Love in Slough, The Hope Theatre
Our Camden Fringe Interview series is an attempt to give a taste of what’s available during the four weeks of the festival that is now so much more than just Camden! We’ll be publishing new interviews every day of July. You can find all the currently published interviews here.
Next up is Alexander Williams, who is bringing his one-man comedy musical, Love in Slough, to The Hope Theatre for a single performance on 30 July. Slough is probably not the first place you’d guess as the setting for a jazz infused musical, so we had to find out just why Alexander wanted to base his story there.
What can audiences expect from the show?
Fun and frothy comedy set in the UK in the 1960s. UFO mania and the space age
Is Camden Fringe going to be the show’s first time on stage, or have you already performed elsewhere?
The show received its world premiere at the Watford Fringe in 2024, and will be staged again this July at Watford’s Pump House Theatre, and Islington’s Hope Theatre as part of the Watford and Camden Fringe Festivals. This is my first time at the Camden fringe and I have had a wonderful experience so far. The Camden fringe umbrella makes something which feels quite daunting and inaccessible very open and welcoming. And the Hope Theatre have been really brilliant at clear communication and giving helpful information.
What was your inspiration behind the show?
The name is the direct consequence of one of the songs on the albums which inspired the musical. Phil Craddock who is a dear friend of mine is a jazz pianist who’s written two original albums, one of which is called Peace and the other is called Never Stop Dreaming. He kindly gave me these albums when I was going to be singing a couple of songs from his repertoire at the bandstand in Cassiobury Park in Watford one summer. I loved the music so much that I asked his permission to use some of the songs to create an entirely new musical. He generously allowed me and one of the songs was called Slough, which was just a perfect location song. It allowed me to quickly position the musical in a very specific place and on top of that a place which is well known for its industrial context. It was a perfect juxtaposition for the traditional theme of romance, which is something of a cliche in musicals, and one which my musical subverts. And thus Love in Slough was born!
What was it that drew you to this role?
Love in Slough is an exciting, uplifting new one-man musical. It follows the story of Jack, a middle-aged man tied to an unfulfilling marriage, whose drab, directionless life is given an injection of vigour when he embarks on an unexpected affair. The funny, fast-paced script is bursting with wonderful jazz tunes which drive us through Jack’s journey of self-discovery as he traverses a new world of openness, intimacy and redefined relationships. Playing Jack is such fun because he has such a complete and moving narrative arc. He starts off quite unsure of himself and ends with a delightful sense of energy and confidence.
How challenging has this role been for you?
As a singer learning and delivering the wonderful jazz music has been a total joy. The challenge is learning the monologues in between! Especially the bit where Jack gets angry, it’s a dramatic moment and you really have to throw yourself into it!
How important is audience interaction to you?
I run a monthly open mic event called The Dial Up which takes place at Johnny‘s bar in Watford on the first Sunday of each month 2 till 4. As a result, audience interaction has always been hugely important to me, and though this isn’t an interactive show, I do make an effort to build a close rapport with the audience. The Dial Up is a friendly, welcoming space for people to share their creativity whatever it may be. From music and magic to jokes and dance, we’ve had it all and welcome everybody to come along and make the space their own either as a performer or as an audience member. It’s entirely free though we do ask for £5 donations from those who feel able to contribute . Dates and details here.
Who would play you in the Hollywood adaptation of your future autobiography?
I recently featured on Channel 4’s beautiful Sunday evening show The Piano in my swing singing alter ego Tiger Jazz. I was lucky enough as a result to meet Mika and Jon Batiste, the two judges, and the host Claudia Winkleman. If that trio turned up in the audience, it would be a genuine delight, but if I had to be played by one… Jon Batiste I think!
If you had to describe your show as a colour what would it be?
It would be a mix of green and yellow, bold bright colours that tie to the joy of nature.
If you had to describe your show as a meal?
It would be tapas because there’s something for everybody!
If your show had a soundtrack what songs would definitely be on it?
It does have a soundtrack lol! We have around a dozen brilliant jazz songs which tell the story with wit and a range of moods. The band on the backing tracks are amazing.
If you could perform this show anywhere in the world where would it be?
Slough! Haven’t got there yet but it’s an ambition!
What words of advice/encouragement would you give anyone thinking about doing Camden Fringe next year?
My life hack is always have a packed lunch. I actually live in Watford so travelling into London is an hour long journey and then I have an hour coming back as well. So I know that at some point during the day I’m gonna get hungry, which would mean a trip to a supermarket or a café or corner shop. That can get very expensive very quickly and though I don’t begrudge treating myself now and then, I do always try to make sure I’ve got something filling in my bag to prevent those pound coins frittering away!
Many thanks to Alexander for the chat. Love in Slough plays at The Hope Theatre on 30 July.
It will also be performed at Watford’s Pump House Theatre on 27 July as part of Watford Fringe. Tickets available here.
