Interview: Cova Camblor talks “Maybe I do…?”

June 2023

Writer and performer Cova Camblor is set to bring a new comedy to the Camden Fringe in August. A solo show about love, lust and language barriers, “Maybe I do…?” tells the tale of a Spanish woman who agrees to marry and Englishman via zoom… with some twists along the way. The show will play at the Hen and Chickens Theatre on July 31st and August 1st, and the Rosemary Branch Theatre on 4th and 5th August, so I caught up with Cova to find out about the show, influences and the rewards of getting laughs out of audiences.

So how did Maybe I do…? come about?

The idea started during the pandemic, when Zoom videocalls were the new normal. I always wanted to create a one woman show and I thought: “What is the most ridiculous thing you can do in a Zoom videocall? A Wedding!”

That’s certainly one way to stay amused during a lockdown! Can audiences expect a bit of light and dark with this show?

There are moments for each. It’s pure comedy, but with a twist. The character explores a wide range of emotions, from joy to sadness; from happiness to frustration… and anger!

And how would you describe the style of Maybe I do…?

You can expect music, clowning, physical theatre and stand up comedy.

A top combination if you ask me. So who are you hoping will see this work and what are you hoping they’ll take away with them?

Agents, reviewers, people in the industry… However, as I performed it before, I realised that there is no more reward than making the audience laugh. So my only hope is to fill the theatre with people who want to spend a good time together and leave the room with a smile on their faces.

Sounds like a pretty good goal to have. So, without spoilers, obviously, can you give us a taste of Maybe I do…? – a highlight you find yourself drawn to?

I just want to say that there are a couple of twists that nobody sees coming, and they are funny… very funny!

Quick-fire round now then – your first experience of theatre/ live performance?

A dramatic character: Polyxena, from Trojan Women.

You are offering audiences big laughs with Maybe I do…?, so tell me: who makes you laugh most?

I could name several comedians, in Spain and in the UK. But the reality is that I laugh the most when I am with my friends. I think they should be comedians too!

Best advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to theatre-making?

Be humble, but be careful not to get overwhelmed with insecurities. I know… difficult, right?

Right! Dream role or venue to play?

Me being a comedian maybe you won´t expect this… but my dream would it be to perform any character from a Tim Burton movie.

Tim Burton eh? The comic goes gothic – it works more often than we might realise… And your route into the arts?

I started journalism back in Spain and I always loved writing fiction. When I moved to London I started studying drama and I realised that I could combine my two passions and create a dream job: writing and performing. I have also been told that I was very funny and I noticed that I enjoyed making people laugh. After a few stand up comedy nights I wanted to use my skills to create my own shows. ‘Maybe I do…?’ is my first one woman show.

So there you have it! You can catch Cova’s ‘Maybe I do…?’ at the Hen and Chickens Theatre on July 31st and August 1st, and the Rosemary Branch Theatre on 4th and 5th August, as part of the Camden Fringe. More information and tickets can be found here.