In our ongoing Edinburgh Fringe 2026 interview series, we are speaking to artists and creatives who are bringing their shows to the Scottish capital this summer.
In this interview, we speak with Stephen Cole about his show Camelton.
What can you tell me about your show?
Camelton is a hilarious roller coaster ride about a New York Jewish writer who was commissioned by the Emir of Qatar to write the first American musical to premiere in the Middle East. That New York Jew is me, Stephen Cole! I lived through an incredible nine month adventure that took me from NYC to Dubai, Qatar, Bratislava, London and back again...alive! The show in Doha was an international event with camels, actors, acrobats, fire eaters and flying carpets, but the show about creating the show is a one man mini-musical written and performed by Stephen Cole. I play myself and every other character that I encountered on the journey using video, songs, projections and even a newly designed Lebanese translator puppet with whom I sing a duet!
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
I am a mixture of Mel Brooks and Seinfeld and Larry David, but with warmth. We all share our Borscht belt Catskill Jewish comic sensibilities, but my story of cross culture insanity bangs up against my New York Jewish schtick in a musical comedy way. Think the Producers goes to the Middle East. I am a musical comedy man who loves to get a laugh and this story of stories from my life allows me to use every talent at my disposal. Acting, standup, singing, accents,. a bit of the hora etc. It is an anarchic mini-musical that will leave you with a message: don't let this happen to you!
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
After writing a full fledged off Broadway musical that played NYC, London and the Edinburgh Fringe, I started to do a stand up version of it all myself for small groups of people who laughed at everything I did and said. I realized that there was a show in this. I realized it was more fun to perform everything myself and the timing was perfect.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
As the world has changed in the last 21 years since this amazing Middle Eastern adventure really happened, I realize the Middle East situation only gets more and more complex. My story of trying to bring peace to the middle east by writing a huge American musical seems nostalgic and innocent by today's standards. This is the perfect time to tell a crazy tale about two cultures coming together to put on a show. It's a story that can never happen again (and it's mine!) and one that never fails to amaze and amuse.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
Having been a performer since I was 14, I have no fear when I am out there, but I also put my performing life on hold to write 15 musicals and publish 6 books. So I am building my stamina. Having done a short run of CAMELTON in NYC to sold out houses and rave reviews, I am preparing myself for a whole different audience, a more international bunch of theatre lovers. I have put in a new encore to a song I do about Jewish Food to include the hilarious names of Scottish delicacies (including Fried Mars Bars). Physically, I am hitting the gym all the time and keeping myself in top shape so I look good in my tight pants and shirts. Mentally, I am just trying not to be too stressed. I thrive on the stage and can't wait to get myself in front of all these brilliant audiences. I tell myself daily, "you can do it! you can do it!"
If you couldn’t use a flyer to attract audiences, what ridiculous object would you hand out to people to get them into your show?
I would hand out all the Jewish foods I sing about: the melon balls & matzoh balls & meatballs, the knish, the liver and the onions, the delish gefilte fish! Either that or hummus and babaganush! Food attracts everyone! Well, maybe not camel stew...
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without at the Fringe?
My voice...and my Lebanese Translator puppet...wait that's two. But she needs my voice too.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
Entertaining as many delighted audiences as possible. Passing my story and its moral on. Say yes and you never know what adventures will await. Also getting booked for a long run in London and NYC.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
I have yet to see what is playing, but I know there is a show about Elizabeth Taylor I want to see and one about Dr. Ruth as well. Both excellent sex practitioners and experts...and one of them very short.
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
I loved climbing Arthur's Seat. I know it sounds dirty, but it was a great sweaty experience and the views were fabulous.
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Hilarious, Tuneful, Jewish, Unbelievable, Incredible.
What keeps you inspired?
I write plays, musicals, fiction, non fiction, songs...I switch from one to the other and that keeps me inspired.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
I want people to take away the realization that by saying yes to the most insane email ("we want you write musical....how much?") you can have hilarious once in a life time adventures that you will still be talking about decades later. I also want them to take away my fabulously reviewed best selling CAMELTON book which I will personally autograph after the show.
When and where can people see the show?
CAMELTON is running from August 5-31 at 14:05PM daily (except for the 17th) at the Teviot Wine Bar in the Gilded Balloon. Tix at 0131 622 6552 and https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/camelton
 |
| Stephen Cole. |
Post a Comment