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 Blue Duck Theatre Company about the show Spare Room

Date: 31st July – 3rd August
Time: 19:30
Price: £10
Location: Hen & Chickens
Ticket Link: https://camdenfringe.com/events/spare-room/

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

We wanted something memorable and catchy but simple, not wanting to reveal too much about the show but hopefully intrigue audiences into watching. It is pretty literal – we follow Jodie as she moves out from living with her troubled mother into a spare room in a uni house with the intention of a fresh start. 

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

Think Fresh Meat meets Lucy Kirkwood. Punchy and witty like Fresh Meat, but anchored in life-like realism like the writing of Lucy Kirkwood or in shows like Normal People. Super naturalistic and intimate, the play takes place entirely in the kitchen-living room. It should feel like you’re a fly on the wall, getting a true insight into these quirky characters’ everyday lives. Underlined with some pretty dark realities, expect to be laughing one minute and crying the next. 

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

There are some hilarious looking comedy acts I’m excited to catch. ‘Two Weird Guys Who Are Gay’ looks brilliant, a split-bill stand up comedy show about their perspectives on the heteronormative world, mental health and British Culture. With similar themes to Spare Room, I look forward to seeing how they are covered in a completely different format. 

In a similar vein, ‘Lost Property’ looks like it will be really up my street. As a feminist writer myself, I am really keen to support other pieces of theatre written by women that cover the complexities of being a woman in this world. 

How are rehearsals going?

We are in the early stages of rehearsals and having some really insightful conversations about everyone’s individual perspectives on consent, toxic masculinity and mental health. We’re asking questions like – How does the suppression of men’s feelings affect how they interact with the world? How do women feel in a male dominated environment? It is disheartening to learn how many negative experiences our cast have had with these topics but it also really reiterates how important it is to make theatre like this to spread awareness and show the true impact these things have. 

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

It is our first time at the Camden Fringe but we are really excited to be a part of a community of new theatre makers and support fellow creatives. We’re performing at the infamous Hen and Chickens Theatre which is the perfect intimate setting for Spare Room and a great creative hub to start our journey. 

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

We are keeping costs down by using a really simple set. That’s a great part of doing fringe theatre – we can literally use painted cardboard boxes as ovens and fridges and get away with it. We’re rehearsing in our actors’ very own kitchen-living rooms and working around their busy work schedules to make it work!

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

Uhh the casting director of the National? Anyone got their number? Or Olivia Coleman – I just love her. 

The iconic image of the Camden Fringe is the Pigeon – if you could call this year’s pigeon a name to represent its style what would it be and why?

I’m getting a sassy female energy – maybe Gigi or Brittney.

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

We are @blueducktheatrecompany on Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. You can find everything you need there. We’d love to connect with other theatre companies and creatives!

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

Witty, naturalistic, provocative 

Thank you again for all your support in reading and engaging with the website.

If you want to help support the website then you can! You can buy Holly a cup of tea (and a biscuit!)