July 2023
Let’s talk about love shall we? That’s just what Mark Rutterford’s show will be doing this August as he brings “Love. Stories.” to the Camden Fringe. Promising great entertainment for romantics and cynics alike, this show is set to play the Aces & Eights 26th – 27th August (5pm) and here, Mark chats about a few of his favourite things, the joys of audience input and why the fringe is so fab…
Let’s start at the very beginning (if it’s good enough for Maria and all that…): tell me a little bit about Love. Stories.
It’s a show about my two favourite things: Love and Stories. It’s a whirlwind romance of stories, chat and laughs about love but like any romantic encounter, it’s not a ‘sit back and listen’ experience. The audience gets involved throughput and we’ll swap our best and worst romantic moments in the room. And if we can’t be objective about this thing called L.O.V.E. I know an alien who can.
What’s the most important thing you want people to know about Love. Stories. and its intentions?
It’s for romantics and cynics alike and it will make you laugh. Come along if you’re loved up and happy. Come along if you’re heartbroken. Whether you connect with a story that’s too romantic for Mills and Boon or the sound of heartache cuts you in half, there are feels in this show for you.
How does this piece relate to your previous work – is this new territory for you?
After around 10 years performing across the South West, this is my first Fringe show and my first season – I think of it as my apprenticeship year so I’m excited and humbled to be here. I’m so grateful to Camden Fringe and Aces & Eights in Tufnell Park for putting on the show – I plan to be back in future years.
Is there a specific USP that you think audiences will love when it comes to your show?
Apart from the free Love Hearts for all, the audience make every show unique. They decide on the path of one story and who appears at the end. They decide who wins the World Cup of Love Songs. And we’ll share our best and worst moments in love – laughing along the way to finding kindred spirits. I write up each show and share a summary on my website http://www.markrutterford.com
If you had to name the highest high and the most valuable hiccup so far, what would you say?
The first ever Fringe outing for Love. Stories, in Bath this May, got a 4-Star review – as affirmation goes, that was special. But piloting the show and getting feedback was priceless too – a couple of stories were too long and there wasn’t enough to keep the audience engaged. It was excruciating seeing someone drift off, but forced me to make the show tighter and more interactive. Thank you to the brave and honest pilot show pioneers!
A lovely journey so far then! Quickfire time now… Dream role or venue to play?
I’d like to tell a story on the Glastonbury Pyramid Stage – the story is written, do pass on my number…
Your route into the arts?
I started with open mics, story and lit fest events, learned from others and did a couple of great performance theatre courses. I’m still moving from a long career in public service to a new career in the arts – ‘do what you love’ they say…I’m getting there!
The best thing about being involved with the Camden Fringe?
Everyone in the Fringe community is so generous and supportive – I’ve had a lot of help and advice and am trying to pay it forward too.
The one thing you’d like the power to improve in the industry?
Increase grant funding for performers, companies and venues – we need the arts more than ever.
Any last of all, why should audiences come along to see Love. Stories. this August?
Love. Stories. will make your toes curl and your heart light up.
So there you have it! You can catch Mark Rutterford’s “Love. stories.” at Aces & Eights 26th – 27th August 2023 (5pm) as part of the Camden Fringe. More information and tickets can be found here.
Always Time For Theatre 
Leave a comment