Ellie Drayton, writer/performer, brings Moths, Mothers and Dead People in to Camden Fringe next month.
“In an absurd marriage between your not-so-typical monologue play and some really hideous stand-up comedy, Ellie Drayton has convinced herself that doing this show is her destiny.”
Where: The Rose & Crown
When: 8-10, 12 Aug
Ticket link: https://camdenfringe.com/events/moths-mothers-dead-people/
We chat with Ellie to find out more.
What are you looking forward to the most at Camden fringe?
Ultimately, I think just being in an environment where experimentation and risks are welcomed and championed. I’m hoping my performances at the Fringe will be a lesson in what works, what doesn’t and how far I can push things, particularly with uncomfortable topics like death and grief. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other theatre makers and collaborate, as well as a chance to see some brilliant new shows.
Tell me about Moths, Mothers and Dead People. It’s set in the far future and deals with grief and loss- what’s it all about?
The show is about how grief can make us behave strangely. We meet a character whose unresolved grief has manifested in her feeling unable to get rid of her Mum’s clothes following her death. It is revealed to us that she has caused a killer moth infestation by hoarding these clothes away for years (moths eat natural fibres like wool and are likely to eat undisturbed clothing left in dark corners of wardrobes/drawers). She is then faced with the decision of whether or not to let go of the clothes in order to stop the moths from taking over the world for good, at the risk of feeling like she might forget her Mum. It sounds like a silly story, but there is so much truth in comedy.
I got the idea for the show after tragically discovering a bad moth infestation of my own. It led me to the uncomfortable realisation that it might be time to get rid of some of the mountains of my Mum’s clothes that I never wear but dutifully drag with me between houses every time I move (much to the dismay of my loving housemates).
In a suitably 2024 meta embrace, the plot is punctuated by our protagonist also being a slightly narcissistic-out-of-work-actor and it transpires that the only reason she is putting on the play about the moths is to try and get an acting agent. Intertwined with this are ridiculous episodes of moths hosting surprisingly enlightening podcasts and moments of honesty that will make you think about what it means to love people and then have to live the rest of your life without them. It’s funny, sad and bonkers in equal measure, and I think you’ll have a great night out.
This is a solo show – what do you enjoy about this type of performance?
Personally, I really enjoy watching shows with just one cast member as I find them to be very engaging in their storytelling. I also enjoy that this is a challenge for me as I don’t have any other actors to bounce off. I think it’s a great lesson in using the audience’s energy instead, which is suited to this show because the character is aware she is putting on a show for an audience and therefore directly addresses them often.
You are playing at the Rose & Crown. Has that been a good place to develop the show?
The Rose & Crown’s performance space is located beneath the pub and is mostly used for comedy shows that happen there multiple times a week. For unfunded theatre makers, it’s a great accessible performance space with a really nice intimate feel for audiences.
What’s next after Camden?
We would love to continue to develop the show and have a longer run at another London theatre. We are also definitely keen to take it up to Edinburgh next year!