QX chats with Linus Karp (who played Gyneth and Diana, and who stars with his partner in life and theatre, Joseph Martin) about his new role and what we can look forward to in Awkward Productions’ latest show, The Fit Prince (who gets switched on the square in the frosty castle (the night before (insert public holiday here)), to give it its full title.
Thank you for taking the time out of rehearsals, Linus. Let’s get down to basics. Is anyone wearing a wig and a dress in The Fit Prince?
Would it be an Awkward Prods’ show if not? My main role isn’t a woman for once, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be appearing in a wig and a dress…
Why the departure?
I don’t think it is a departure? I think it’s a quintessential Awkward Prods’ show – full of queerness, pop culture, multimedia, audience participation and puppetry, but also full of new surprises. It’s going to be really fun, I’m very excited.
So, tell us the storyline.
I play Prince Elian of Swedonia, who has to marry in order to retain the crown. Joseph plays Aaron Butcher, a baker from New York who’s commissioned to bake the wedding cake. Together we end up heading on an adventure across Swedonia, while there’s also a threat uncovered that could destroy the entire country…
Where did the inspiration come from?
We’ve had the idea for this show for a long time – inspired by Netflix and Hallmark style Holiday movies such as The Princess Switch, The Knight Before Christmas, A Christmas Prince and so on.
What makes it funny?
I feel like there’s a lot of fun to be had with a fictional country. We also have a new exciting puppet specially created, and I fear she’ll outshine me and become the star of the show. And then there are some unreal video appearances that I can’t wait to see the reactions for…
There are some great tunes from a very talented award-winning songwriter. Give us an idea of what we can expect.
The incredible Leland, known for writing for Troye Sivan, Charli XCX, Cher and RuPaul’s Drag Race, is writing the songs. He wrote the music for our last show, Gwyneth Goes Skiing, as well. He creates pop perfection, the first drafts of the songs are so fun. Having him as a collaborator on this is such a dream – he is so ridiculously talented and such a ridiculously great energy to be around.
You’ve enjoyed some wonderful success. What else are you looking to do in the future?
Thank you. Joseph and I are getting married this year as well, so I guess that will take up some of our time. That feels very exciting. The last couple of years have been wild, we’ve had such amazing responses to our work and have been able to tour both the UK and internationally fairly constantly, and have been collaborating with incredible people. I’d love more of that, some things are in motion that we will share with you soon…
The Fit Prince (Who Gets Switched On The Square In The Frosty Castle The Night Before (Insert Public Holiday Here)) will be performed:
Pleasance Courtyard (Beyond), Edinburgh, from 30 July – 25 August 2025, at 4.40pm (not Tuesdays).
King’s Head Theatre, London, from 2 December 2025 – 3 January 2026.
