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 speak to Rabiah Coon about the show with Shaung Teng.

Date: 7th / 9th / 17th August
Time: 3:30pm / 9:30pm / 9:00pm
Price: £7 Concessions £5
Location: Etcetera / Hen and Chickens
Ticket Link: https://camden.ssboxoffice.com/events/slightly-awkward-nice-try/

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

Firstly, thank you for this opportunity. I’ve been a standup comic for about 3 years, starting out in California and continuing here in London after moving at the beginning of 2020. I also host a podcast called “More Than Work” and have a day job in IT. I love that I get the chance to go on stage a few nights a week and make people laugh!

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

My show name “Nice Try” represents both me trying new things or normal things like walking down the street and not always succeeding but getting up and trying again. And, also, overcoming some things that are trying to have a go at me!

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

My style of delivery is pretty wry and dry punctuated with some enthusiasm so people can expect to see that, all in an American accent.

What will your set be about?

My set involves a lot of personal narrative and some of my experiences with dating, traveling and the the light topic of being diagnosed and living with a chronic illness!

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

There are a few people I’m excited about seeing. Su Mi is someone I know from the circuit who is doing an hour and I’m looking forward to that. A lot of us only get to see each other perform 5 minutes at a time so this is a treat. I’m sharing the bill with Shuang Teng and am looking forward to seeing her too.

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

I did this last year and am taking a new approach this year. I think if you’re new (and at 3 years into comedy, I’m still new), think about what you want to achieve and work towards YOUR goals. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. Have fun and don’t put pressure on yourself to do an hour if you only have a solid 15 minutes. Team up with some friends and do 15 each. Plan ahead for the costs and admin that will come with it. And, to reiterate one point, HAVE FUN!

What are your favourite things about London?

I love this city so much. I enjoy the green spaces. They are everywhere. I live near Regents Park and don’t get there enough but it saved me during lockdown. I love a good pub and overhearing random conversations or having conversations of my own. And, of course, I love the entertainment available including comedy, plays, musicals and concerts.

What are your three favourite things about Camden?

1. I like that I can be in the chaos of Camden Market and 10 minutes later escape up the canal to Regent’s Park.

2. My local (Brewdog Camden) and the amazing team there.

3. Camden Coffee Shop on coffee roasting days.

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

I am actually working on one liners because I’m more of a storyteller. One I’m working on is, “When confronted by a vegan, I push them further by asking, “What’s your beef?”” Terrible.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Rather than name a specific person, I’ll name a type of person. The dream audience member is one who is open to being entertained, isn’t afraid to smile and who laughs aloud! A lot of people chuckle inaudibly but I like when I can not only see someone is entertained but hear that they are entertained!

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?

I’d call this year’s pigeon The Great Pidgini. He looks like he’s going to pull something out of his hat.

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

@rabiahcomedy is my handle on FB, IG, Twitter and TikTok. I even post sometimes! @morethanworkpod is my podcast handle for those who like that sort of thing too.

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

Laughter is medicine.