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 find out about the show Dead Doves and Lemons OR Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Fan Fiction (but were too afraid to ask)
Date: 13th-16th August
Time: Various check link
Price: £15 Concession £10
Location: Barons Court Theatre
Ticket Link:https://camdenfringe.com/events/dead-doves-and-lemons-or-everything-youve-ever-wanted-to-know-about-fan-fiction-but-were-too-afraid-to-ask/
Tell us a little bit about your style of show?
Dead Doves and Lemons was originally developed for a class. I received my Masters in Scriptwriting at the University of Essex and one of my classes focused on fringe theatre: what is fringe theatre, how to write a fringe show, how to produce it, how to market it, etc.
On the first day of class, my instructor (Dr. Cameron Abbott-Betts) explained what makes fringe fringe and as he did so, I thought to myself, “This sounds a lot like fan fiction.” Both are not necessarily for a mainstream audience so you can explore topics that are generally considered taboo. They’re also both passion projects; no one expects to make money off of these things, but we do it because we have something to say.
On that first day of class, I knew I wanted to write a show about fan fiction…and, well, here we are. The show received further development through The Cockpit’s New Stuff series and then went on to premiere at Lambeth Fringe Festival and Colchester Fringe Festival last fall.
It’s a show about transformative works, but at its core it’s a show about the creative spirit in all of us that often gets stamped out sometime before we reach adulthood. Fan fiction is for everyone because storytelling is for everyone!
What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at the fringe?
Oh, goodness! There are so many amazing options! I saw Marrowbones’s Vampire Run at Lambeth Fringe last October and laughed until I cried. It’s a different experience each time so I’m thinking I have to check that one out. Juggling Through Trauma definitely looks like one to see!
How are rehearsals going?
Really well. The puppets are always arguing, but that’s what I get for giving them sentience. #IBroughtYouIntoThisWorldAndICanTakeYouOutOfIT
What is the best thing about performing at the Camden fringe?
This is probably a very basic answer but the sense of community. It’s so important to engage with other artists and see other work…and know that you’re all in the same boat. The arts are under fire (have been for a while) and it can be incredibly easy to see everyone as your competition. Fringe festivals are an excellent way to affordably immerse yourself in the work of others.
London can be an expensive place to perform in – what key advice would you give to performers that is a sort of life hack?
When I’m staying in London, I try to get a hotel that has a kitchen area (or at the very least a fridge). That way I can do some grocery shopping and make meals in the room. It isn’t always possible and there will definitely be times when you want to go out and have a drink with your new friends, but eating out gets expensive very quickly.
Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?
Given that the show features a lot of talk about different OTPs (one true pairings: fictional couples you ship) I would freak the heck out if some of those actors came. I want them to come together, though. I want John Rhys-Davies walking in holding hands with Orlando Bloom. I want Jodie Comer playing footsie with Sandra Oh. I want Michael Sheen and David Tenant sitting in the front row, sweetheart sipping a milkshake. Is that so much to ask?
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 originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and this year’s pigeon is wearing a leather jacket. In honour of the classic TV show Happy Days (set in Milwaukee) I would call the pigeon Fonzie. Ayyyy!
If people want to find out more about you, where can they follow you on social media?
Facebook: Deanna Strasse, Playwright & Stroyteller
Instagram: @DeannaStrasse or @JoyandJoyProductions
And Finally in three words – Why should people come and see the show?
Unhinged inspirational chaos
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