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 Hoops and Hookups

Date: 10th &11th / 15th – 17th / 13th, 14th, 22nd – 24th August
Time: 6pm / 7.30pm / 7pm or 9pm depending on day
Price: Various
Location: The Cockpit / The Water Rats / The Hope and Anchor
Ticket Link: https://linktr.ee/hoopsnhookups

Tell us about yourself: 

We are two best friends who met on Zoom during a production of a short film that didn’t end up being made. We stayed in contact via Instagram and met up in central London. We went on a double date with two random boys who we ended up never speaking to again. We got closer when Ekin snuck me into a drama school Halloween party in 2021. We are both trained and skilled actors, and currently working hard on Hoops and Hookups, our play that is very much based on our friendship with characters that are exaggerated versions of us.

How did you come up with the name of your show:

The name Hoops and Hookups came out as a joke, but we both then had a moment of looking at each other and realising it is the one! Hoops represents Spaghetti Hoops which is a recurring element in the play, our characters very much enjoy them, especially on toast with some seasoning! Hookups is referring to our character’s journey of exploring their sexuality, forming relationships and growing up. 

What is your style?

Our style is dark comedy, we are interested in making light out of some serious discussions such as mental health, sexuality and complex interfamily dynamics.

What will your set be about?

Our set will be simplistic as we were told the show needs to ‘fit in a suitcase’. We have various settings such as Georgia’s Flat, nightclub, Primrose Hill Park and Streets.

What other acts are you excited to see:

There’s a show called ‘The Crisp Preview’ by Adam Evans that looks absolutely hilarious!

What advice would you give to others wanting to perform at Camden Fringe?

To others wanting to do Camden fringe, we say just do it! Write the play you’ve been thinking about and don’t be afraid! Granted it is a lot of work doing a play on your own, you have to write the script, market the show, create posters, flyers, sell tickets, stage and rehearse the show, contact press etc. so be aware of this make sure you have enough people to support you or ambition within yourself to be able to do this! Do your best, and that will be enough. It’s surprising how many doors open when you put the hard work in.

What are your favourite things about London?

The diversity is what we love about London, you meet people from all parts of the world here, and everyone is so accepting, London is a really great place to find yourself. You could literally skip down the street instead of walk and no one would turn a blind eye, we’re all used to seeing the most bizarre stuff. It feels like everyone’s always ‘grinding’ haha! It’s such an inspiring, artistic city.

What are your three favourite things about camden?

There are lots of places to get piercings, I got a helix piercing done in camden market once. The guy told me to not touch it but I couldn’t resist so it got infected and had to take it out after a week sadly. The piercing was really cool while it lasted though!

There is lots of bizarre graffiti and of course Amy Winehouse! You can find her statue and graffitti portaits in so many spots. We also like Primrose Hill and Camden Dingwalls. In fact, we signed one of our theatre contracts at the Dingwalls.

Great places to do edgy photoshoots and pretend you’re a model.

What is your favourite one liner in a show and why?

It would be Georgia’s line; “Aunt Gill on the red carpet huh? (She laughs) Fucking hell Chantal, if you’re gonna lie, make it believable.” We feel like this line sums a lot up.

Who would be your dream audience member and why?

It would have to be Ricky Gervais. He’s been a massive inspiration for us, there’s been many times when we referred to his dark, brave and witty humour. We are big fans! Fun fact, Steph used to work at a coffee shop in Hampstead where Ricky would often go which has always been exciting. 

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 love that pigeon! We both laughed so much after seeing the logo and put it on our WhatsApp chat backgrounds! We would call it Edward, it’s the bow tie, it makes him look posh.

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

We would love them to follow us: @hoopsnhookups is our play’s page, and our personal accounts are; @17Ekin and @stephmcneil_

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

Get Us Picked/ Hilarious and Surprising/ Unexpected Plot Twist / Camden Fringe Chaos!

How many 3 words was that?