The name Ada Campe has become synonymous with originality, wit, and theatrical brilliance in the world of British comedy and cabaret. Known for her eccentric blend of magic, storytelling, and old-fashioned showmanship, Ada Campe is not just a performer — she is a phenomenon. With her distinctive costumes, elaborate hats, and an unmistakable stage presence, she transports her audiences into a world that is both absurdly funny and profoundly imaginative. Behind the character stands Naomi Paxton, a multi-talented performer, researcher, and advocate of the performing arts. Yet, Ada Campe, her alter ego, has taken on a life of her own — embodying the spirit of vaudeville and vintage variety with a contemporary twist.
The Origin of Ada Campe
Ada Campe was created as a performance persona by Naomi Paxton, who originally trained as an actor and later became an academic researcher focusing on theatre and the suffrage movement. The birth of Ada Campe came from Paxton’s desire to merge her passion for history, performance, and feminist humour into one compelling act. What started as an experimental character soon evolved into one of the most recognised names in the UK cabaret and comedy circuit.
Her background in theatre deeply informs her work. Every performance feels meticulously rehearsed yet spontaneous, blending comedic timing with the charm of a classic stage magician. Ada Campe’s style pays homage to early twentieth-century variety performers — think sequins, feathers, and mystery — but infused with a modern edge and clever satire that resonates with contemporary audiences.
The Woman Behind the Persona
While Ada Campe dazzles audiences with her eccentricities and magic tricks, Naomi Paxton brings intellectual depth to the act. Paxton is a well-respected theatre historian, writer, and broadcaster who explores the role of performance in social and political movements. She has been recognised for her academic contributions, particularly in the study of suffrage-era theatre — where actresses used performance as a powerful medium for activism.
This dual identity — the scholar and the showwoman — is what gives Ada Campe her richness. Behind every punchline and illusion is a mind that understands the layered nature of performance. Through Ada, Naomi celebrates the legacy of women who challenged norms through entertainment, offering laughter as a tool of resistance and empowerment.
Ada Campe’s Magical Stagecraft
What makes Ada Campe extraordinary is her ability to merge the worlds of comedy and magic without one overshadowing the other. She is a master of misdirection — not only in her tricks but in her humour. Her audience never quite knows what to expect, and that unpredictability is part of her charm.
Her acts often revolve around eccentric stories, whimsical characters, and unexpected revelations. One moment, she may be telling a tale about her “psychic duck,” and the next, she might be performing a trick that defies logic. Her shows aren’t just about laughter or amazement — they’re immersive experiences that pull the audience into her peculiar yet delightful universe.
Signature Shows and Performances
Ada Campe’s shows have been a staple at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where her performances receive glowing reviews year after year. Among her most acclaimed productions are Ada Campe and the Psychic Duck, Too Little, Too Soon, and Big Duck Energy.
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Ada Campe and the Psychic Duck brought her a surge of attention, combining surreal storytelling with sharp humour. The show was a celebration of eccentricity and emotion, leaving audiences both laughing and reflective.
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Too Little, Too Soon delved into personal themes while maintaining her signature absurdity, blending heartfelt honesty with wild comedic flair.
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Big Duck Energy took her reputation even further, demonstrating her ability to reinvent herself while keeping her trademark style intact.
Each show highlights her gift for connecting with audiences. Ada doesn’t just perform for the crowd; she performs with them. Her spontaneous interactions create a sense of intimacy and shared adventure, making each show unique.
Awards and Recognition
Ada Campe’s talent has not gone unnoticed. She has won several prestigious awards, including the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year (NATYS) and the Leicester Square Theatre Old Comedian of the Year. These accolades cement her status as a standout figure in British comedy.
Her performances have also been recognised by critics and peers for their originality and stagecraft. In 2024, Ada won the Best Panto Performance award at the Offie Awards for her role as “The Sorcerer” in the Royal Vauxhall Tavern’s pantomime Tossed. Her ability to switch from solo cabaret acts to theatrical roles proves her versatility and wide-ranging talent.
