Ciaran Grace discusses Triptych at Camden People’s Theatre for Camden Fringe 2026
After the success of our 2025 Camden Fringe Interviews, we thought it only right to attempt a repeat for 2026. So throughout July we’ll be publishing new interviews each day to give a taste of what to expect from London’s best fringe theatre festival. The festival starts Monday 3 August this year, so we may give ourselves a couple of days off inbetween the end of the interviews and the first shows… then again, we might not.
You can find out more about Camden Fringe, along with details of every show playing this August here. You can also find all of this year’s interviews as they are published here.
We all wonder what really goes on behind closed doors in other people’s lives. In an era of global uncertainty, writer and performer Ciaran Grace steps into the grey areas of human connection with Triptych, heading to Camden People’s Theatre for Camden Fringe 2026.
What began as a solo scratch performance evolved into a multi-character dark comedy, bringing talented cast members Hannah Wilder and Rua Barron on board under keen directional guidance. Triptych invites audiences to lean in, voyeuristically observing interpersonal dynamics, secrets, and moral complexities across three distinct narratives.
We caught up with Ciaran to talk about expanding the show from a one-man piece, the high-end “taster menu” vibe of the production, and taking the plunge at Camden Fringe.
If you had to describe the vibe of your show in just one sentence, what would it be and how does it manifest on stage?
A darkly comic exploration of relationships in their various forms.
Why is 2026 the perfect time for this show to be seen?
We often don’t know or realise what goes on behind closed doors in the lives of others, and we’re all a little curious to find out. 2026 is a very uncertain time globally, and Triptych at its core is a nuanced exploration of the grey areas in interpersonal relationships.
What was the ‘eureka moment’ that made you realise this story had to be told right now?
When I started doing scratch nights and people really responded to the work!
Is this version how you originally envisioned it or has it changed drastically since you first put pen to paper?
It has changed quite a bit. It was originally going to be a one-man show. But seeing plays, in particular Reunion at the Kiln Theatre, made me reconsider and bring some very talented actresses on board who would make it more fun for both the audience and me as a performer, especially since the show is all about human relationships!
What is something a performer has brought to a character that completely surprised you?
Both Hannah and Rua’s interpretations of the written characters have taken them in new and interesting directions and really breathed life into them in ways I, as the writer, couldn’t have imagined. The directors have also been instrumental in shaping these characters’ journeys and finding more depth and nuance.
I wanted to explore my range as an actor in roles and stories I may not necessarily have done before, and certainly not in this depth.
What is it about your character that you most enjoy?
There are multiple characters and I’m really enjoying the challenge of making each one very particular.
How challenging has this role been for you?
Extremely. There aren’t enough hours in the day!
What is the “secret sauce” that makes your group dynamic work?
Enthusiasm and willingness to make ourselves available for the bigger cause!
Being fringe and a festival, we all know sets have to be bare minimum, how have you got around this?
The content itself is very relationship-based, so the audience really leans in to know more about them as people and the circumstances they find themselves in.
What has been the biggest challenge in realising the writer’s vision for the show?
Marketing!
How important is audience interaction to you?
There will be some in parts, but mostly it’s a show for the audience to get lost in and enjoy.
Are there any plans for what comes next after the show has finished its run– for you or the show?
Tentative plans to bring it to Dublin! But all our focus for now is on 11th and 12th August.
What does “success” look like for you this August, beyond just selling tickets?
Expanding it into a larger show in a bigger venue and getting to entertain more people.
Who would play you in the Hollywood adaptation of your future autobiography?
Timothée Chalamet.
If you had to describe your show as a colour what would it be, and why?
Egg yolk yellow. It’s mysterious and exciting!
If you had to describe your show as a meal what would it be, and why?
A taster menu. High end. Plenty of variety.
If you could perform this show anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
New York! Because London and New York are the best places in the world for theatre!
If budget or reality was not an issue, what’s the one piece of scenery/set you’d love to have in your show?
A Bed!
What words of advice/encouragement would you give anyone thinking about doing Camden Fringe next year?
Take the leap. Just commit to it and figure it out as you go. It’s the only way.
Many thanks to Ciaran for the chat. Triptych will play at Camden People’s Theatre on Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 August for Camden Fringe.
