The Joke comes to Exeter
An Englishman, an Irishman and a Scotsman walked into a theatre…
"Is this some kind of joke?" said the Englishman. "The evidence is stacking up," said the Scotsman. “I didn't agree to this," said the Irishman.
In his trademark idiosyncratic style Will Adamsdale explores cultural stereotypes, humour and the lighter side of cannibalism. He is joined onstage by collaborators Brian Logan (Scottish) and Lloyd Hutchinson (Irish) and - with interludes of song and physical comedy - the three try desperately to escape a joke they don't want to be in, a theatre they've never seen before and everyone’s assumptions about everything.
Will Adamsdale said, “I was watching a show at the National’s Lyttelton Theatre a few years ago and at the interval the massive safety curtain came up, and I thought how fun it would be if there were some bemused men on it as it went up, who didn't want to be there or in the theatre at all. I wondered why they would be there, trapped in the theatre, like ship wrecked men on an island and whether that could be the basis of a show where these three hapless chaps charge around and investigate all the nooks and crannies that we know in theatres (lighting box, backstage etc) to find a way out.
“And then for some reason they suddenly became an Englishman, an Irishman and a Scotsman. And that's why they are trapped. Because they are always trapped in those jokes: on a mountain, in a cable car, but also in a joke they can never get out of and where they play their roles endlessly. They are also trapped - as we all are- by the labels and stereotypes foisted on us.
“The safety curtain stunt may have to wait though for health and safety reasons (I asked)”
Will Adamsdale (English) is a comedian, actor and writer. He’s best known for his Perrier Award winning show Jackson’s Way which he reprised at BAC last Christmas. Other shows include The Receipt (Fringe First and Total Theatre Award winner) The Human Computer, The Summer House and The Victorian in the Wall (Royal Court 2013), which he adapted for BBC Radio 4. His most recent show, Borders, premiered at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Lloyd Hutchinson (Irish) is a stage, TV, film and radio actor. In the West End he’s appeared in Twelfth Night, Stones in His Pocket, One for the Road, and Shopping and Fucking, his credits at the National include The Beaux' Stratagem, Collaborators, and The Observer and at the RSC Boris Godunov, Orphan of Zhao, Good, and Troilus and Cressida. His film appearances include Anonymous and Mrs Henderson Presents.
Brian Logan (Scottish) is the Artistic Director of Camden People’s Theatre and founder member and performer with Cartoon de Salvo. He is also the Guardian’s comedy critic.
Founded in 2004, and led by Louise Blackwell and Kate McGrath, Fuel is a producing organisation working in partnership with some of the most exciting artists in the UK to develop, create and present new performance work for all. Fuel is currently working with the artists including: Will Adamsdale, Clod Ensemble, Inua Ellams, Fevered Sleep, Racheal Ofori, David Rosenberg, Andy Smith, Sound&Fury, Tom Stuart, Uninvited Guests, Melanie Wilson and Gyre & Gimble.
The Joke starts its tour on 21 April in Kent and comes will be at the Bike Shed Theatre in Exeter from 27-30 April.
Performances daily at 7.30pm, tickets £12, £8 concs. Call the box office on 01392 434169 or visit www.bikeshedtheatre.co.uk
@FuelTheatre | #TheJoke | www.fueltheatre.com
Running Time: 90 mins approx.| Suitable for ages 12+
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