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 Bramble Theatre Art about the show The Strange Case of Dr Dillon

Date: 29th-31st July
Time: 19:15
Price: £8
Location: Camden People’s Theatre
Ticket Link: https://camdenfringe.com/events/the-strange-case-of-dr-dillon/

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

Our play is based on the true life story of Michael Dillon, the first trans man known to have medically transitioned. His brother held the title baronet of Lismullen, and after Michael changed his legal sex from female to male, he was listed in Debrett’s Peerage as heir to the title. In May 1958, an article about his transition appeared in The Sunday Express after it was noticed that Burke’s Peerage contradicted Debrett’s by continuing to list Michael as female. The Express article was titled The Strange Case of Dr Dillon, and represented Michael’s outing worldwide. This is where our story begins.

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

The show is performed by two trans actors – one playing Michael Dillon, and the other multi-role-ing as important characters in Michael’s life. A minimalist period drama that seeks to tell Michael’s story as faithfully as possible, with moments of levity, and some wider context elements drawn from a range of sources.

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

Tomboy Productions are also inspired by LGBT history with their play, My Female Husband, at the Old Red Lion Theatre. Lara van Huyssteen’s analysis of apartheid South Africa, That Boy Has No Shoes, playing after us at the Camden People’s Theatre, also looks fascinating. The Museum of Comedy seems to be offering intriguing queer content, including My BF wouldn’t buy a stupid window (why I did and don’t regret it) and The Homosexual’s Guide to the Galaxy.

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

Start preparing now – there’s a lot to do!

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

Performing for audiences who are looking to discover something new.

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

There’s no such thing as cheap accommodation in London, but university halls tend to be empty and available to stay in during late July and August at lower prices than most hotels and B&Bs.

What are your three favourite things about Camden?

The market, the food, and, of course, the fringe!

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

While I’d be nervous to hear it, I couldn’t resist getting feedback from Michael Dillon himself, if such a thing were possible!

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?

Mahmoud Darwish, after the national poet of Palestine, in solidarity with the Palestinian people and recognition of the importance of art to represent identity.

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

@DrDillonPlay on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter

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

True Trans History