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 Frances Keyton about the Work In Progress show Shrew.

Date: 9th &10th August
Time: 17:00
Price: £59 Concession £7.50
Location: Camden Comedy Club
Ticket Link: https://camdenfringe.com/events/shrew-work-in-progress/

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

Well, originally the show was a feminist exploration of identity and sexism, touching on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. But like with many great feminist works of art, the show is now mainly about sex and my dad. It is what it is. We move. I might change the name. 

Tell us a little bit about your style of show?

Broadway World describes it best: ‘Frances weaves between confident humour and openness with ease. There is space to not only laugh with her, but to laugh at some of the sexual encounters that we’ve all tumbled through in our twenties.’

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

Sam Picone and Lizzie Simpson! 

How are rehearsals going? 

You know what, it’s bloody hard being a one-woman-band. I think I should invest in a director. Any directors please come watch! (Rehearsals are going fine)

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

I first performed at Camden fringe in a mime artist show when I was at uni and the best thing was handing out flyers to confused tourists in Camden dressed as a mime artist. 

It was nice not to have to talk.

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

Hmmmm tricky. The Arts Council ‘Develop Your Creative Practice’ is a great scheme – and they offer application support officers who help you through the long-ass application process. I didn’t get it this year but I’ve heard it’s good. 

Any money I earn from comedy I keep in a Monzo pot and then try and re-invest it into Instagram ads / festivals/ gig travel etc. 

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

All the fans of “My Dad Wrote a Porno”. 

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’m gonna go with “sexy”. No further explanation. 

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

@franceskeyton on everything 

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

Erotic, Hilarious, Awkward 

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