Tenner Bag, The Hope Theatre
Our official Camden Fringe 2025 interview series finished on 31 July, but we felt a pressing need to make an allowance for writer/ performer Francesca Bolam‘s Tenner Bag. Both because we loved the look of the show, and because as well as Francesca, she roped in director Finella Waddilove, who we last met at Old Red Lion’s GrimFest where she was performing in her own show, The Blair Bitch Project.
And so, inbetween actually reviewing shows during the first week of Camden Fringe, we grabbed some time with the pair to ask them more about Tenner Bag, a show which you will be able to catch at The Hope Theatre on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 August, tickets here.
You can find all our Camden Fringe interviews here.
What can audiences expect from the show?
FRANCESCA: Messy love, difficult choices, and a family that doesn’t know when to shut up. Tenner Bag is sharp, funny, and hits where it hurts. It’s proper northern — no fluff, no filter, just the raw stuff.
FINELLA: They can expect to laugh… Be moved. To be seen! Francesca has created a family dynamic which is so universal – I think a lot of people will relate to the experiences the characters have within the family unit especially, the difficulties of navigating that in adult life, how much childhood memories inform our personalities.
What was your inspiration behind the show?
FRANCESCA: I wanted to write about where I’m from. Working-class stories don’t get much spotlight, especially ones that are honest without being romanticised. I was interested in what happens when someone leaves a place like that and then comes back; how much has changed, how much hasn’t, and how it messes with your sense of home.
How long have you been working on the play?
FRANCESCA: Tenner Bag came out of two separate plays I was developing. One was about Teesside Council tearing down the town centre to build a “greener space”, which felt ironic in a place that could use investment in far more urgent ways. The other was about a daughter who leaves home and comes back to a dysfunctional family. I was actually in Teesside during the 2024 riots, and that experience brought everything into focus. The ideas collided, and Tenner Bag was born.
I wrote the first draft in a week. Since then, I’ve cast it, workshopped it, and it’s been evolving ever since. It’s been a full-on process since May.
What brought you all together?
FINELLA: Francesca reached out to me on Instagram, with news of her show / hunt for a director. We jumped on a call virtually instantly to chat through the plot. I loved the sound of it and tore through the script that afternoon, totally gripped. The next morning I got in touch and said I’d love to be on board.
Being a fringe festival, we all know sets have to be bare minimum, how have you got around this with your set and props?
FINELLA: All of our rehearsals have been on zoom – as a team, we’re all over the shop location wise – Francesca being in America, the cast and me all over England – I was even rehearsing from Paris at one point. But even through a screen, we all have such a great working relationship. I feel like I’ve known this bunch forever, and I’m genuinely so excited to meet them all in real life. So set and props is an area I’m very wisely leaving till last…
What has been the biggest challenge in realising the writer’s vision for the show?
FINELLA: Francesca and I are very united in our vision which has made the process such a joy and so fulfilling. We have really special creative chemistry, so there haven’t been any massive challenges on that front yet. We have a lot of shared experiences which have bled into our perception of the plot and characters. But I guess the most difficult part is envisioning the staging without having the actors there in front of me in real life.
Are there any plans for what comes next after the show has finished its run– for you or the show?
FINELLA: Feature film time!
FRANCESCA: What Nell said. I’d love to adapt Tenner Bag into a film or series — there’s so much in this world that could be expanded. Maybe even do an Adolescence-style one-take version. And theatre-wise, I’d love for it to find a home somewhere that isn’t afraid of a bit of grit; a longer run in the right space would be a dream.
If you had to describe your show as a meal what would it be, and why?
FINELLA: It would be a chicken parmo… A northern dish I was unaware of until this project.
FRANCESCA: : A proper parmo, or maybe cheesy chips with garlic sauce. You need a drink in your system to stomach them — but once you’re in, you’re all in. Greasy, bold, and absolutely unforgettable.
What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received during your career, and how has it influenced your work on this show?
FINELLA: Do what compels you. Tell the stories that compel you. When working on a project, this really goes round my head before deciding to go ahead; does this interest me on a human level and why? If the story gets me reflecting on my own experiences, or makes me understand my own life / the people around me a bit better, then that is the best reason to want to bring something to life, because the passion/ interest is going to come easily!
FRANCESCA: Take up space. That’s been a huge one for me. Tell the stories that matter to you, even if they feel messy or uncomfortable. Make the work you want to see, the stuff you’d want to be in.
What words of advice/encouragement would you give anyone thinking about doing Camden Fringe next year?
FINELLA: It’s a chance to meet amazing people and make life long memories that will shape you as a human and creative.
Thanks to Francesca and Finella for finding the time to chat with us. Tenner Bag will be playing at The Hope Theatre on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 August.
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