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 Ben about the show BED – A One Man Show.

Date: 3rd –5th August
Time: 18:00
Price: £10 Concession: £8
Location: Hens & Chickens Theatre
Ticket Link: https://camdenfringe.com/events/bed-a-one-man-show/

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

The play is set on a bed and it’s a one man show. What more is there to say?

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

The style of this show is very much like the style of my own bedroom – very chaotic, but with a deeper meaning hidden within (and this time it isn’t just chronic laziness). It’s taken me a long time to get the play to the state it’s currently in because to be completely honest, I’ve found it very difficult to write. It’s mostly fictional but draws inspiration on my life this past year… moving to London, going through a breakup, feeling desperately lonely, convincing myself I’m the most annoying person on the planet. You know? Those kinds of things! 

Oh, and it’s also made up of about 20 minutes of stand up comedy.

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

I love seeing new theatre so musicals and plays by new writers about themes that hit close to home. And annoyingly, I also can’t say no to a bit of sketch comedy – even if it’s awful! I’m not looking forward to flyering on the streets of London, though. That is one of the most humbling experiences a person can go through. Maybe someone should write a show about that… Camden fringe 2025??

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

Just do it. Honestly. I was apprehensive about going ahead with Camden because it’s such a new environment for me but you never know where these things could lead. 

I would also recommend getting a parental figure who won’t let you turn down opportunities handed to you for fear of damaging your career in the future. That always helps

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

The fact that it’s in London!! It’s the best place to be for theatre and you never know who could walk into your show. How exciting. My fabulous venue, the Hen and Chickens Theatre Bar, is also just a 20 minute walk from where I’m staying which is fabulous! No Victoria line home for me!!!

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 I’m a student at the moment so Student Finance is paying my rent! How about… go back to uni and cover your expenses with a student loan! But in all honesty, London really is a very expensive place for performers. As we say up north “Nowt For Shy Bairns” – if you don’t ask, you don’t get. Reach out to people who could sponsor your show or put you up for your run. You never know where these connections could lead! 

What are your three favourite things about Camden?

-The fact it has a Fringe Festival

-Amy Winehouse 

-The ladies who sell fresh orange juice by Camden Lock!!!

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Somebody who laughs at everything I say – even if it’s not meant to be funny. Someone who looks like they want to be there. Anyone who buys a ticket!! Laura Dern or Patti LuPone.

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?

It reminds me of those three pigeons from the Disney movie Bolt about the movie star dog! So I’d call it Bolt as a lovely homage to that very underrated Miley Cyrus film.

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

I’m on Instagram at @bendonaghyyy (with 3 Ys) and on YouTube at the same handle. I post fringe vlogs and the occasional song if you fancy some badly produced videos!

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

Because I’m Phenomenal