Shirley Knot the Siren, The Canal Cafe Theatre
Want to know what’s coming to Camden Fringe 2025? Well you’ve come to the right place as we continue our series of interviews with the teams behind the shows. We’ll be publishing new interviews each and every day of July, so do keep coming back to see how close to our target we can get. You can find all our Camden Fringe interviews here.
Next to give up their time to chat are Debbie Bridge and Rebecca Gadsby of Bridge Tea House Pop Up Theatre, who will be bringing Shirley Knot the Siren to The Canal Cafe Theatre for two nights only, 28 and 30 July. Shirley Knot the Siren asks that all important question that we’ve surely all been asking, what happens to a siren when she ages?
What can audiences expect from the show?
Shirley Knot is an opera singer, mermaid, musical theatre enthusiast and proud disruptor of the myth that older mermaids are past their prime. In this gloriously fishy cabaret, Debbie Bridge belts high notes and deep-sea secrets. Expect sass, scales, and scandalous tales from beneath the waves. It’s a siren call you’ll love!
Is Camden Fringe going to be the show’s first time on stage, or have you already performed elsewhere?
No. It has played previously at the Halifax Festival in Canada where it won the ‘Hot Seat’ award.
What was your inspiration behind the show?
I was in a bathtub one day and I was thinking about paintings of mermaids. You only ever see young mermaids, never old mermaids – yet they’re supposed to live for hundreds of years according to mythology. Older Mermaids are never represented in art, and it made me wonder – where do all the older mermaids go? This made think about the representation of older women in society and how they become invisible.
How long have you been working on the play?
Since 2019.
Is this version how you originally envisioned it or has it changed drastically since you first put pen to paper?
It has changed. Originally it was just a cabaret talking about ageing, then I introduced Shirley.
What was it that drew you to this show?
I liked the idea of challenging the Little Mermaid story – why does she have to lose her voice to be in a man’s world? But also, I liked the idea of representing an older mermaid on stage – there was a lot of comedy in this.
What is it about your character that you most enjoy?
She is fun, funny & silly. She’s very empowered – standing up to the ideal that older mermaids are useless. She’s the first one to walk onto land and break the myths that she shouldn’t be seen as an older mermaid. She’s a feel-good fish!
How challenging has this role been for you?
It’s been difficult to bring across this important message in a light-hearted way and to have a poignant moment in the show but in the context of a comedy.
How important is audience interaction to you?
It’s massively important, because it’s cabaret so I have to break down the 3rd wall. It’s the essence of comedy work. It also brings a much stronger intimacy and connection between the audience and the message.
Are there any plans for what comes next after the show has finished its run – for you or the show?
The plan is to have a tour around the UK next year and then an international tour in the future.
If you had to describe your show as a colour?
Pink.
If you had to describe your show as a meal what would it be?
A smorgasbord of spicy treats and delicious aged meat, with sushi on the side!
If you could perform this show anywhere in the world where would it be?
On a cruise ship, because she’s the queen of the seas!
What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received during your career, and how has it influenced your work on this show?
Keep going…I’ve kept going, especially now when live original pieces of performance are struggling.
Shirley Knot the Siren plays at Canal Cafe Theatre for Camden Fringe on 28 and 30 July.
You can find out more about Debbie Bridge on her website here.
