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 Strange Affair Of Paul.

Date:  5th – 7th August
Time: 21:00
Price: £10
Location: Hens & Chickens Theatre
Ticket Link: https://camdenfringe.com/events/the-strange-affair-of-paul/

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

The ‘Paul’ in The Strange Affair of Paul refers to Paul McNeil, a contestant on the Australian version of The Traitors whose lack of screen time is what the show’s all about. Meanwhile, the rest of the title references The Strange Affair of Uncle Harry, a noir film from 1945, because the show parodies the film noir genre. 

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

It’s a parody of film noir, so it features many of the tropes and clichés that make up the genre e.g. narration, over-expository flashbacks, and metaphor-heavy dialogue. Essentially it takes the film noir format to tell a modern-day mystery -why a contestant on a reality show didn’t get the screen time they deserved. It’s very silly and self-knowing and joke-heavy and has lots of references to The Traitors.

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

There as so many ones that look really good (it’s quite intimidating!). There’s a show called “MY BF WOULDNT BUY A STUPID WINDOW (Why I Did and Don’t Regret It)” which is just the best and most intriguing title ever. There’s also a James Bond parody called “Pull My Goldfinger” which, as a massive Bond fan, should be right up my street.

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

Keep it simple (This may as well be advice to myself). Don’t try to do any too elaborate or overly complicated, just have a nice simple idea and see it through. 

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

I’ll give you the answer to that once I’ve actually performed! But the best part about being a part of the so far has been bringing my bonkers idea to life and seeing other people bringing their bonkers ideas to life.

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

Don’t be afraid to ask people for favours. People are nicer than you’d think. 

What are your three favourite things about Camden?

The market, the culture, and Camden Hells 

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Rowan Atkinson is my comedy idol, so probably him. Then again, I think the pressure would get to me if he was in the audience, so probably someone who is easily pleased and/or very enthusiastic.

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?

He looks like quite a refined gentleman with his top hat but he’s also still a pigeon, so maybe the Duke of Pigerton (if you get the pun).

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

Insta = @strangeaffairofpaulplay 

Facebook = The Strange Affair of Paul – Fringe Show

TikTok = @noirdetet1ve

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

Winkleman inflatable doll