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 Joe to find out about the show Tides

Date: 8th & 9th August
Time: 19:00
Price: £12 Concession: £10
Location: Upstairs At The Gatehouse
Ticket Link: https://camdenfringe.com/events/tides/

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

Believe it or not, the title of the show was actually inspired by an Ed Sheeran song! After seeing him perform live in Manchester two years ago, I suddenly found myself fascinated with the opening song ‘Tides’. I think because it sounded so epic and upbeat, yet the lyrics seemed weirdly sombre. I think I connected to the contrast because at that point I was having similar feelings to what Sheeran was expressing in the lyrics, but was trying to aim high and be more positive and optimistic like the backing track represented. When writing this show (which is very heavily based around my own experiences) the song inspired the tone and the themes, so I named the show after it. The title ‘Tides’ represents the constant moving and often turbulent journey that life on the autism spectrum can take you on… but it is worth it if you cling on for long enough.

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

My show is a one-man play about my struggles with being on the autism spectrum growing up. It combines movement, sound, voice-overs and direct address to tell the story of Dylan Ward at various stages through his life, his misunderstanding of how to interact with other people and what he learns about himself in the process. While the show may go to some heavy places, it’s full to bursting with Pythonesque humour and an overall ‘childlike wonder’ aesthetic that demonstrates all the positive sides of being on the spectrum, not just the difficulties.

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

My good friend Sophie Kronenberg is bringing her new show ‘Girls Will be Wild’ to the Camden Fringe. Sophie and I went to Drama School together, and we did a scene from Steven Moffat’s play ‘The Unfriend’ for our Industry Showcase performance. She’s super talented and a delightful human being, I can’t wait to see it! Definitely one I recommend to all Camden Fringe regulars.

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

Start writing your show now! If you’re unsure of what show to write, think about what it is that you’re passionate about and also what you’ve experienced. What have you experienced that you learned a lot from that you want to share with the world in hopes that others may learn from it? It can be anything, it could be something personal, something political, just as long as there’s a message there that you want to convey, then tell this story in your own way that you find funny, tragic, whatever style of show you want to make. Once it’s written and it’s up on its feet, perform it in front of friends, get as much feedback as possible, then go back and improve it. Make the most optimal show you can make. Submit it to the Camden Fringe, and share it with the world!

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

The fact that I as an artist have an opportunity to share my work with the world at such a prestigious festival is such an honour. Camden Fringe provides you with an opportunity that few other festivals can, and I am forever grateful and feel lucky to be in the position that I’m in.

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

Set up a budget for yourself, then plan around that budget. If you don’t have that big of a budget, that’s not necessarily a problem at all. You can still make an amazing show, it’s just about figuring out how you can do that around what you have and being creative with what you can do. For example, if you need a microphone but can’t afford a real one, then buy an inflatable one. Make the fact that it’s not a real mic part of the act, or the style of the show if you will. Then, when looking for venues, look for venues that are happy to do a box office split with you, this is when the ticket sales revenue is split between you and the venue. If possible, try and negotiate no less than a 60/40 split in your favour if the venue will allow it. This means you will not have to hire the venue to perform in, and this will save you a lot of money.

What are your three favourite things about Camden?

The people, the culture, the opportunities.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

It would be quite cool if Ed Sheeran came to see it given that his song inspired the show. Maybe one day I’ll have enough money to be able to afford him as the closing act.

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?

Bertie, because it’s a cool name and he’s a cool guy.

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

They can follow me on my personal Instagram which is @joedennis1996 where they’ll find all the latest updates with what I’m currently doing. Or if they want more updates on Tides, they can follow us on @tidestheshow on Instagram and @TidestheShow on Twitter/X.

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

Funny, moving, poignant.