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 Robbie Fox about Neuroses: The Phantom Of The Open Mic

Date: 18th, 19th & 20th August
Time: 9:30pm
Price: £7
Location: Etcetera Theatre
Ticket Link: https://camden.ssboxoffice.com/events/neuroses-the-phantom-of-the-open-mic/

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

My name is Robbie Fox, I’m 30, recently became a care worker, and I have been doing stand-up, on and off, in London for the last nine years, which has built up to this – my first solo hour show. I am obsessive about comedy, along with classic films, monsters and cerebral literature, all of which will appear in my show. I’m generally an insecure and neurotic person, and I think taking my performance to the next step is what I need to drive myself into a line of work I’ve always wanted.

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

The character of Neuroses is in essence a masked lunatic with delusions of grandeur that hangs around pub stand-up nights (the closest thing I can get to true theatre on my budget). ‘The Phantom of the Open-Mic’ is such a perfect fit, it felt ridiculous to ignore it.

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

A combination of stand-up and storytelling that covers a very personal story of attempted growth, that has backfired in a big way. It features use of props, a set, and a slideshow, all of which convey anarchic silliness and brutal nihilism. 

What will your set be about?

Semi-autobiographical stories of how a character of such bizarre appearance and demeanour became the way he is.

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

Su Mi, Phil Green, Nobumi Kobayashi, Kathryn Mather and the guys in ‘Mellow Madness’.

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

Do the admin as soon as possible, you will have time to catch up on the rest.

What are your favourite things about London?

Everything is available here. And except for my three years at Uni, it is my life-long home.

What are your three favourite things about Camden?

The distinctive unapologetic alternative style, the sheer abundance of art and music (even when aimlessly wandering around), and a range of locations that gave me many great memories.

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

“I need you like a dandelion needs a summer breeze…” [Then I look at a blank faced audience member] “…to spread my seed”.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Noel Fielding. I want him to paint me.

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?

Rosie. It’s a charming name that many people find pleasing, and it’s based on someone I knew [while working in Camden] who was in herself a work of art, both physically and personally, who inspired me to try harder with my physicality and persona. Which (in a very different way) the Camden Fringe has too.

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

Robbie Fox Comedian on facebook, or @RobbieNeuroFox on twitter. But facebook is better.

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

Total. Originality. Guaranteed.