Strong tea, stronger convictions, and a touch of Victorian drama
Camden Fringe 2026 Interviews
Liz Mance shares A Cup Of Tea With George Eliot
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.
Step back in time for an afternoon of literary brilliance, cake, and conversation. In A Cup of Tea with George Eliot, writer and performer Liz Mance brings one of the Victorian era’s most formidable minds to the Barons Court Theatre for this year’s Camden Fringe.
George Eliot, the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, was a trailblazer of literary realism, a feminist icon, and a fiercely independent thinker who defied the strict conventions of her time to live life on her own terms. Now, Mance Productions is celebrating her enduring legacy with a uniquely cozy yet profoundly inspiring theatrical experience.
We sat down with Liz to discuss what makes 2026 the perfect time to revisit Eliot’s story, the hilarious hazards of sourcing historically accurate props (watch out for Halloween spiders!), and why, at the age of 60, Liz is proving that it is never too late to take centre stage. Grab a cup of tea, settle in, and meet the maker behind the show.
If you had to describe the vibe of your show in just one sentence, what would it be?
Literary, Classical, Historical… the audience should leave wanting to read her books.
Why is 2026 the perfect time for this show to be seen?
Never has George Eliot been more relevant. A feminist icon, she was supremely clever, witty, and strong-willed. She was not afraid to stand up for what she believed to be right, even to her own cost. She was a pioneer in modern literary realism, and her work continues to inspire readers, writers, and thinkers.
What drew you to this story and role?
I both write and perform in it. Researching the life and world of George Eliot has been a total joy, as well as illuminating and inspiring. I had no idea of what she went through in her pursuit of happiness. She is an example of what you can achieve if you remain true to your values.
Fringe sets have to be minimal, how have you handled your set and props?
My main issue is that my set and props need to look historically accurate.
At one point in the show, I place a black veil over my head. For this, I found some black lace in a cupboard and thought no more about it, until a sharp-eyed audience member inquired as to why my veil was covered in spiders. I realised that my black lace ‘Victorian’ veil was in fact some Halloween netting! The devil is indeed in the detail!
What’s the weirdest or most unconventional prop used in your show?
A pipe. Funnily enough, I have not smoked a pipe before, and apparently, during one show, I had it upside down!
If you could perform this show anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Nuneaton and Coventry, because that was where she grew up.
Germany, because that was where she lived for a while.
New Zealand, because this was the first nation that gave women the right to vote, and I think George Eliot would have loved this.
What comes next after the festival, and what does “success” look like for you this August?
I will be touring this show around the UK. I want to reach small venues and older people who might not be able to get out in the evenings. My show is designed as afternoon tea entertainment, which is why all tickets include a cup of tea and a piece of cake!
Beyond ticket sales, my main aim this August is to be accepted onto the National Rural Touring schemes.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about taking on Camden Fringe?
Don’t be afraid to go for it! That is why, at the age of 60, I am performing in my own show at the Camden Fringe!
Many thanks to Liz for sharing her time, tea and cake with us. A Cup of Tea with George Eliot will play at Barons Court Theatre from Monday 10 to Saturday 15 August (times vary).