The Influence of Vaudeville and Vintage Variety
One of Ada Campe’s greatest strengths is her commitment to preserving the essence of traditional variety theatre. Her performances echo the golden age of vaudeville — the era of big personalities, elaborate costumes, and audience engagement. She draws inspiration from the showmen and showwomen of early British entertainment while reinventing those traditions for modern sensibilities.
This nostalgic aesthetic is not just about style but storytelling. Ada’s makeup, wardrobe, and exaggerated expressions serve a purpose: to create a bridge between past and present. She embodies a timeless sense of showmanship that feels both comforting and refreshingly new.
The Academic Performer
Beyond the spotlight, Naomi Paxton’s academic work profoundly influences Ada Campe’s artistic vision. Her research into suffrage theatre connects directly with her performance ethos — using art to provoke thought and inspire change. Naomi’s publications and lectures often explore how humour and theatre have historically been tools for empowerment and social commentary.
Through Ada Campe, she brings that theory to life. The character becomes a living embodiment of theatrical activism — bold, fearless, and unapologetically funny. Audiences may not realise they are witnessing a subtle form of feminist performance art disguised as comedy, but that is precisely what makes Ada so impactful.
Ada Campe’s Impact on the Comedy Scene
In an era dominated by stand-up comics and short-form internet humour, Ada Campe’s work feels refreshingly unique. She reminds audiences that performance can be larger than life — a spectacle that combines intellect, magic, and silliness. Her shows are a testament to the power of theatrical storytelling in an age of digital distraction.
Younger performers often cite Ada as an inspiration for blending disciplines and embracing eccentricity. Her success proves that there is room in the comedy world for artistry that refuses to fit into neat categories. She is a bridge between generations of performers — keeping the traditions of cabaret alive while pushing them into the future.
Stage Presence and Persona
To watch Ada Campe perform is to witness total commitment. Her physicality, expressions, and control over the stage are commanding. Whether she’s delivering a mischievous smirk, conjuring a magic trick, or breaking into song, her energy is magnetic.
Her voice — both literally and figuratively — is distinct. The exaggerated enunciation, the dramatic pauses, and the tongue-in-cheek humour all contribute to a persona that feels meticulously crafted yet wonderfully unpredictable. Every gesture serves the story, and every joke carries depth beyond its surface.
The Magic of Connection
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Ada Campe is her ability to connect. Her comedy isn’t cruel or cynical; it’s inclusive, warm, and joyfully absurd. She invites her audience to suspend disbelief and join her on a journey where ducks can be psychic, magicians can cry, and laughter becomes the ultimate spell.
In a time when entertainment often feels disposable, Ada’s performances linger. They remind us that live theatre is still one of the most powerful ways to bring people together — through wonder, laughter, and shared imagination.
Future Prospects
As Ada Campe continues to evolve, her influence is set to grow even further. She represents a rare combination of intellect and entertainment, artistry and absurdity. Whether she’s performing in an intimate cabaret club or a grand theatre, she leaves audiences charmed, inspired, and occasionally bewildered — in the best possible way.
Fans eagerly await her next creations, confident that whatever she does next will carry her signature mix of laughter, magic, and heartfelt performance. With her ability to reinvent herself and remain relevant, Ada Campe proves that true variety artistry never goes out of style.
Conclusion
Ada Campe stands as one of the most distinctive and creative voices in British entertainment today. She merges comedy, cabaret, and magic into a seamless performance art form that defies convention. Beneath her sparkling exterior lies a deep understanding of theatre, history, and humanity.
Her success is a tribute to the timeless power of laughter and imagination. Whether she’s enchanting a crowd with illusions or challenging perceptions through humour, Ada Campe embodies the spirit of showbusiness at its finest — brave, brilliant, and utterly unforgettable.
