To book tickets please click here
Please note - online booking will not be available after midnight
on Thursday 28th September
Please note - online booking will not be available after midnight
on Thursday 28th September
THE PROGRAMME:
10 MINUTE WONDERS
- STROUD SCRIPTWRITERS GROUP
The Little George Micropub, 21 George Street, Stroud, GL5 3DP
Friday 29th Sept 8.00p.m, Saturday 30th Sept 6.00 p.m., Sunday 1st Oct 6.00 p.m.
Book online HERE
A collection of new scripts from Stroud Scriptwriters - a mix of theatre performances and radio plays all lasting 10 minutes and performed by Gloucestershire actors. Some are scripts by writers for whom this is their very first script. The radio plays will be available to listen to by hiring an mp3 player from the Tourist Information Centre.
ALF THE HIGHWAYMAN
- BRAVE BOLD DRAMA
The Old Town Hall, The Shambles, Stroud, GL5 1AP
Sunday 1st Oct 12.00 p.m., 3.00 p.m.
Book online HERE
Alf has an eye for other people's possessions. Especially belongings of sentimental value. He snatches and grabs without a thought for other people’s feelings.
But it's time for him to change tack and learn that there are better ways to play!
Roll up, set a sail and join Alf as he gallops through the blustery wood, along the seashore and revels in wonder as the circus comes to town . . .
Full of imaginative play, original songs and vibrant characters - 'Alf the Highwayman' is a show for all the family with plenty of chances to join in and no frights!
Best Children 's Show (Shaftesbury Fringe 2016)
Best Children's Show (Swindon Fringe 2017)
But it's time for him to change tack and learn that there are better ways to play!
Roll up, set a sail and join Alf as he gallops through the blustery wood, along the seashore and revels in wonder as the circus comes to town . . .
Full of imaginative play, original songs and vibrant characters - 'Alf the Highwayman' is a show for all the family with plenty of chances to join in and no frights!
Best Children 's Show (Shaftesbury Fringe 2016)
Best Children's Show (Swindon Fringe 2017)
AN ARTS COUNCIL GRANT DON'T COME FOR FREE
- ODIOUS VEX
The Alehouse, 9 John Street, Stroud, GL5 2HA
Saturday 30th Sept 4.30 p.m., Sunday 1st Oct 6.00 p.m.
The Little George Micropub, 21 George Street, Stroud, GL5 3DP
Sat 30th Sept 7.30 p.m.
Book online HERE
Be a poet, or die trying.
Spend an hour with Swindon’s number 1 poet, rapper and paintballer Odious Vex, finding out where he gets his inspiration (“I get inspired by the pavements, the streets got cars, innit”) What it’s like to be poet in Residence at Uncle Steve’s Car Wash and Valeting Service (“The canteen don’t do gluten free so I’ve mostly been throwing up behind the BMW’s”) and find out why things are bad, in a bad bad way and not in a good bad way.
“Needs to spend more time on technical accuracy and less time standing outside my house” Lucy English, Poet and Head of Creative Writing, Bath Spa University
"This paragraph fails to explain how you would attract an audience to your show” Assessor, Grants for The Arts, Arts Council England.
“He is dench but Callum from Year 10 has already asked me” Nicky, Friend
“He’s getting taller” Aunty Liz
Spend an hour with Swindon’s number 1 poet, rapper and paintballer Odious Vex, finding out where he gets his inspiration (“I get inspired by the pavements, the streets got cars, innit”) What it’s like to be poet in Residence at Uncle Steve’s Car Wash and Valeting Service (“The canteen don’t do gluten free so I’ve mostly been throwing up behind the BMW’s”) and find out why things are bad, in a bad bad way and not in a good bad way.
“Needs to spend more time on technical accuracy and less time standing outside my house” Lucy English, Poet and Head of Creative Writing, Bath Spa University
"This paragraph fails to explain how you would attract an audience to your show” Assessor, Grants for The Arts, Arts Council England.
“He is dench but Callum from Year 10 has already asked me” Nicky, Friend
“He’s getting taller” Aunty Liz
AMAZING STORIES OF BLUES AND SOUL
- KEN WOOD AND THE MIXERS
The George Room, Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE
Sunday 1st Oct 7.30 p.m.
