Camden People’s Theatre’s SPRINT Festival returns with a packed programme throughout March. London’s “best-established carnival of new and unusual theatre” features artists with bold ideas, artists who don’t play by the rules, and artists, in many instances, making their first professional work.
This is the fourth of a series of interviews highlighting artists and work within the Festival, as I chat with Sam Hickman (for the second time) about her show, First Woman. [You can also read our Camden Fringe interview.]
The “sensational Sam Hickman” (British Comedy Guide) brings her show to SPRINT – First Woman looks at womanhood, motherhood, medical transition, and how to win it all!
Why do we wait to be happy?
How do we escape the trauma of our past?
Do you wanna come to a harp concert?
It’s that! It’s an hour of original songs and standup. WITH A HARP!? with some very elaborate and gorgeous costumes!
Where: Camden People’s Theatre, Main House.
When: 7 Mar, 9pm.
Ticket link: https://cptheatre.co.uk/whatson/Sam-Hickman-First-Woman
We chatted about First Woman last summer when it played Camden Fringe – what’s been happening between then and now?
It’s been super busy the last six months. Lots of shows, lots of travel, many shenanigans. And most importantly, I finally finished writing First Woman!
How has the show developed to where it is now, and is this in any way the ‘final version’?
When I did the WIP in August, I had roughly 30 minutes of the show written, and everything else was just filler to round out the hour. Since then, we’ve actually done a lot of writing and refining. It wasn’t until the night before the Leicester Comedy Festival that I finally figured out what the ending needed.
I think as we tour the show, it’ll get tighter and sharper. We will learn what the audience responds to, etc. But I think at the moment I’m very happy with the show.
What’s the story behind Sam Hickman’s success, and where is she going next?
There is no success, only very nice press. I am convinced this is the big breakout year, so ask me in another six months, and I’ll have the answer.
I think just keeping going is the most important thing, and to write your own work! She’s going everywhere this year! A lot of comedy festivals and fringes, hopefully debuting at Edinburgh later this year!
Why did you elect to get involved in SPRINT this year?
I love the Camden People’s Theatre. Their programming is innovative and fresh, so being part of this festival was a no-brainer! It’s a fabulous space, and I’m really looking forward to doing the show there!
What has been your greatest achievement since Camden?
I’ve finished a lot of fabulous costumes since Camden, and had a lot of gigs. I think being a little faster at putting sets for comedy and cabaret shows together, as well as trusting my instinct more, has been my main achievement. It’s about growth as an artist; that’s what’s important.
Also, I got a boyfriend (shout out to that guy!) .
You can follow Sam at @samhickmanmusic