Aissa Martell and Kat de Leiros discuss If By Starlight…
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.
What happens when Cupid’s arrow strikes unexpected people in the most unexpected places? Heading to London for Camden Fringe 2026 before continuing its festival tour, If By Starlight… is a sweet, light-hearted, and offbeat romantic comedy written by Aissa Martell and starring Kat de Leiros.
Following a shortened premiere at NYC’s Gene Frankel Theatre Festival, If By Starlight… makes its full-length debut at Barons Court Theatre (7–9 August) and Museum of Comedy (21–22 August), alongside a mid-August stop at the Edinburgh Fringe. Blending international collaboration across cities and time zones, this charming production serves as a gentle reminder that even in a chaotic world, most strangers are simply friends, or lovers, you haven’t met yet.
We sat down with writer Aissa Martell and star Kat de Leiros to chat about cross-border theatre magic, acting from a place of play, and why rom-coms are the ultimate antidote to uncertain times.
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?
Quirkily romantic. Cupid’s arrow can strike unexpected people in unexpected places.
Why is 2026 the perfect time for this show to be seen?
KAT: It’s a scary world out there and it’s nice to be reminded that most people are good, and most strangers are friends (or lovers!) you just haven’t met.
Is this version how you originally envisioned it or has it changed drastically since you first put pen to paper?
AISSA: I’m premiering the original, full-length version of the show at the Camden Fringe! A shorter version premiered with the Gene Frankel Theatre Festival in NYC, so in a way I’m taking my first shot at how I originally envisioned it.
What was it that drew you to this show and role?
KAT: I do a lot of comedy, but I’ve never had the chance to do a proper rom-com. It’s sweet, light, and funny with characters that are unusual and offbeat.
What is it about your character that you most enjoy?
KAT: She is nothing like me! I often wish I could be more analytical and less instinctual. Together we’d make one normal person!
What is the “secret sauce” that makes your group dynamic work?
KAT: We are working across different cities, countries, and time zones, so communication is hugely important, but also hopefully there’ll just be some good old theatre magic when we are finally all in the same place!
What does “success” look like for you this August, beyond just selling tickets?
KAT: The only thing that is ever important is sending the audience home entertained and still thinking about the show. Nothing else matters.
Who would play you in the Hollywood adaptation of your future autobiography?
KAT: I will play all the parts, thank you! 🙂
If you had to describe your show as a meal what would it be, and why?
KAT: Half a basket of breadsticks followed by the linguine, but eaten with delightful and stimulating company (you’ll see!).
If your show was a love letter to a specific person, place, or era, who or what would it be?
AISSA: It would be a love letter to a past life, from a decade ago to yesterday.
What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received during your career, and how has it influenced your work on this show?
KAT: Always act from a place of play, not a place of fear. Play is why we act, and what people buying tickets love to see.
What words of advice/encouragement would you give anyone thinking about doing Camden Fringe next year?
KAT: Do it! Tell a story. Work with great people. Have fun. Live a creative life.
Many thanks to Aissa and Kat for the chat. If By Starlight… plays at Barons Court Theatre between Friday 7 and Sunday 9 August, and then Museum of Comedy on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 August.
Inbetween these dates, the show will be as part of the Free Fringe for Edinburgh Fringe Festival from Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 August.