Book online HERE
Oww! I feel good! The sensational story of soul – from the pounding R'n'B of the 1940s to the smouldering sounds of Stax. Featuring a rollicking, six-piece band and a dynamic, all-action stage show, this laughter-laced road trip will take you on a quest to find the roots of soul music, and recreate the original spirit of the legendary singers and foot-stomping soul classics that sound-tracked a generation. This fast-paced show combines anecdotes, humour and the songs of Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, James Brown and many more….
www.kenwoodandmixers.com Running time 1 hour
www.kenwoodandmixers.com Running time 1 hour
CHURCH OF PHIL RECRUITMENT SEMINAR
- FIRE DONKEY PRODUCTIONS
The Old Town Hall, The Shambles, Stroud, GL5 1AP
Friday 29th Sept 6.30 p.m., Saturday 30th Sept 4.30 p.m.
Book online HERE
Fire Donkey Productions presents an award-winning definitely fictional absurd comedy cult seminar based around Phil, the former child-star of a 90's pharmaceutical advert who now runs a caravan holiday park in Wales. Join Liam and Polly, two of Phil's most loyal followers, who will guide you through a slick slideshow presentation, enlighten you with stories about the great man himself and introduce you to some of the colourful characters who make up the Phil movement. Includes contemporary dance, puppetry, ritual sacrifice and a raffle. And who doesn't like a raffle?
Church of Phil is the 3rd production by the Fire Donkey team and was described as “appealing grubby anarchy” by the Swindonian and picked up the award for “Best Original Piece” at the Swindon Fringe Festival 2017.
What audiences have said about Fire Donkey Productions:
“The most absurd piece of theatre I've ever seen”
“Bonkers”
“Brilliantly random”
“Inventive, endearing, hilarious”
And one woman simply wished us luck.
Running time 1 hour
Church of Phil is the 3rd production by the Fire Donkey team and was described as “appealing grubby anarchy” by the Swindonian and picked up the award for “Best Original Piece” at the Swindon Fringe Festival 2017.
What audiences have said about Fire Donkey Productions:
“The most absurd piece of theatre I've ever seen”
“Bonkers”
“Brilliantly random”
“Inventive, endearing, hilarious”
And one woman simply wished us luck.
Running time 1 hour
FLOSSY AND BOO'S CURIOSITY SHOP
- FLOSSY AND BOO LTD
Due to unforeseen circumstances this performance has been cancelled.
BUT the 1.30p.m. Saturday performance in the George Room will be replace by The OS Map Fan Club presented by Helen Wood (See below)
GLOUCESTERSHIRE FEMALE CREATIVES
The George Room, Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE
Friday 29th Sept 8.00 p.m., Saturday 30th Sept 3.00 p.m.
Please note the Gloucestershire Female Creatives performance will last for 1 hour 45 minutes (including interval) and because of this tickets will be slightly higher at £8.00 and £ 6.00
Book online HERE
Gloucestershire Female Creatives is a recently-founded collective of female artists of all backgrounds, artistic disciplines and stages of development. We are seeking to establish a mutual support-network for women creatives across Gloucestershire, and to create platforms and opportunities to share and showcase our work. The 5th Stroud Theatre Festival is our first official engagement, presenting eight performers/artists in five short and varied performances.
Foulisfair Theatre - Daughters (2)
Ten years ago, deeply entrenched in daughterdom, Foulisfair Theatre presented Daughters, an eclectic, bold and fragmented protest against all assumptions of sugar and spice. Ten years on, with motherhood now rife amongst founding members, a new ensemble presents Daughters (2), a matured and nuanced tribute to this very female condition; an exploration and celebration of a never-ending relay of daughters past, present and future, walking through our living-rooms like ghosts, bleeding on sheets, twisting towards the light.
Ten years ago, deeply entrenched in daughterdom, Foulisfair Theatre presented Daughters, an eclectic, bold and fragmented protest against all assumptions of sugar and spice. Ten years on, with motherhood now rife amongst founding members, a new ensemble presents Daughters (2), a matured and nuanced tribute to this very female condition; an exploration and celebration of a never-ending relay of daughters past, present and future, walking through our living-rooms like ghosts, bleeding on sheets, twisting towards the light.
Sarah Dixon - Mother Bunting
Bunting! Mothers! Do you see the connection?
They are pretty and jolly, and make a nice atmosphere, just by hanging in the background with their cute little colourful trails batting in the breeze. Mother Bunting looks like bunting, but in the bunting is the stuff that's only there if you look at it properly. The blood, the guts, the tears, the sweat, the sore backs, the aching hearts. The confusion, the pain, the joy, the mystery and the goddamn true facts of this crazy s*** we call 'Mother'.
