Interview: Sarah Cameron-West, Karen

Ahead of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024 we’re chatting with a range of creatives who will be heading to the city over August to find out more about their shows. Today we’re chatting with Sarah Cameron-West about her piece Karen.

Can you tell us a bit about you and your career so far.

Absolutely! My name is Sarah Cameron-West and I am the writer, producer and solo actor in KAREN which is back at the Edinburgh Fringe for its second year running! A bit about me, I wrote my first play at 18 and have always been interested in acting and writing. I graduated from The Drama Centre London in 2021 and have set up two production companies, Any Second Now and Greenlit Productions, to champion new writing across London theatres. KAREN is the biggest project I have done so far with sell out runs in Edinburgh and Birmingham and achieving a transfer to London’s The Other Palace in March 2024.

What is your show about?

KAREN is a one-woman comedy show that follows the trials and tribulations of our Protagonist as she gets dumped on her 30th birthday by her long term boyfriend Joe. Mid-way through a calippo. Can it get any worse? Yes. Yes itcan. Joe has been having an affair with her arch nemesis: Karen. And the cherry on top? They all work in the same office. KAREN is a comic emotional as we watch our Protagonist navigate the powder keg of heartbreak and identity crisis which unleashes in the ultimate office showdown. Having been described as “Fleabag meets Peepshow” by Operation Live Theatre and a “brilliant, funny, and heartwarming breakup comedy” by A Youngish Perspective, KAREN is sure to leave you in stiches.

What was the inspiration for the show and what’s the development process been to get to this stage?

KAREN started as a 10-minute monologue which won Velvet Smoke’s Project Passion monologue competition in 2021.The prize was to perform the piece at the White Bear Theatre in Kennington. The two minutes before coming on stage were the most terrifying moment of my life as it was the first time I was performing something that I had written and worse still, something that I thought was funny. Luckily, the audience did laugh and I was encouraged to turn it into a full one woman show. It was at this competition that I was paired with my wonderful director Evie Ayres-Townshend whose creative facilitation and enthusiasm have turned the show into something very special. KAREN sat on the back burner for 2022 and in 2023 I decided very last minute to take it to Edinburgh Fringe. I was lucky enough to get a brilliant slot at the Willow Studio, Riddles Court Greenside despite my late entry and my first call was Evie. Thankfully she was available and we had a month for me to write the full show and get it on its feet for our previews in June before taking it up to Edinburgh in August which was an amazing rollercoaster.

What made you want to take this to the Fringe?

I have been to the Fringe as a punter and performer before but never with my own material and never acting in a solo show. It has always been a dream of mine to face that challenge. I have always wanted to go back to Edinburgh as I don’t think there is anywhere better in August. It was more luck than anything that allowed me to take it to the Fringe last year with Greenside having a free slot for me which lit the match to get it on its feet and make it happen. This year I am a lot more prepared having toured the show in Birmingham and a week’s run in London and has allowed me to really hone the show to be the best it can be and I am so excited to share it with audiences this Fringe.

Apart from seeing your show, what’s your top tip for anybody heading for Edinburgh this summer?

Definitely do a little bit of research before heading up of some of the acts you might like to see by circling them in the Edinburgh Fringe Guide and making a list. Equally, stay open minded because there are so many wonderful shows happening at the Fringe and word of mouth really is the most powerful thing so keep flexible with your schedule in case there is another show you want to squeeze in!

Why should people book to see your show?

KAREN is a fun, fast paced and funny show that will be sure to have you cackling and crying. If you are afan of Fleabag, Peep Show and Bridget Jones then KAREN is for you. There is something in it for everybody and if you are looking for a special show that promises to be relatable and enjoyable then book your ticket for KAREN.

When and where can people see the show?

KAREN is on at 3:55pm at the Delhi Belly Underbelly Cowgate for the whole of August (bar 12th& 19th).You can book your tickets now on the Fringe website and Underbelly website with special discounts available!