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 Melina Fiol and Nayonica Ghosh about the show Leicester Foxes

Date: 21st August
Time: 19:00
Price: £10 Concession: £8
Location: 2Northdown
Ticket Link:  https://camdenfringe.com/events/leicester-foxes-melina-fiol-and-nayonica-ghosh-w-i-p/

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

Melina: Comedy is a big world and it’s nice to have something that unites you! Nayonica was introduced to me by a friend from Leicester, so it felt right to use this.

Nayonica: Exactly,we’re both Leicester gals it felt right. Also fun fact about an hour after we announced our show on socials Leicester city/foxes got relegated from the premier league.

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

Nayonica: Let me give you the official spiel from the ticket website because I am such a good marketer :

Join comedian pals and cheerful Leicester gals,Melina Fiol (Circuit Breakers 2023) and Nayonica Ghosh (BBC Upload Festival 2021) as they craft their debut shows. Expect an hour of stand up, songs, inspirational quotes, niche observations about cabinet ministers and girly jokes.

There will be stuff that’s never been performed before and as it’s a work in progress possibly things that may never be performed ever again so really it’s a once in a lifetime show.

Melina: We’re both energetic, positive girls from Leicester working our way through our twenties. I’m based up north and Nayonica is based down south. We have a lot in common and it’s a show about our unique outlooks on the world. As well as embarrassing stories, of course.

What will your set be about?

Melina: I like to describe my set as a peek into my diary. I’ll be going through some of the stories that were painful at the time, but are just normal parts of growing into your twenties. Our diaries hold the thoughts and feelings we’re too embarrassed or ashamed to tell anyone, but the reality is we’re all more similar than we think. 

Nayonica: I am very excited for our show because I’m introducing songs to my set. I am very passionate about the Elizabeth line and if you come along you will hear me sing about it. My stand up is a mix of anecdotes about readjusting to life after lockdown and coming of age errors (and memorable mantras on how to never repeat them ever again) as well as observations specifically about MP’s.

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

Nayonica: As a fresh uni grad I’m intrigued by a production called ‘Assessment centre’. There’s also a show called Asian girl in therapy which is interesting cause our show is performed by Asian girls who are in therapy? I’ve also got to shout out Heleana Blackwell’s show Wife Material and Suchandrika’s show Doomscrolling I’ve gigged with both ladies before and I think they’re wonderful.

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

Nayonica: It’s our first time doing the festival. Back in 2019 my uni friends (go follow my uni comedy papa John D Foley) did a show at Camden fringe which is still a very fond summer memory . Also Meg Rose Dixon,who starred in a recent short film I directed,  wrote and performed a one woman play called Abrasion last year which I didn’t get a chance to see because but everyone should also go follow her she’s great   

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

Melina: If you’re splitting a bill, find someone you click with and enjoy spending time with so you can work on your application together.

Nayonica: I second this! 

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

Melina: We got free huel!

Nayonica: Context Melina loves Huel and I was wearing a Huel t shirt when we were planning our show which went on my instagram. The next thing we knew we were getting a sent an enormous crate of free Huel.

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

Nayonica : Have friends who will let you stay with them.

What are your three favourite things about Camden?

Nayonica: . My number one favourite thing in Camden that I mourn the loss of every single day is the Naked Dough Cookie dough stall  that used to be in Camden Market (When I say mourn I mean genuine grief I actually wrote about it in my journal when I found out it closed) . You can still order from them online and you should,I recommend the flavour mud bath. 

My dad has actually lived in the Borough of Camden for the majority of my life so it’s kind where I grew up. So my summer holiday memories in Camden are one of my favoritue things about it.

Also the Roundhouse (who I believe are putting on a comedy festival in August as well) has always been a wonderful place that leaves me feeling creatively inspired. I made a short film with them back in 2021 and it was an all round wonderful experience. They have great schemes for young creatives if you’re 25 and under you should apply 

Melina: I have one favourite thing about Camden – the orange juice stand! I always make a pitstop when I’m in town.

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

Nayonica: ‘If someone isn’t offering to take you out to eat they probably won’t offer to eat you out’ not necessarily my favourite but I do get messaged about it most often being told it was useful dating advice.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Nayonica: My parents and grandparents! My family have yet to see me do stand up.

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?

Nayonica: Kevin?
Melina: And he would wear a little top hat! 

Nayonica: oh and a monocle…

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

Melina: Twitter: feeeeeol

Instagram/tiktok/facebook: melinafiol.comedy 

Nayonica: Instagram/twitter @nayonicaghosh  

 TikTok @allfartnopoo

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

Melina: You should see our show because it’s going to be a great time! Stand up comedy is fun and we want to create a room where everyone is free to just laugh at themselves! 

Nayonica:  catchy- tunes & excellent puns (I used a hyphen that makes it three words right!)