Mother Bunting is a participatory artwork by Sarah Dixon that invites you to make bunting on a Mother theme, for groups shows in Stroud, London and the US. Free template to download from sarahdixonfineart.co.uk. Sarah will read two Mother Bunting texts, her own and a contributed piece.
Bunting! Mothers! Do you see the connection?
They are pretty and jolly, and make a nice atmosphere, just by hanging in the background with their cute little colourful trails batting in the breeze. Mother Bunting looks like bunting, but in the bunting is the stuff that's only there if you look at it properly. The blood, the guts, the tears, the sweat, the sore backs, the aching hearts. The confusion, the pain, the joy, the mystery and the goddamn true facts of this crazy s*** we call 'Mother'.
Mother Bunting is a participatory artwork by Sarah Dixon that invites you to make bunting on a Mother theme, for groups shows in Stroud, London and the US. Free template to download from sarahdixonfineart.co.uk. Sarah will read two Mother Bunting texts, her own and a contributed piece.
Grow - Uta Baldauf
A poetic exploration of the theme growing. Growing vegetables, children, feelings. Growing is a long process. Waiting and growing. This performance will be a linguistic and surreal investigation. The unknown will be hovering with the performer. A playful and thoughtful moment in time, growing apart from the expected vision.
www.utabaldauf.co.uk
A poetic exploration of the theme growing. Growing vegetables, children, feelings. Growing is a long process. Waiting and growing. This performance will be a linguistic and surreal investigation. The unknown will be hovering with the performer. A playful and thoughtful moment in time, growing apart from the expected vision.
www.utabaldauf.co.uk
Unsung, Untold - Chloe of the Midnight Storytellers
A young couple have 2.4 children and a work/life balance under strain. But she has a song to sing and a story to tell. A magical realism mystery for the 21st century. - Chloë of the Midnight Storytellers continues to explore the contemporary spoken word, in cheerful and thought provoking fantasy brimming with lyrical language.
www.midnightstorytellers.co.uk
A young couple have 2.4 children and a work/life balance under strain. But she has a song to sing and a story to tell. A magical realism mystery for the 21st century. - Chloë of the Midnight Storytellers continues to explore the contemporary spoken word, in cheerful and thought provoking fantasy brimming with lyrical language.
www.midnightstorytellers.co.uk
Chloe Jacquet
Based in Gloucestershire and with a multicultural background, Chloë is a multi-slam winning performance poet and current Oxford Hammer & Tongue poetry slam champion. With a preference for straight talking and a penchant for rhymes and opinions, Chloe’s poetry is both entertaining and accessible. Her work deals with a wide variety of subjects, ranging from workplace discrimination to the pressures placed on modern men, via her short term relationship with a biscuit.
Based in Gloucestershire and with a multicultural background, Chloë is a multi-slam winning performance poet and current Oxford Hammer & Tongue poetry slam champion. With a preference for straight talking and a penchant for rhymes and opinions, Chloe’s poetry is both entertaining and accessible. Her work deals with a wide variety of subjects, ranging from workplace discrimination to the pressures placed on modern men, via her short term relationship with a biscuit.
HEALTH ANONYMOUS
- BRICK DOOR THEATRE COMPANY
The Alehouse, 9 John Street, Stroud, GL5 2HA
Fri 29th Sept 5.00 p.m., Sat 30th Sept 3.00 p.m., Sun 1st Oct 3.00 p.m., 7.30 p.m.
The Little George Micropub, 21 George Street, Stroud, GL5 3DP
Fri 29th Sept 9.30 p.m., Sat 30th Sept 9.00 p.m.
Book online HERE
“Health Anonymous, where the names might be false but our stories are true!”
Gloucestershire actors collaborate: sharing real health conditions you may not
have heard of and explaining them with theatre!
With a session host, props, costumes and amusing anecdotes, Brick Door Theatre
Company have once again created an intimate and informative performance: a
glimpse into our lives, how we live when diagnosed and a gentle reminder that
‘we’re not alone’.
Running time (approximately) 25 minutes. Suitable for ages 12+.
Gloucestershire actors collaborate: sharing real health conditions you may not
have heard of and explaining them with theatre!
