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 find out about the show The Duchess of Buckingham Regrets to Inform You That Her Husband is Dead

Date: 7th –9th August
Time: 19:00
Price: £12 Concession: £10
Location: Theatro Theatre
Ticket Link: https://camdenfringe.com/events/the-duchess-of-buckingham-regrets-to-inform-you-that-her-husband-is-dead/

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

The title was the very first thing I came up with – before there was even a play to talk about. I had a visual in my head of a breathless messenger knocking on someone’s door, proclaiming ‘the Duchess of Buckingham regrets to inform you that her husband is dead’ and having it shut in their face again as they cried out for water. An odd image, certainly, but it’s remained constant throughout the development of the play for the last 3 years.

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

The Duchess of Buckingham is a modern kind of period drama – whilst it keeps the classic syntax of the corsets, the romance, the fantastical approach to historical accuracy, it leans into more complex plots, exploring characters lives beyond what we expect from, say, our Austen adaptations or even from shows like Bridgerton.

Even in casting, we’ve pushed the boundaries of what we’ve seen before in film, TV and theatre as it’s so common to see the same kinds of actors playing the same roles. It has moments of comedy and silliness, but also wonderfully romantic and heartbreaking moments too. I would say if you like things like Bridgerton, Sanditon, Dickinson or The Buccaneers, you’ll find something to love in our play.

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

I’m so excited to see ‘Galentines Day’ by Christine Ubochi performed alongside my own work, both presented at Camden by Ruckus Theatre. I always look out for the intersection of comedy and historical shows, so I’m looking forward to Romeo and Juliet Unchained and The Homosexuals Guide To The Galaxy, as well as Edward II and Pirates: You Wouldn’t Steal A Boat.

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

Find good people who are prepared to support you and your work and advocate for you as an individual. Without Bethany, Monte, Meg, Melissa and Julia at Ruckus Theatre Co and the time they’ve spent developing this play since 2021, I’d be nowhere near having a play performed – or even having a play at all. Especially for a writer, having the right people in your corner to help bring your writing to life makes all the difference.

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

How much the venues care about the shows they’re bringing in. Already, Theatro Technis have been so lovely to us and really encouraging about the play that we’re putting on, which is always great to have! Because Camden is a smaller fringe, the venues get so invested in your work and give you great opportunities that other, larger fringes don’t. There’s a personal touch to it that has made Ruckus Theatre Co come back to present more new writing.

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

Download the Too Good To Go app. Everyone has to eat and you can save a lot of money on expensive takeaway (but not have to cook) by picking up dishes at a fraction of the price. Plus, you’re helping reduce food waste!

What are your three favourite things about Camden?

1. How many small, local businesses there are and the truly unique vibe that brings to the area.

2. All of the vintage shops and kilo sales – you can get so much amazing stuff!

3. The audiences! They’re so keen to come and see new things and support brand new work that’s exciting – it brings an amazing atmosphere to the theatre.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Right now, I’m slightly obsessed with Nicola Coughlan and I sort of want her to be my big sister (in a completely normal way). The passion she has not just for championing social and political causes she believes in but for the work that she does is incredibly inspirational and her track record of working with female scriptwriters and other creatives gives me a lot of hope for the future of the industry. Plus, she clearly enjoys a good period drama, so… 

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?

Now, the Pigeon has a very fetching top hat on – perfect for a play set in Regency England! I’d call this years pigeon ‘The Duke’. A distinguished name for a distinguished bird and great image management for the (unseen) Duke in our play, whose reputation could do with a bit of improvement!

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

You can find me on Twitter/X @niamhxdunne, on Instagram @niamhdunnewriter and on my website: https://niamhdunnewrites.wordpress.com/

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

Courtships, chaos, corpse.