The Camden Fringe 2009

Bringing together comedy, theatre, poetry, dance and much more, the Camden Fringe boasts 399 performances of 118 different shows across five venues in north London throughout August. (And there we were thinking a Camden Fringe was some sort of après-avant-garde, post-post-modern ironic haircut to rival the Hoxton Mullet...) Whether you want to catch some of the edgiest stand-up around or witness a new twist on Shakespeare or watch a group of OAPs rap, the Camden Fringe has become the metaphorical David, ready "to challenge the Edinburgh Goliath" (The Guardian). Now in its fourth year, this rapidly growing four-week festival is offering fresh opportunity for both new and established acts to get themselves noticed in a creative environment outside Edinburgh. It also gives Londoners the chance to see a huge variety of shows without having to trek all the way up to Scotland on a crowded train. Having started out in the Etcetera Theatre, the festival has shed its humble beginnings and now venues also include the Roundhouse and The Camden Head. Stand-out comedy shows this year feature the loveable Simon Amstell, the topical Shazia Mirza and the downright filthy Scott Capurro. For full details of all events check www.camdenfringe.org.