With a session host, props, costumes and amusing anecdotes, Brick Door Theatre
Company have once again created an intimate and informative performance: a
glimpse into our lives, how we live when diagnosed and a gentle reminder that
‘we’re not alone’.
Running time (approximately) 25 minutes. Suitable for ages 12+.
HOW I CAME TO BE WHERE I NEVER WAS
- JONNY FLUFFYPUNK
The British School at Star Anise, Gloucester Street, Stroud, GL5 1QG
Friday 29th Sept, 6.30 p.m., Saturday 30th Sept 1.30 p.m., Sunday 1st Oct 6.00 p.m.
Book online HERE
Jonny Fluffypunk grew up in suburban nowhere. This is a story about trying to find yourself, when you find yourself rootless. It's also about unrequited love, psychogeography and the importance of a good record shop. It's about being the first punk in the village, about making your own myth and putting yourself on the map. This is a lo-fi stand-up spoken word theatre show, with music and hopefully with little films in, too. It's for anyone who has loved, owned a vinyl record or just been alive.
Age suitability: 16+
Age suitability: 16+
IMPROMPTU SHAKESPEARE
- IMPROMPTU SHAKESPEARE
The Old Town Hall, The Shambles, Stroud, GL5 1AP
Fri 29th Sept 5.00 p.m., Sat 30th Sept 3.00 p.m., Sun 1st Oct 4.30 p.m.
Book online HERE
Making up Shakespeare - Will they get away with it?
Impromptu Shakespeare create an entirely new and unique Shakespeare play, improvised on the spot and inspired by audience suggestions. Bursting with love, poetry, comedy, tragedy, power struggles, mistaken identity, the supernatural, and everything in between – this show will delight Shakespeare nerds and novices alike.
Impromptu Shakespeare have their tongues firmly in their cheeks and their feet planted in the works of the Bard, so whether you know all 37 plays – or none this is the show for you. Join us for an hour of riotous fun as the cast buckle on the Bard's britches to bring you the plays he never wrote.
‘Hilarious improvised comedy almost worthy of the Bard himself.’
*****Broadway Baby (2016)
‘An impressive display of improv’****Three weeks
As seen on the BBC's The Art of Improv...'Shakespeare from the hip, Ingenious and very funny.' - Will Gompertz - BBC Arts Editor
Impromptu Shakespeare create an entirely new and unique Shakespeare play, improvised on the spot and inspired by audience suggestions. Bursting with love, poetry, comedy, tragedy, power struggles, mistaken identity, the supernatural, and everything in between – this show will delight Shakespeare nerds and novices alike.
Impromptu Shakespeare have their tongues firmly in their cheeks and their feet planted in the works of the Bard, so whether you know all 37 plays – or none this is the show for you. Join us for an hour of riotous fun as the cast buckle on the Bard's britches to bring you the plays he never wrote.
‘Hilarious improvised comedy almost worthy of the Bard himself.’
*****Broadway Baby (2016)
‘An impressive display of improv’****Three weeks
As seen on the BBC's The Art of Improv...'Shakespeare from the hip, Ingenious and very funny.' - Will Gompertz - BBC Arts Editor
MEDEA
- MULTI STORY THEATRE COMPANY
The British School at Star Anise, Gloucester Street, Stroud, GL5 1QG
Fri 29th Sept 8.00 p.m., Sat 30th Sept 9.00 p.m., Sun 1st Oct 3.00 p.m.
Book online HERE
"A perceptive and alarmingly modern insight into the devastating power of
perverted love and twisted logic. A fabulous story, and powerful theatre. "
In its first outing, almost twenty years ago, this pared-down version of
Euripides' classic tale of betrayal and revenge took Canada by storm, picking
up five star reviews and awarded best production at each of the three festivals
it played. After performances across the UK, including the RSC Visitors
Season, Medea played the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival,
winning awards for Best Production and Best Female Performer.
Now Medea is back, ready to weave her magic in Stroud before flying off to Kiev!
Medea is suitable for ages 14+
perverted love and twisted logic. A fabulous story, and powerful theatre. "
In its first outing, almost twenty years ago, this pared-down version of
Euripides' classic tale of betrayal and revenge took Canada by storm, picking
up five star reviews and awarded best production at each of the three festivals
it played. After performances across the UK, including the RSC Visitors
Season, Medea played the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival,
winning awards for Best Production and Best Female Performer.
