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The Camden Fringe Interviews
Isabel Songer provides insight into her play Flat 4
If you’ve been to university and had to share a flat with other students then you will know the ups and downs of academic life and love, often with people you didn’t initially choose to live with. If you haven’t had the dubious experience then join Isabel Songer in Flat 4.
After a sell-out run at the Brighton Fringe, Isabel brings an expanded version of her play to the Camden Fringe. In any situation, it’s always good to get both sides of the story.
Welcome Isabel, shall we start with a little bit about yourself?
My name is Isabel Songer, and I am the writer and creator of my Camden Fringe show Flat 4. Like most Fringe artists, I’ve taken on nearly every role possible in the production. My passion for sharing the message behind this show is my biggest motivator. Whether it’s marketing, producing, or writing, I’m prepared to work hard.
What can audiences expect from you’re show?
Flat 4 is a one-woman show that explores the joys and complexities of female friendship. The narrative places friendship at the centre of everything, showcasing the effects society and relationships can have on it.
Audiences should expect a brutally raw performance from a character who will continuously shock them with her brutal honesty. Although flawed, audiences will still find themselves relating to and rooting for Flat 4’s protagonist, Alex. Through her desperate bid for male validation and absence in her friendships, she tells an unglamorous account of an eating disorder. Audiences should expect to find themselves torn between empathy and frustration at Alex’s actions.
Although this show delves into heavy subject matters, audiences should also expect to laugh a lot as the show transports them back to their university days. With spot-on impressions and relatable experiences, prepare to be reminded of all the feelings and characters we encounter as students.
Above all, audiences should expect to leave this show with a newfound appreciation for all the close friendships in their lives. Flat 4 is the celebration of platonic love we all need!
Where will we find Flat 4 in August then?
Flat 4 is being performed at The Libra Theatre Café on the 15th, 16th, 17th (7:00 pm), and 18th (8:30 pm) August. This venue immediately attracted me with its intimate feel. As soon as I wrote Flat 4 I knew it was meant to be performed in smaller venues, on the same level as the audience rather than on a high stage. I find this setup emphasizes the vulnerability of the character. The proximity allows the audience to pick up on tiny details that would otherwise be missed. Through careful observation, I’ve learnt that subtle physical movements and expressions can speak a thousand words.
What was your inspiration to write this show?
This show is inspired by the connection I have with my best friend and our experiences of living in a two-bed flat in our early 20s. Living as a duo can be such a unique adventure and one, I believe deserves to be explored. Growing up, I have been continuously surrounded by many romantic narratives. I found myself repeatedly disappointed as I witnessed friends acting as side characters with little influence on the plot. I couldn’t help but become frustrated at the lack of appreciation we hold for platonic love. My friendships have helped me through the darkest times of my life and have been as complicated and heartbreaking as my romantic connections. I found my soulmate in a best friend; my writing tells the story of everything that comes with that experience.
How much has the show changed since you started it?
Flat 4 recently finished a sell-out run at Brighton Fringe 2024. Following this success, I decided to expand the show to include the perspective of Alex’s best friend and flatmate, Bex. After my first fringe, I realised how easy it was for writing to become stuck in the tunnel vision of the protagonist. I began to reminisce about some of my favourite books and how they provided the inner monologue of two characters. It dawned on me that my beloved novels, such as “One Day” by David Nicholls and “Good Material” by Dolly Alderton, moved me so much because they allowed me to see into the minds of both characters. Being exposed to both sides of the relationships in these stories is what made each experience furthermore painful to read.
To elevate Flat 4, I knew I had to push my writing to include the two insights within the friendship. I hope Camden Fringe is ready!
So what colour best describes Flat 4?
Baby blue! The protagonist, Alex, is an incredibly ditsy character with her head in the clouds. The show is performed entirely in baby blue pyjamas with clouds to emphasize Alex’s daydreamy personality. The attire also matches the laid-back aesthetic of the show, set in a university flat. Speaking from a performer’s perspective, it is conveniently the comfiest costume choice possible.
What words of encouragement would you give anyone thinking about doing Camden Fringe next year?
I once I heard a quote that ‘the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the next best time is now’ which (as well as inspiring me to plant a tree) encouraged me to stop creating bucket lists and start taking actions to fulfil everything I want to do! Don’t be scared; the biggest barrier is often you.
Many thanks to Isobel for taking the time to chat. You can catch Flat 4 when it plays at the Libra Cafe between 15 – 18 August. Further information and tickets available here.
