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The Camden Fringe Interviews
Rev Dr David William Parry on Women in Mayhem
Camden Fringe might not seem the most likely place to meet a priest. But then again, Rev Dr David William Parry is not your typical priest! Describing himself as Priest and Poet, as well as being a published author, he’s now bringing his show, Women In Mayhem, to Etctera Theatre for this year’s festival.
We managed to grab some time with the Rev between sermons and rehearsals to find out what it is that brings him to Camden this summer.
Hi David, pleasure to meet you. Want to give our readers a quick intro.
I am Rev Dr David William Parry, the author of Women in Mayhem.
What can audiences expect from the show?
Surrealism, saucy jokes, a great deal of fun, and a celebration of womanhood (trans-womanhood included).
Sounds good, where are we going to find you in August then?
We are playing in the Etcetera Theatre, Camden, since it is a fine venue in the centre of the Fringe Festival, while the independence of pub theatres needs the strongest possible support.
What was the inspiration behind Women In Mayhem then?
Apparently my theatrical poetry is walking in the footsteps of Edward Lear and the intriguingly intelligent genre otherwise known as “nonsense”.
What do you want audiences to take away from the show?
I hope they realise that LGBTQ+ rights have been fought for very hard, whereas the world is much more complicated than most people think.
Is this its first outing then?
We premiered a single act back in May, but Camden Fringe will be the first time this production is playing as an entirety.
What made you decide to be part of Camden Fringe this year?
I love Camden Fringe and support it whenever I can. To my mind, it easily rivals Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Who is going to play you when your autobiography is snapped up by Hollywood in years to come?
I know I am meant to be played by Dua Lipa. The sooner she agrees the better.
Are we going to find you in the pub downstairs from the theatre after your show each night?
Well, I’m sorry, but you can’t keep a good pastor away from a glass of champagne when the occasion demands it.
And prehaps the most vital question we’ll ever ask, what colour would you use to describe Women In Mayhem?
The deepest Barbie pink.
Our massive thanks to Rev Dr David for finding time in his hectic diary to chat. You will be able to see Women In Mayhem when it plays at Etctera Theatre as part of Camden Fringe from 21 to 25 August. Further information and tickets available here.
You can find out more about Rev Dr David on his website here.