Now Medea is back, ready to weave her magic in Stroud before flying off to Kiev!
Medea is suitable for ages 14+
MEN WITHOUT FRIENDS
-MONKEYDOG PRODUCTIONS
The British School at Star Anise, Gloucester Street, Stroud, GL5 1QG
Fri 29th Sept 9.30 p.m. – Something Rotten - Running Time 1 hour - Book online HERE
Sat 30th Sept 7.30 p.m. – High Vis - Running Time 1 hour - Book online HERE
Sun 1st Oct 7.30 p.m. – The Trials of Harvey Matusow - Running Time 90 minutes - Book online HERE
Writer/performer Robert Cohen presents three different one man shows on three different nights, under the umbrella title Men Without Friends.
At the heart of Men Without Friends stand three unpopular beings: Quint, in High Vis, is a traffic warden under siege from an airgun-wielding stalker; Something Rotten re-tells the tale of Hamlet from the viewpoint of the Prince’s murderous Uncle Claudius; and The Trials of Harvey Matusow, all too topical in our age of Fake News, is the true story of a man who spent four Cold War years as a McCarthyite supergrass before confessing he’d fabricated most of his ‘evidence’.
“Superb” – The Stage on Something Rotten
“Terrific stuff” – Quentin Letts in the Daily Mail on High Vis
“The best one-hander I have seen this year” – Plays International on The Trials of Harvey Matusow
At the heart of Men Without Friends stand three unpopular beings: Quint, in High Vis, is a traffic warden under siege from an airgun-wielding stalker; Something Rotten re-tells the tale of Hamlet from the viewpoint of the Prince’s murderous Uncle Claudius; and The Trials of Harvey Matusow, all too topical in our age of Fake News, is the true story of a man who spent four Cold War years as a McCarthyite supergrass before confessing he’d fabricated most of his ‘evidence’.
“Superb” – The Stage on Something Rotten
“Terrific stuff” – Quentin Letts in the Daily Mail on High Vis
“The best one-hander I have seen this year” – Plays International on The Trials of Harvey Matusow
MY DEAREST KATE
- SMALL SPACES THEATRE COMPANY
The Old Town Hall, The Shambles, Stroud, GL5 1AP
Fri 29th Sept 8.00 p.m., Sat 30th Sept 7.30 p.m., Sun 1st Oct 6.00 p.m.
Book online HERE
The story of Catherine Dickens and her tempestuous marriage to Charles, the journalist, novelist and playwright seen through actual letters exchanged between herself, Charles, friends and family.
Charles’ writing-table was "supplied with every kind of paper and envelopes and continuous provision of quill pens". Catherine liked to write with family photographs close by.
The Cheltenham based Small Spaces Theatre Company was formed by Marianne Gaston and Judith Wordsworth in 2016, following the successful summer 2016 tour of Carol Sheppard’s murder mystery play “The Drop of a Pin”.
Concentrating on venues with limited performance space the Company intends to bring quality theatre to both towns and rural countryside.
“My Dearest Kate” written in 1983 by Ellie Dickens, no relation to either Catherine or Charles, has been adapted with her blessing from a one woman monologue into this exciting and entertaining two actor production.
Running Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Charles’ writing-table was "supplied with every kind of paper and envelopes and continuous provision of quill pens". Catherine liked to write with family photographs close by.
The Cheltenham based Small Spaces Theatre Company was formed by Marianne Gaston and Judith Wordsworth in 2016, following the successful summer 2016 tour of Carol Sheppard’s murder mystery play “The Drop of a Pin”.
Concentrating on venues with limited performance space the Company intends to bring quality theatre to both towns and rural countryside.
“My Dearest Kate” written in 1983 by Ellie Dickens, no relation to either Catherine or Charles, has been adapted with her blessing from a one woman monologue into this exciting and entertaining two actor production.
Running Time 1 hour 15 minutes
NATURE KNOWS BEST
- TIC TAC THEATRE
The British School at Star Anise, Gloucester Street, Stroud, GL5 1QG
Fri 29th Sept 5.00 p.m., Sat 30th Sept 6.00 p.m., Sun 1st Oct 4.30 p.m.
Book online HERE
“Nature Knows Best” is a compilation of three short comedy plays by Devonshire playwright Nick Discombe. Each play portrays a day in the life of three different animal couplings.
