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 Docklands Productions about the show At War With Myself.

Date: 5th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th August

Time: 21:00

Price: £16 Concession: £14

Location: Etcetera Theatre

Ticket Link: https://camdenfringe.com/events/at-war-with-myself/

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

The title plays on the the show being a solo performance about my experience serving in the army whilst also battling my own demons, at a time when it was still illegal for gay men to serve in UK forces.

Tells us a little bit about your style of show?  

It’s a one man multi-character narrative that maintains a strong direct relationship with the audience. I’ve written it, and created the show with a brilliant team, Lisa Millar, my director, Damien Stanton, our designer, Isa Suarez, our composer and sound designer, and Chris Campbell, our renowned dramaturg and script consultant. It uses all the usual elements of theatre, set, props, costumes, lighting and sound etc, to create multiple scenes and settings, to tell a unique story full of humour and revelation.

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

I’ll be checking out as many other solo shows as I can, as I’m always intrigued to see how other artists are wrestling with the challenges of creating a rounded theatrical experience with only one performer.

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

Start planning now! I was already thinking about Camden Fringe 24 last May. I made sure I went to as many shows as I could in last year’s fringe, to support and learn, but also to check out the venues.

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

 It’s so accessible and really well run, with such a friendly team, so I’ve felt really held throughout the process. I’m producing for the first time and Camden Fringe is an excellent way to learn the ropes.

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

I deliberately kept the creative team small and am staging a one man show as a means of keeping costs lower. We’ve focussed on developing the best possible script as a firm foundation, showing what we can do and building relationships and know-how, as a platform for future shows. We’ve also been glad to receive support from Arts Council England, and the funding application was a valuable learning experience.

What are your three favourite things about Camden?  

My grandparents used to live there, I lived in my first squat there, and it’s the setting for the best fringe theatre festival on the planet.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

 A veteran of the Falklands War who afterwards told me the show has captured the spirit of life in the army.

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? 

I’d go for Eos, after the Greek godess of the dawn, because this year’s fringe will be the dawn of wonderful creativity for so many participants.

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

  I’m not on social media as there are too many issues with it that I don’t want to deal with. We’re looking forward to as many people as possible engaging directly through bums on seats rather than fingers on screens. We do love hearing from everyone via our website, at Dovcklandsproductions.co.uk

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

 Funny, original, intelligent.