t 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 Love In Slough

Date: 30th July
Time: 19:00
Price: £16 Concession £14
Location: The Hope Theatre
Ticket Link: https://camdenfringe.com/events/love-in-slough-a-musical-comedy/

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

The show I’m taking to the Camden fringe is called Love in Slough. The name is the direct consequence of one of the songs on the albums which inspired the musical. Phil Craddock who is a dear friend of mine is a jazz pianist who’s written two original albums one of which is called peace and the other is called never stop dreaming.

He kindly gave me these albums when I was going to be singing a couple of songs from his repertoire at the bandstand in Cassiobury Park in Watford one summer. I loved the music so much that I asked his permission to use some of the songs to create an entirely new musical. He generously allowed me and one of the songs was called Slough, which was just a perfect location song.

It allowed me to quickly position the musical in a very specific place and on top of that a place which is well known for its industrial context. It was a perfect juxtaposition for the traditional theme of romance, which is something of a cliche in musicals, and one which my musical subverts. And thus Love in Slough was born!

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

Love in Slough is a musical comedy filled with amazing jazz tunes penned by Phil Craddock. But alongside the wonderful music there’s also a really penetrating and subtle story about a marriage in crisis. 50% of marriages today end in divorce and this musical starts to question why, whilst also putting forward some possible solutions on how marriages can enter a second stage of growth. So although it’s a jazz musical, it’s also got a heavy slice of heart and social realism.

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

I am passionate about fringe theatre not only as a performer but also as a viewer. I write reviews for both Broadwaybaby.com and my own blog Watfordfringereviews.blogspot.com.

As a consequence I don’t want to highlight any other particular shows because I will instead reflect on them after I’ve seen them as a reviewer and as a critic. However, I will say that I wish everybody the very best of luck in staging their new work.

Fringe festivals are so important in providing a space for creatives and performers to try out new work, to be experimental and to get their first step in the industry.

How are rehearsals going?

Because it’s a one man show rehearsing can actually be quite lonely business! The world premiere of Love in Slough was last year at the Watford French festival so I already know the piece and the songs are learnt. What I need to do now is develop and refine it so the people who are seeing the second incarnation will get something even smoother, richer and more entertaining. We’re getting there!

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

This is my first time at the Camden fringe so the honest answer is ask me at the end of July! However I have had a wonderful experience so far. The Camden fringe umbrella makes something which feels quite daunting and inaccessible very open and welcoming. And the Hope Theatre have been really brilliant at clear communication and giving helpful information.

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

My life hack is always have a packed lunch. I actually live in Watford so travelling into London is an hour long journey and then I have an hour coming back as well. So I know that at some point during the day I’m gonna get hungry, which would mean a trip to a supermarket or a café or corner shop.

That can get very expensive very quickly and though I don’t begrudge treating myself now and then I do always try to make sure I’ve got something filling in my bag to prevent those pound coins frittering away.

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

I recently featured on Channel 4’s beautiful Sunday evening show the piano in my swing singing alter ego Tiger Jazz. I was lucky enough as a result to meet Mika and Jon Batiste, the two judges, and the host Claudia Winkleman. If that trio turned up in the audience, it would be a genuine delight!

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 call it flaps! There’s gonna be a lot of flying around from one venue to another this fringe and at least that pigeon’s got a decent pair of wings to speed it on its journey!

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

They can follow me on Facebook and Instagram as Tiger Jazz sings! They can also check out my blog thedialup.blogspot.com. The dial up is my monthly open mic event which takes place at Johnny‘s bar in Watford on the first Sunday of each month 2pm till 4 pm. It’s a friendly, welcoming space for people to share their creativity whatever it may be.

From music and magic to jokes and dance, we’ve had it all and welcome everybody to come along and make the space their own either as a performer or as an audience member. It’s entirely free though we do ask for £5 donations from those who feel able to contribute . All the information is on the blog and also at the dial up open mic page on Facebook.

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

Heartache, humour, and jazz!

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