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  John and Christian about the show Battle Counters

Date: 31st July, 1st & 2nd August
Time: 19:00
Price: £15 Concession: £13
Location: The Hope Theatre
Ticket Link: https://camdenfringe.com/events/john-christian-battle-counters/

Hello! Tell us about yourself? 

We met at university – sorry, hello – and spent most of our dissertation time watching James Acaster’s specials. This is the first time we’ve been on stage together since then, which is mad.

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

The first part was easy because it’s our names. Then for the second part, we had to come up with a whole podcast called Real Album Reviews and write fake adverts for the podcast and one of those was for ‘Battle Counters’: a fictional collectible toy brand that spawned a cartoon, in the same mould as Beyblade, Yu-Gi-Oh, Pokemon etc. We imagined what that cartoon would be like, and wrote it. 

What will your set be about?

Minimalist. It’ll really drive home how the cost of living crisis has impacted the creative industry.

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

There’s another show about Pokemon, so we’ll make sure to heckle them a lot.

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

John performed at the Etcetera Theatre in 2021, but it’s Christian’s debut. Good for him.

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

As our protagonist Cal Counters might say, “read the guidelines on the Camden Fringe website. That’s where I’d start”. He’s a stickler for rules.

What is the best thing about performing at the Camden fringe?

If you’re based in London, it’s a nice combination of not being as expensive as other Fringe festivals, and getting more publicity than if you were going it alone.

London can be an expensive place to perform in – what key advice would you give to performers that is a sort of life hack?

Doing everything yourself is a great way to keep costs low, and that way the only person you’re letting down is yourself!

What are your three favourite things about Camden?

Hells, Pale Ale, don’t think they do another beer.

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

“Okay, pull!” It needs the context, really.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Someone with a lot of friends.

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?

John, or, failing that, Christian.

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

We’re across Tiktok @john_and_christian Instagram @j_chisham @christianloveless_ and Twitter @johnchismusic @cd_loveless 

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

Disappointing ticket sales.