“Sheep Mount” is a hilarious, yet poignant piece, in which a ewe and a ram escape their depressing lives on an enclosed farm in Devon, to roam free on Dartmoor. The defiant ewe, Zoe, is fed up of the farmer taking her young and hopes to rescue her relationship with her ram, Wayne, despite his roving eye. Meanwhile Wayne has been contending with many horrible scientific treatments from the farmer.
“Sea Gull Heaven” gives us a look into the life of two gulls that have been living out their days at a tip, where there are easy pickings for food because of mans wasteful habits. But due to city dangers and a wasteful life, they wish to get back to nature, so fly to the coast of Dawlish where they aim to cleanse their spirits.
“Seahorse Ride” changes our perceptions, as we see conventional roles within a relationship switch. The male of the species carries the children and gives birth to them and he is not at all happy about it. Not just for the obvious reason, but also because of mans effects on the environment that are deteriorating any chance of his births being successful.
This production is directed by Jacquie Crago; voice coach for National Theatre productions ‘One Man Two Governors’ & ‘Warhorse’.
TicTac Theatre (which stands for Two Is Company, Three’s A Crowd Theatre) is a touring company who specialise in Two-Handers and Multi-Role play shows. Using minimalistic set, Scott and Hannah utilise their theatre training by drawing attention to the text and action of the play.
“Sheep Mount” is a hilarious, yet poignant piece, in which a ewe and a ram escape their depressing lives on an enclosed farm in Devon, to roam free on Dartmoor. The defiant ewe, Zoe, is fed up of the farmer taking her young and hopes to rescue her relationship with her ram, Wayne, despite his roving eye. Meanwhile Wayne has been contending with many horrible scientific treatments from the farmer.
“Sea Gull Heaven” gives us a look into the life of two gulls that have been living out their days at a tip, where there are easy pickings for food because of mans wasteful habits. But due to city dangers and a wasteful life, they wish to get back to nature, so fly to the coast of Dawlish where they aim to cleanse their spirits.
“Seahorse Ride” changes our perceptions, as we see conventional roles within a relationship switch. The male of the species carries the children and gives birth to them and he is not at all happy about it. Not just for the obvious reason, but also because of mans effects on the environment that are deteriorating any chance of his births being successful.
This production is directed by Jacquie Crago; voice coach for National Theatre productions ‘One Man Two Governors’ & ‘Warhorse’.
TicTac Theatre (which stands for Two Is Company, Three’s A Crowd Theatre) is a touring company who specialise in Two-Handers and Multi-Role play shows. Using minimalistic set, Scott and Hannah utilise their theatre training by drawing attention to the text and action of the play.
PHILIP AND JOHN'S MEDIUM-SIZED NIGHT OUT
- PD PRODUCTIONS
The Alehouse, 9 John Street, Stroud, GL5 2HA
Fri 29th Sept 8.00 p.m., Sat 30th Sept 6.00 p.m.
Book online HERE
After last year’s self-described ‘triumphant’ one man show about sporting heroes, Festival regular Philip Douch joins forces with fellow prize-winning author and Stroud Short Stories organiser John Holland for a fun hour of short stories for grown-ups.
Philip has won the annual Gloucestershire Writers Network short story competition and has been invited to perform his entertaining stories at each of the last two Cheltenham Literature Festivals. John’s stories have won the annual Momaya Press Competition, the Worcestershire LitFest Flash Fiction Prize, and, this year the prestigious InkTears Short Story Contest, for which Philip observes with minimal jealousy that large sums of money accrue to the author. Which is more satisfying than mere laughter and applause, however wild and heartfelt.
Their two shows will feature different stories on each night – so if you love the first one you can come again (or if you really hate it, then you can be almost certain not to be so disappointed if you pitch up for a second time).
Philip has won the annual Gloucestershire Writers Network short story competition and has been invited to perform his entertaining stories at each of the last two Cheltenham Literature Festivals. John’s stories have won the annual Momaya Press Competition, the Worcestershire LitFest Flash Fiction Prize, and, this year the prestigious InkTears Short Story Contest, for which Philip observes with minimal jealousy that large sums of money accrue to the author. Which is more satisfying than mere laughter and applause, however wild and heartfelt.
Their two shows will feature different stories on each night – so if you love the first one you can come again (or if you really hate it, then you can be almost certain not to be so disappointed if you pitch up for a second time).
