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 improv team Michelle to find out about the show Close Quarters with Michelle

Date: 3rd, 23rd, 25th & 26th August
Time: 19:00
Price: £9 Concession: £7
Location: 2Northdown
Ticket Link:  https://camdenfringe.com/events/close-quarters-with-michelle/

Hello! Tell us about Michelle? 

Lilla: We’re one of London’s top improv comedy groups and a critically acclaimed house team of London improv giant Hoopla Impro. We specialise in improvised sketches and character comedy. Contrary to popular belief not everyone in our group is called Michelle. Today Mandeep, Paul and Lilla will be representing the team.

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

Paul: “Close Quarters” is definitely a completely original name that we came up with and not just the widely recognised name of the improv format that we do. No, don’t check! What a waste of time that would be! Life is fleeting! Also, the name meant that we could do a fun photo with us all smushed together to sell it.

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

Lilla: You can expect to see from us a whirlwind of absurd characters, emotional confrontations and quick witted comedy from start to finish. We also ask for the audience’s input multiple times throughout the show to make sure each performance is special.

What will your set be about?

Lilla: We will lift the lid on a location of YOUR choosing and explore it in a completely new light. Ever wanted to be a fly on the wall? See what zookeepers get up to after hours or the panic in a teacher’s lounge? Explore the web of intrigue in your local leisure centre? If you have, this show is for you.

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

Mandeep: We can’t wait to see Improv double act The Two Horsemen and Kerfuffle who are bags of fun. Also look out for fellow Michelle members Mandeep Singh in Singh’ing In The Rain and Lilla Multipass in OhMyGod Inc.

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

Paul: We have done the Camden Fringe for the past two years and all of the shows have honestly been really fun in some way. (Except that one show. You know the one.) Our favourite show so far was our first ever Camden Fringe show at the Museum of Comedy in 2021. It was just after the Covid times and we had a full, non-distanced audience for the first time in ages. It was like learning to walk again, except easier and more hilarious.

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

Mandeep: If you have an idea for a show, make it happen! Don’t wait for it to be perfect. So much about comedy is actually just getting out and doing it  and learning as you go. Take a look at venues you think would suit your show, book a date and then work towards the deadline. Give it your best but don’t forget to have fun along the way! You got this you absolute ledge bag!

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

Mandeep: We’ve taken our show to many festivals and many towns but Camden is a special one for us, as our friends and family can come and see us. At this stage, Mandeep would like to thank his Mum for the 47 badly taken photos of the last Fringe sent to him on WhatsApp.

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

Lilla: Improv is great on a budget! Imagine all the money you’re saving by miming your props.

What are your three favourite things about Camden?

Lilla: The organised chaos

The drinks at the side of the canal

Quirky venues and street performers

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

Paul: Doing improv is a bit like doing an exam to me: I usually can’t remember anything about it afterwards, and the ultimate result is that no one wants to employ me. I do remember a well-reviewed scene last year about a man who was repeatedly thrown down a well by his different romantic partners. I suppose you had to be there (the show, not the well).

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Mandeep: Michelle Obama because she’s the coolest Michelle we know. Hopefully she would bring Barack along as well. 

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?

Paul: Who could possibly name something as iconic as the Camden Fringe pigeon? A pigeon who carries so many hopes, dreams and possibilities for so many performers and audience members every year? A pigeon who is pushing the limits of fashion this year with a frankly ludicrously stylish long hat? A pigeon who is, without overstatement, the essence of all creativity itself? That said: Clive. Their name is Clive.

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

Lilla: You can find us at @michelleimpro on Instagram and Facebook.

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

Paul: Silly fun times!