Fit Prince isn’t your typical holiday romcom. It’s camp, it’s musical, and it’s bursting with queer joy – exactly what you’d expect from real-life couple and creative duo Linus Karp and Joseph Martin. Known for their playful and bold productions, the pair are taking their most ambitious show yet to Edinburgh Fringe this summer. We caught up with them to talk about the magic behind Fit Prince, why Swedonia isn’t entirely fictional, and what it’s like making theatre as a couple.
You’re a real-life couple of 10 years! Can you tell us about the first time you performed together and how that experience shaped your future (personally and professionally!)
We are! The first time we performed together was a playreading of a Swedish play in London – so it feels like a full circle moment to know do a show heavily inspired by Swedish culture. We always have a lot of fun and come up with silly ideas together, so to get to do it full time and on stage is such a privilege.
What is your favourite and also your least favourite holiday romcom of all time?
Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square is the best one! Dolly Parton as a homeless angel? Christine Baranski as an evil woman selling the town? Jenifer Lewis belting? Chaotic backing dancers in every scene? It is CAMP PERFECTION.
How will this show be different from your previous Edinburgh shows? How will it be similar?
If you’ve seen an Awkward Prods show you’ll feel familiar with the vibe, the musical numbers, puppetry and audience participation. Though this time it’s all been elevated to new highs. Just wait until you see Gerta McMurder. It is our most ambitious project so far – technically, set wise, with audience involvement and with our digital cast. We are doing things we’ve never done before which feels very exciting and scary. Oh, and I play a man for once, which will be a real challenge, men are just so dull – how can we find comedy in that?
The show is set in the fictional country of Swedonia. Can you tell us a bit about life there? We know Linus is from Sweden… how similar and how different is this fantasy land?
In Swedonia everyone is stylish, loves pop music and is queer. So pretty much like Sweden.
Who are the characters inspired by? Princes and paupers in Hallmark movies for sure … but are there also any real-life inspirations?
We have sat on this idea for a few years, and it feels like it combines many of our ideas and favourite things: Hallmark movies for sure, but also Swedish culture and pop music – especially Abba! We also very much wanted to tell a joyful queer love story, as it so often feels like queer stories are full of tragedy.
xxx
The Fit Prince (Who Gets Switched On The Square In The Frosty Castle The Night Before (Insert Public Holiday Here)) will be performed at 4.40pm in Pleasance Courtyard (Beyond) from 30th July – 25th August (not Tuesdays)