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 all about Sex, Society and Other Silly Sh*t

Date: 18th, 19th, 20th August
Time: 7:30pm
Price: £15 Concessions £12
Location: Hens & Chickens Theatre
Ticket Link: https://camden.ssboxoffice.com/events/sex-society-and-other-silly-sht/

Hello! Tell us about Sex, Society and Other Silly Sh*t!

Hello! Of course! Sex, Society and Other Silly Sh*t is the first production of Fill in the Blank Theatre, a new theatre company formed of Arts Ed 2020 graduates (yay for graduating in a pandemic!). It is a comedic play exploring all the ways we communicate and (more interestingly) all the ways we miscommunicate. It’s a light-hearted examination of what we choose to talk about openly and what we avoid discussing. The cast consists of seven women so naturally the show is angled from the perspective of a “21st Century young woman”. Though men have assured us they did, in fact, also enjoy it. 

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

Ha – naming was a tough one. There were a few options – “Things we should have learnt in P.S.H.C.E.E but didn’t” was the runner for a bit but ultimately proved too long to fit into an Instagram square! Given the show’s theme of communication, I wanted the name to be self-explanatory; something that would immediately *communicate*  to the audience the overall vibe of the show. And I think Sex, Society and Other Silly Sh*t does that – audience members can watch the show and categorise each of the scenes into either being about “sex”, “society” or “other silly sh*t”. Though hopefully they’ll be enjoying themselves too much to be doing that! 

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

The show is very much a comedy, arranged into non-narrative but connected scenes. I started out trying to write a serious play, but during the rehearsal process quickly realised I couldn’t escape my improv roots! So it’s 95% sketch comedy, 5% serious hard-hitting feminist theatre.

What will your show be about?

As mentioned, Sex, Society and Other Silly Sh*t mainly explores the minefield that is communication. However we also hope to answer some of life’s big questions such as: why do we openly discuss leg hair but not nipple hair; why do we freely give out life-changing advice to strangers in club toilets? And why do we insist on complimenting our friends regardless of how awful they look?

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

Rajesh/Naresh, playing 21st – 23rd Camden People’s Theatre – I saw an early version of this and really enjoyed it so am excited to see where it’s at now! I also am excited by Jamie Mykaela’s Daddy (9th -12th, Aces and Eights) and DOG/ACTOR (2nd-4th, Etcetera Theatre).

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

This will be the first time any of the Fill in the Blank Theatre team will have participated in the Camden Fringe, so we are all quite excited – especially as the majority of us are London born and bred. I’ve seen various shows at the Camden Fringe over the years but one of my all time favourites has to be a production of Bill Russell’s Pageant I saw at the London Irish Centre in 2017. A really well-thought out (and very funny) production!

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

As a Camden Fringe first-timer I was so surprised by how easy it was to participate! I was expecting a lot of hoop-jumping, hidden fees and long winded application questions but the process has been so straightforward. Zena, Michelle and the Camden Fringe team have been so helpful – I’d really advise anyone in two minds to just go for it! I’d recommend applying early, particularly if you are looking for a longer run as venues do go quickly! 

What are your three favourite things about Camden?

Chin Chin Labs. Seeing all the teenagers looking around Camden market on a Saturday (it always makes me feel nostalgic). And of course, Regent’s Canal.

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

“I can’t believe I wore spanx for a man who quotes The Inbetweeners.” I think it speaks for itself really… no shade to The Inbetweeners though. 

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Someone who loves to laugh at women! 

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?

This year’s Pigeon is a mischievous bow-tie wearer so I can think of no better name than Matt Smith.

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

We are on Instagram @fitbtheatre and Twitter @FITB_Theatre

And finally in three words – why should people come and see the show?

Masturbation spoken word.