Michael Brunström Sings Ten Songs about Moths, Museum of Comedy
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Michael Brunström Sings Ten Songs about Moths, is a surreal new musical show from absurdist comedian Michael Brunström. It explores and celebrates the many moods of moths, from their obsession with lightbulbs and knitwear to their fragility, obscurity and powers of camouflage and metamorphosis.
Michael freed some time to shed some light (see what I did there?) on why moths make great material for comedy ahead of his performance at Museum of Comedy on Friday 8 August (tickets here).
What can audiences expect from the show?
Amidst the weirdness of alternative comedy, this show is among the weirdest. Starting from a surprising premise (no spoilers), it weaves together songs about moths, fun games and audience interaction, and leads to an explosive conclusion. A ramshackle delight.
Is Camden Fringe going to be the show’s first time on stage, or have you already performed elsewhere?
This show was debuted to a packed room at this year’s Leicester Comedy Festival in February. I’ve since performed it at the Pen Theatre in South London, and two performances in Brighton in May as part of Sweet Fest. The Museum of London is one of my favourite venues in London.
What was your inspiration behind the show?
It is a combination of two recent dreams. In one, I was a professional boxer defending my world heavyweight championship title. In another, I was performing a show called Shtom!, which ran backwards.
How long have you been working on the play?
Since the end of last year.
Is this version how you originally envisioned it or has it changed drastically since you first put pen to paper?
No, it’s turned out very much as I envisioned it. This is a self-penned comedy show. I have written a new show every year for around 12 years.
Being a fringe festival, we all know sets have to be bare minimum, how have you got around this with your set and props?
This show features fewer props than any of my previous shows. I make more use of sound effects and music in order to evoke a particular mood or scene.
What has been the biggest challenge in realising the writer’s vision for the show?
While several previous shows have featured one or two songs, for this one I set myself the challenge of writing ten songs, all about moths.
How important is audience interaction to you?
Audience interaction is central to my approach to comedy, which is why I don’t generally make my shows available online.
Are there any plans for what comes next after the show has finished its run – for you or the show?
I hope to do a one-off performance in Edinburgh in August (not part of the Fringe), and do the show as part of the Nottingham Comedy Festival. Then I’ll abandon it, and get on with writing the next show.
What is the weirdest or most unconventional prop used in your show?
The the climax of the show, a large hardback book – The Illustrated Encyclopedia of World Boxing – opens up and hundreds of moths fly out of it. This is central to the plot.
What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received during your career, and how has it influenced your work on this show?
Don’t wait until you’re “ready” to make a full-length show. Just get on and do it.
Thanks Michael. We’ll certainly come and see the show before you mothball it!
Michael Brunström Sings Ten Songs about Moths will play at the Museum of Comedy on 8 August 2025. For further information or to reserve tickets, click on the link below.
