3 is the magic number for Camden Fringe

The Camden Fringe takes place for a third consecutive year and to celebrate adds Camden People's Theatre as the third venue to host shows under the Camden Fringe banner. Three is indeed the magic number.

Camden Fringe shows will be taking place at the Etcetera Theatre and Liberties from the 28th July - 24th of August and at Camden People's Theatre from the 11th – 24th of August. Once again the Camden Fringe will be an eclectic mix of drama, musicals, stand-up, sketch comedy, poetry, story telling, performances which don't quite fit under any of those headings and the odd performance which fits under all of those headings at once.

The Camden Fringe is brainchild of Zena Barrie and Michelle Flower - experienced producers who have also been running Camden's own Etcetera Theatre for the past 4 years.

"Camden People's Theatre is a great addition to the Camden Fringe. Not only does it provide us with another small-scale theatre space in which to host Fringe shows, it brings with it an excellent reputation for innovative new theatre and performance, which is what the Camden Fringe is all about encouraging."

"In 2007 our use of two spaces above pubs worked well, but we are pleased to be able to add a ground level venue with disabled access to the programme."

2007 was a hugely successful 2nd year for the Camden Fringe. Over four weeks, in two small venues, 175 performances took place of 47 different shows. Performances started as early as 3pm and the last show finished at midnight.

This is set to expand in 2008 with the third venue and more shows than ever before. To date there have been 110 applications from performers wanting to take part in the Camden Fringe, many of which are from 2007 performers returning with brand new shows.

The 2008 Fringe is currently being programmed and the full line-up will be announced in early June. Here are a few hints about what you can expect:

Reworked Greek classics, a controversial musical premiere, an adjudication from the Guinness Book of World Records, performers from the Brit School (not Amy Winehouse or The Kooks though), a tres bon show from France, the death and subsequent resuscitation of poetry and one very dirty kitchen.

For more information on the Camden Fringe, visit Camdenfringe.org.