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 David Hoskin about the show Hølìdåÿ

Date: 9th,10th, 11th August
Time: 18:00
Price: £13 Concession: £9
Location: Hen & Chickens
Ticket Link:  https://camdenfringe.com/events/holiday/

Hello! Tell us about yourself ? 

My name is David Hoskin and I am a mime, comic and writer. I am very hairy and also have excellent balance. I am bringing my mime show “Hølìdåÿ” to the Camden Fringe.

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

The show is a story about a boring man going on holiday. I’ve used a mixture of characters to spell the show’s name and would love someone to tell me how I pronounce it. I think it’s “Hølìdåÿ”?

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

The show is mime and physical comedy and uses a really cool performance style called visual vernacular, a cross between mime and BSL. The show’s been described as “Mr. Bean meets the League of Gentlemen” or “if Jacques Tati and Tex Avery had a Pixar baby”.

What will your set be about?

Our main character, Mr. Pottle, goes on an unexpected holiday, but try as he might to do right on his travels, things go very wrong very often. It’s about fitting in when you are out of your comfort zone and how travel changes us as people. And this is all demonstrated through my love of physicality and illustrative sound design.

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

Katie Norris – Farm Fatale will be excellent, Susan Harrison is also a great character comic so will see her, and Adam Larter is always great fun. Unsure what his show is about but I’ve seen a photo of him wearing a tent so I’m on board.

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

I have! I saw Elf Lyons Raven a few years back. It was a phenomenal show, a real masterclass in dramatic scope, storytelling and comedy. And it also had some fantastic mime too!

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

Just get the idea on the page, then up on its feet. You must do the work to make it come to life.

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

It’s a refreshing alternative to the Ed Fringe. It allows us artists a bit of breathing space to try ideas out or give a bit of polish to a fairly locked in show in a really cool, supportive environment. 

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

Don’t pressure yourself to an unhealthy degree. The industry can feel relentless at times and you can step back from it, it’s OK to do so… Equally don’t procrastinate too much, after all you’re the only one who’s gonna get the thing up on its feet! I think I’m trying to say “have a bit of balance”.

What are your three favourite things about Camden?

It’s just super vibrant and still wanting to embrace and support more fringe and alternative sectors of the arts. And very lovely beer comes from there.

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

*mimes being a dolphin jumping out of the sea* – ah it doesn’t really work on the page.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Trygve Wakenshaw, Julia Davies, each with a really nice +1.

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?

Glavid Cresswick

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

instagram.com/davidhoskinperformer/

twitter.com/DHoskinactor

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

Absurdly joyful/invisible