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 comedian Martin J Dixon about the show Big Fat Gay.

Date: 11th,12th, 19th, 26th – August
Time: 21:30 / 20:00
Price: £5
Location: The Queer Comedy Club
Ticket Link:  https://camdenfringe.com/events/big-fat-gay/

Hello! Tell us about yourself ? 

I’m a Gemini vegetarian, also a stand up comedian with my first novel being released later this year! I’m early thirties, I’ve lived in London since I was 18. My day job is in TV. I’m very funny, to my own detriment usually. 

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

BIG FAT GAY is a title I’ve always used for shows, because it’s such a good title. It’s exactly what it says on the tin, I’m a big fat gay, doing comedy about being fat and gay. 

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

It’s regular old stand up I think. I’ve moved away from storytelling, more personal observations around body image and sexuality. 

What will your set be about?

The set is around sexuality and fat liberation. I talk about hating men quite a lot too. I like to introduce my audience to a bit of fat liberation and then I talk about what’s bothering me about men! 

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

I’m really excited to have my show at the Queer Comedy Club, so I’m looking forward to their programming in August. There’s a show with Sasha Frank who I’m excited to go and see! 

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

I’ve not been to the Camden Fringe before, I’m really excited! I’ve been to Edinburgh Fringe before, but it’s all such a blur of elation and tears, I don’t remember the shows I’ve seen, just the alleyways I’ve cried in. 

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

Do it! I’d never thought much about Camden Fringe, but I’ve found applying really simple and it’s a great chance to get people from home to come and see you! 

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

The location! London is just the best. 

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

Applying for the fringe is a great way to get a cheaper / free spot at a venue in London. 

Look at the people and places to talk about your show for free. The Phoenix Remix is a fantastic resource, for example. 

What are your three favourite things about Camden?

I love people watching and seeing people’s commitment to being themselves.

It attracts oddballs and misfits and people on the fringe

How easy it is to get home after performing

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

I made a joke about not being very scientific, I followed up by saying there wasn’t a STEM-cell in my body. I thought it was so funny! No one else did. 

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Lizzo! I’m not even sure she’d find me funny, but I’d love the chance to make her laugh. She had a tremendous laugh. I’ve seen her perform and it gave me goosebumps, I’d love to repay her! 

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?

Houdini, because fringe festivals are magic and the top hat reminds me of an old school magician. 

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

https://www.instagram.com/_martinjdixon/

Twitter: martinjdixon

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

I am desperate.