t 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 Samuel Winner about the show My Friend Travis.

Date: 29th – 31st July
Time: 18:00
Price: £9 Concessions £7
Location: Hens & Chickens Theatre
Ticket Link: https://camdenfringe.com/events/my-friend-travis/

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

I came up with the name very early on in the process. I started writing this show roughly almost a year ago now, and I was inspired by the idea of life long friendships – akin to friends you make at university and still manage to keep in touch, or possibly fall out of touch with; what kind of affect that ends up having on the relationship.

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

The play is about a man who waits for his friend to arrive at a barbecue, and then imagines what would happen if he eventually shows up. It’s a more dramatical play to stuff I’ve normally written (I usually drift towards comedic writing), with some horror elements thrown in, but it absolutely contains very comedic elements so it’s not completely serious. But yes, it’s a drama. And there is a song thrown in for good measure. But it’s not a musical. 

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

I absolutely cannot wait to see Hot Girl Summer by Isla Fairfield. I got to see an early version of it earlier this year, it is fantastic. I’m also am really looking forward to Sentimental by my good friend Josh Curiel, who’s a terrific writer and performer. 

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

Apply as soon as you can – ideally when applications open. Go wild with your show and be brave and don’t worry. 

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

Getting to perform original work in front of an audience who doesn’t know the material, and getting a fresh reaction! 

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

Meal Deals are your friend. But make sure you have a club-card so you don’t accidentally spend £3.90.

What are your three favourite things about Camden?

That Doctor Who filmed an episode there; the Koko (where I saw my first gig – Yellow Days); The Roundhouse (which I’ve been fortunate enough to work in).

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

The League of Gentlemen (Mark Gattiss, Reece Shearsmith, Steve Pemberton, Jeremy Dyson).

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?

Lord Bartholemew Bottomsey Bumberdale. That pigeon is posh. 

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

My Instagram is @samadamwinner

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

There’s humour, promise.