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 Deborah about the show The Button Jar.

Date: 23rd –25th August
Time: 18:00
Price: £12 Concession: £6
Location: The Hen & Chickens
Ticket Link: https://camdenfringe.com/events/the-button-jar/

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

I inherited a button jar from my mother who had, in turn, inherited it from my grandmother. I never had and still do not have any interest or intention of using the buttons, but I was struck by their age and impressed by their resilience. In an age of ‘make do and mend’ there appeared to be this collection of buttons that held a story and unlocked a memory of childhood. It seems I was not alone. So many women claim to have inherited a button jar, or box, and like me held on to them, as they provided a link to the past; these jars are literally a container full of stories, many of which might well have gone unremembered and untold, had the lid not been prized off. And so ‘The Button Jar’ was born; a tale of two sisters who have the heart wrenching task of planning their mother’s funeral and begin the unenviable task of sorting through her home, her life and ultimately their own history. 

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

Our show is ultimately a glimpse into a situation that people have to face wherever they live and whatever their situation; inherently it’s naturalistic. However, we lapse into short segments of non-naturalism, as a means of reflecting moments where the two sisters touch base with personal responses and feelings about where they are and how other people react to them in their bereavement. It’s a show about grief, but it’s not all sad. The sisters laugh out loud and are vicious about some who offer their condolences. A slapstick moment, aided by a bag of hats they discover is created, as they become increasingly honest about how bloody angry they feel. 

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

To be honest, we love watching as much as we can. As older women we know how easy it is for our voices to be eroded, and as such we know the importance of keeping an open mind and challenging ourselves to engage with the bizarre, the unusual and the uncomfortable. We particularly like to support new writing.

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

Do not hesitate … go for it! The application process is straightforward and the support of all the venues we have dealt with (over the last three years) has been brilliant. Also, the Fringe personnel are amazing. Always on hand to answer questions and provide advice. Even if you are a solo performer, there is definitely a feeling of being part of something greater. Camden is a fantastic starting place for new performers and new material, as you sit alongside more established ‘fringers’ and there is a sense of collaboration and support that is inspiring.

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

We think it’s that sense of being a part of a hugely exciting, creative and vibrant scene. People in the arts are hardworking and committed; many shows push boundaries and challenge audiences. When you are part of the fringe you have access to a plethora of shows and people, and this can put your work in perspective and enable you to refine and refresh ideas. It’s quite simply, a great experience. 

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

Most people are kind and willing to share/negotiate where possible. Props/storage/rehearsal space/time/help with get in/out/technical support/accommodation … where there’s a will there’s a way. If in doubt – ask!

What are your three favourite things about Camden?

·      Choice of amazing venues.

·      Meeting people at the Launch.

·      Learning about the venue we perform in and their place in the local community. 

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

To be honest, one to whom the show speaks directly. It’s always great to have positive feedback, but it’s especially poignant and rewarding when the response is personal. Our show last year ,‘To Hecate!’,  was about the trials of menopause, and when a woman came up after the show in tears thanking us and saying that “she felt seen”  – well, that was the ultimate! 

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?

Charis. They were one of the charities in ancient Greece and as well as being charming, beautiful and having goodwill in abundance, they were goddess of human creativity! 

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

Twitter / x account: 2sensibleFootwe2

Instagram account:SensibleFootwear20 

TikTok: @sensiblefootwear 

SHOW LINK: https://camdenfringe.com/events/the-button-jar/

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

We’re asking nicely ….