Writer/performer Patch Roach of Pull The Thread Productions chats to us about their new show, Power Power, which comes to the Camden Fringe next month.
“Power Power is a silly comedy about hospitality and superpowers.”
Where: Hen and Chickens Theatre
When: 20-24 Aug
Ticket link: https://camdenfringe.com/events/power-power/
What’s your show about and what inspired it?
Our show is about a guy who works in the budget hotel chain TrailLodge and discovers he has superpowers. The concept was inspired whilst in a script writing workshop at drama school.
I thought that the climate of working in hospitality is one many of us are familiar with, and the idea of adding a superpower in a setting that we don’t see very often, especially in theatre, could make an exciting piece that audiences can relate to and enjoy.
Why should someone book to see your show and what might they expect?
Our show is barrels of fun. From the concept alone you may think, okay quite interesting, seems challenging on a budget.
However Power Power is a comedy at its forefront. You have all the hotel cliches, odd characters and just bizarre scenarios you can think of jam packed into a funny hour of theatre.
Think of 2010s British sketch show crossed with a splash of Fleabag-esque commentary and plenty of slapstick physical comedy. We hope people find it as hilarious as we’ve found making it.
How did you make your start in the business?
So I personally am a fresh drama school grad who’s only been exposed to the entertainment industry by myself for a year now.
Similar to my fellow company members, where we all met through our drama school; Performance Preparation Academy in Guildford.
Power Power made its start while there last year, where we had the first public performance at Guildford Fringe Festival.
It was just a half an piece back then and to be able to grow the show and take it to Camden has been very exciting and we’re looking forward to the run.
Do you have a favourite type of venue to work in?
Nothing beats pub theatres I think. There’s a certain amount of heart to putting shows on at such a communal building that I think pairs with putting on a funny show like bread and butter.
The intimate atmosphere is a great space to let actor and audience be vulnerable with each other and have ourselves embrace the make-believe and enjoy ourselves as one big group with little separation; an hour of funny and silliness together.
What’s next for the show?
We have big hopes for Power Power and we’re enthusiastic to take the show further, whether it be a regional tour, taking to Edinburgh next year or even bigger.
We are proud of what we have created and can’t wait to bring new faces to it.