It is the new year which only means one thing, it is time to celebrate acts that you should be keeping an eye on this year! Today we speak to Linus and Joseph of Awkward Productions who had a fantastic 2023 and is set to have a bigger 2024.

Hello, tell us all about Awkward Productions?

Awkward Productions create work that is fun, exciting and slightly uncomfortable. It was founded by a Swedish immigrant (Linus Karp) and his gay lover (Joseph Martin) in 2017. We make joyful, thoroughly silly theatre and we’ve also run quizzes across the country and fundraisers for great causes. The company’s previous shows Awkward Conversations With Animals I’ve F*cked, how to live a jellicle life: life lessons from the 2019 hit movie musical ‘cats’ and Diana The Untold and Untrue Story all have long titles. They have all also received critical acclaim – the productions have been covered in The Guardian, The Stage, Time Out, Wonderland, Gay Times and P4 Sjuhärad (the local radio station of the Swedish forest Linus is from) and have received praise from Mark Gatiss, Edgar Wright and Linus’ parents.

How was 2023 for you?

It’s been the best year we’ve had as a theatre organisation. It’s been non-stop. We toured all of spring, brought jellicle back and sold out Diana and now we are touring Diana again this autumn alongside creating our Christmas show – Gwyneth Goes Skiing! It’s been incredible and unbelievable.

What were the top 3 highlights for you?

1. Selling out Edinburgh Fringe!
2. Making Gwyneth happen with the support of Pleasance. Becoming Pleasance Associate artists and having them coproduce the show is amazing.
3. Touring! Bringing our work to so may places in the UK (and outside!). We’ve sold out shows in England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Northern Ireland this year.

What was the key lesson you learnt from last year?

Linus – There’s a limit to what we can take on – self-care is important! And finding time for fun and silliness amongst the madness.

Joseph – This year has reaffirmed for me that we work best together – I create best when I’m creating with Linus.

What are your plans for 2024?

Joseph – I want to take January off. Literally do nothing and stay in bed all month. We’ve been on the go non-stop!

Linus is becoming an Uncle so there will be a trip to Sweden on the cards in 2024.

Linus – I just want to keep making stupid queer theatre and quizzes, and sharing them with UK and beyond

What other shows are you looking forward to watching next year?

We are always really excited to see new queer fringe theatre.

We also adored Birthmarked at the Fringe and are hooked to see if it has a further life, or just to follow whatever Brooke Tate does next.

What show / actor / actress is your ‘one to watch’ in 2024 and why?

Stammer Moth are an amazing theatre company – they had one of our favourite shows of the fringe. We’re so excited to see what they do next – they are making interesting and honest theatre.

And Sooz Kempner is always one to watch.

Do you have any new years resolutions? If so what are they?

Joseph – To eat better! I need to eat more green things, you can get into rubbish habits when you are touring. 

Linus – To keep having fun!

Are you on social media? If so how can people find out more about Awkward Productions?

Our handle is awkwardprods on Instagram and Twitter/X

Three words why people should come and see your next project?

Wild. Stupid. Optometry.

QUICK FIRE ROUND

What’s the movie or television show you are looking forward to seeing next year?

The new Lord of the Rings film! Linus is a massive fan.

What’s your favourite book?

Joseph – The published script of Diana The Untold and Untrue Story, obviously!

The book I read recently and enjoyed is Let That be a Lesson by Ryan Wilson

Linus – Easter Parade by Richard Yates

If you could paint anything what would you paint? 

Linus – Maybe princess Diana

Joseph – I have a real trauma about painting but if I *could* paint, it would be something expressionist with lots of colour!

What is the most delightful word you can think of?

Linus – Jellicle

Joseph – Trundle

What’s your favourite album?

Linus – Born to Die by Lana Del Ray

Joseph – It depends on the season, at the moment while its dark and autumnal it would be Carrie & Lowell by Sufjan Stevens, or Evermore and Folklore both by Taylor Swift

Where would you love to go on holiday next year?

Linus – New Zealand

Joseph – Amsterdam

What is your favourite quote from a television show?

Linus – It’s not from a TV show but the thing I say all the time is Jellicles can and Jellicles do

Joseph – From The Simpsons, it’s so dumb I quote it all the time with my siblings:

Marge: Watch it, Mr. Byrne! You’ll slip on the Simoniz!

David Byrne: Simoniz!?

The quote we say to each other the most is “that’s fine” from 80s darts themed game show Bullseye. “That’s fine” is host Jim Bowen’s response to anything from a contestant winning a star prize, someone scoring 0 points or someone telling Jim their profession. We love it.

Who is your favourite film character and why?

Lunis – Gollum 

Joseph – Mike Wazowski 

Read into that what you will…