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 all about show Bunker Buddies

Date: 3rd – 5th August
Time: 19:00
Price: £14 Concession: £12
Location: Lion & Unicorn Theatre
Ticket Link:  https://camdenfringe.com/events/bunker-buddies/

Hello! Tell us about Bunker Buddies ? 

Bunker Buddies is a light-hearted comedy about the end of the world and what comes after. It focuses on the relationship between two privileged people who are stuck in the same bunker and how their connection and view of the world (and how it used to be) evolves over the course of the play. It’s produced by Koffín Productions which focuses on platforming work by female, neurodiverse and working class artists.

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

It started out as a joke after the show had remained nameless for quite a long time and I needed to put some sort of a name to it for the first rehearsed reading. Well, they’re in a bunker and they’re buddies, whether they like it or not. So maybe not the most profound naming ceremony but I am fond of it nonetheless. 

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

Bunker Buddies is a fast-paced absurd comedy with physical elements and existential pondering. And some quirks. Lots of quirks.

What will your set be about?

The play is set in what was meant to be a luxurious bunker but well, ahem… Things may have turned out differently. This works in our favour as a fringe production, since the set is quite bare.

We’re quite enjoying bringing in some pandemic elements, just the comic ones don’t worry! Like how everyone was hoarding toilet paper. And having the same food all the time. 

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

Out of other Lion & Unicorn shows Cult Classic(k) by Miztli Rose sounds very fascinating, satirical comedy is a genre close to our heart. in|Secure by Valery Reva would be another pick as we’d love to see work by other migrant artists. The Lodger by Lauren Lewis sounds very interesting as well. 

In terms of comedy line ups we are looking forward to Chronically Hilarious and Gays, Theys and Strays at the Museum of Comedy. 

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

No we are fringe virgins, please be gentle!

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

A show with a smaller cast and simple set is easier to manage. Get your marketing material and graphics ready well in advance. 

Don’t rely on your venue to sell tickets, although your venue can do a lot for you, you should be able to bring in your own audience. 

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

Connecting with the fringe community, putting on a show in a great venue and gaining a new audience that may not have reached the show otherwise.

Also getting to see shows we would not have seen anywhere else and being inspired for future work. 

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

If you know you want to do a fringe, you can try to save up bit by bit beforehand. Rehearsal space will be the most costly expense so looking into programmes and pay-what-you-can studios will cut your costs. 

Pick your projects carefully, make sure you only commit to work you are passionate about and then commit to it 100%. Making theatre is hard, even in the best of environments some elements are going to suck. Try to pick projects that you think you will look back on and think, “I’m glad I did that”. 

What are your three favourite things about Camden?

Vegan bubble waffles at the market, the clueless tourists and ever surprising locals, and 2 for 1 cocktails in a seedy looking bar whilst gushing about the rich history of the place. 

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

“Just fix it” – a satirical line about the vague nature of self-help advice. Most of the time we’re trying to control the uncontrollable and succeed against all odds and as nonsensical as it is, it’s tempting to hope for an easy fix. The simple ridiculousness makes it a favourite.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Someone who is up for a good laugh and goofiness but also goes to the theatre to think about the state of the world.

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?

The pigeon is very stylish this year, almost dandy like. But the skull in hand is quite Shakespearean, so the bird should be called something like Horatio to cover all bases. It has bisexual energy. 

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

We’re on instagram @koffinproductions and on twitter @KoffinP. From these you can link up with our individual creatives as well if you wish to.

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

Humour. Anti-capitalism. Salmon.