedy (actor) studied Dramatic Arts at Bretton Hall. Theatre credits include MEAT (Theatre Royal, Plymouth), GEORGE SPEAKS (Lyric, Hammersmith), SIREN SONG (Lion & Unicorn Theatre), RAPTURE (Etcetera Theatre). Ryan co- produced and designed two of Lisa McMullin’s previous productions, and was also lyricist for her debut play.

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

The play centres around two men who are en-route to a funeral for which they’re running disastrously late, one man’s panic is exacerbated by the fact that he’s due to deliver a eulogy and he hasn’t even written it yet. It’s his ‘last word’ to the deceased.

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

The play contains eight scenes with a very minimal set. The performance drives the show, and is naturalistic in its approach and the stage is thrust.

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

We love new writing, so we’re looking forward to seeing as many new plays as we possibly can. We are particularly drawn to comedy. Everybody loves a good laugh.

It is your first time doing the Fringe – how do you feel about it?

Yes, it is our first time. We have produced several shows on the London fringe but it’s our first toe-dip into the Camden Festival.

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

Be prepared and drive people towards your promotion as soon as possible. Go for it, you’ll have so much fun!

What are your favourite things about London?

Pigeons and pound shops.

What are your three favourite things about Camden?

The arts, culture and fascinating people.

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

“What the f&*k’s a frittata?” – I think the line speaks for itself.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Joan Rivers. I imagine she gives good heckle.

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?

Norman. He looks like a bit of a geek.

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

You’ll belly laugh.