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 the show CODBA

Date: 20th & 21st August
Time: 21:00
Price: £15 Concession: £10
Location: Camden People’s Theatre
Ticket Link:  https://camdenfringe.com/events/codba/

Hello! Tell us about CODBA ? 

CODBA is a one woman 45 minute show depicting 

The stand-out memories of my upbringing by my formidable deaf blind mother. 

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

CODBA is an acronym for Child Of Deaf Blind Adult, inspired by the similar named film released last year CODA, a moving yer funny film which I could relate to in so many ways. 

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

It jumps between talking directly to the audience -captioning and 1 BSL signed performance along with audio descriptions- and acting out moments and events  of my upbringing, I play my younger self, my sisters, my mother and the odd character that comes into our lives. 

What will your set be about?

It’s mainly centred  around the kitchen table with endless cups of coffee and objects from my childhood home. 

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

So many – in the first week alone This Girl, Best Of Three and Paul F Taylor : Head In The Clouds then towards end of August The Week I Forgot. That’s to name a few. 

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

I’m new to Camden fringe and can’t believe I’ve not heard of it before now! 

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

There’s plenty of help on hand from the festival directors and venue organisers – they’re also very encouraging and genuinely are interested in your show and want it to be a success. The launch party is a great idea to meet other performers and learn about the other shows too. 

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

I’m not sure yet! But I love the thought of being part of a bigger event which inevitably helps with the marketing of your show and to meet like minded creatives is inspiring. 

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

Well having been a creative all my life as most would understand, this business is feast or famine. Get a job you hate, on your first payday book that venue (it made me gulp) then hand in your notice! Then you HAVE to do it to justify the expense. Having said that being part of a bigger event like Camden Fringe it’s definitely the cheapest way of getting your show staged and being seen. 

What are your three favourite things about Camden?

Camden itself? Jazz Cafe, Goodfare Italian Restaurant, the vibe.

The Fringe? Marketing and networking opportunities, the available advice, the choice of venues.  

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

My mum gave it to me at Christmas and it went straight in –  “Well, either that or she had a piece of Haddock in her pocket”

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Oh wow that’s tricky, an amazing agent and Phoebe Waller-Bridge or Sharon Hogan. That’s at least 2. 

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?

Herald – a prophet, messenger, courier and spreading the   Word of these fantastic shows that are happening during the Camden fringe. 

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

@hettynelson1 

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

Discover a Legend (my mum – not me!)