SUNKED
- CHRIS WHITE
Due to unforeseen circumstances this performance has been cancelled.
BUT the 7.30p.m. Saturday performance in the Little George Room will be replaced by An Arts Council grant Don't Come For Free by Odious Vex (see above)
TEN THOUSAND BOWLS OF SOUP
- IN OTHER WORDS STORYTELLING
The British School at Star Anise, Gloucester Street, Stroud, GL5 1QG
Sat 30th Sept 3.00 p.m.
Book online HERE
This is the true story of Henry who loses his smile at the age of seven when playing football with his dog Tatty, only to find it again fifteen years later whilst making ten thousand bowls of soup a day in a migrant camp in Greece. A heart-warming and funny story which tells how Henry develops friendships with the camp residents, who amongst other things teach him how to make tastier soup and to dance, …’turning turn after turn, reel after reel, bowing, leaping and tracing with his arms and hands the shapes he’d seen danced in the previous night.’ The profits from the sale of the CD and book which accompany the storytelling will go to Médecins Sans Frontières, to help people like those Henry met in the story.
A TRIP DOWN THEATRE LANE
- MATT CANN
A journey back to the roots of theatre in England, told by minstrels and buffoons. How did it all begin? What were they paid? Where are we heading now?
A Street Theatre piece influenced by the increased amount of closing theatres and funding cuts. Hopefully looking into the past, will enlighten our future.
Devon based performer Matt Cann, provides a lively, funny, sometimes poignant look at theatre history.
A Street Theatre piece influenced by the increased amount of closing theatres and funding cuts. Hopefully looking into the past, will enlighten our future.
Devon based performer Matt Cann, provides a lively, funny, sometimes poignant look at theatre history.
THE MASQUEING BAND
- THE FABULOUS OLD SPOT THEATRE COMPANY
A Village Band without a Village; Unstuck in time; Still looking for home, for friends and for missing band members.
Playing tunes to amuse and entertain, Rootsy and Folky from round the world; a trio who can get your feet tapping, hands clapping and the occasional deep sigh or tear.
Dressed from another time; Masked, hatted and plumed; not quite of this world or century, speaking no known language, but always friendly and determined: They arrive, play music, meet and greet, express their joys and fears, and then depart.
Bedlam Fair Comments (2/3 June 2017)
“A lovely talented bunch of performers nothing but praise and admiration from those who saw you,” Liz Lavender, organiser.
“That was the most delicate and beautiful thing I have ever seen on the streets,” Member of the Public.
Playing tunes to amuse and entertain, Rootsy and Folky from round the world; a trio who can get your feet tapping, hands clapping and the occasional deep sigh or tear.
Dressed from another time; Masked, hatted and plumed; not quite of this world or century, speaking no known language, but always friendly and determined: They arrive, play music, meet and greet, express their joys and fears, and then depart.
Bedlam Fair Comments (2/3 June 2017)
“A lovely talented bunch of performers nothing but praise and admiration from those who saw you,” Liz Lavender, organiser.
“That was the most delicate and beautiful thing I have ever seen on the streets,” Member of the Public.
THE MORGAN AND REES COMEDY SKETCH SHOW - ADULT ONLY
- MORGAN AND REES
Due to unforeseen circumstances this performance has been cancelled.
THE O.S. MAP FAN CLUB
- HELEN WOOD
The George Room, Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE
Fri 29th Sept 6.30 p.m., Sat 30th Sept 1.30 p.m., Sun 1st Oct 6.00 p.m.
Book online HERE
Join Ordnance Survey enthusiast, Helen Wood, for a humorous exploration of the much-loved, fold-out, paper map. Be led on a fascinating, laughter-filled, virtual ramble and celebrate the simple beauty of Britain’s inspiring national treasure.
This delightful solo comedy takes you along the ancient byways of the no. 168, 4cm to 1km, Explorer map. Meet colourful characters, hear amusing anecdotes and pause frequently to admire the view.
O.S. fanatics, the O.S. curious and O.S sceptics are all welcome at the O.S. Map Fan Club.
'Helen Wood displays a real talent for comedy.’
(Stroud News and Journal for The Usherettes)
This delightful solo comedy takes you along the ancient byways of the no. 168, 4cm to 1km, Explorer map. Meet colourful characters, hear amusing anecdotes and pause frequently to admire the view.
O.S. fanatics, the O.S. curious and O.S sceptics are all welcome at the O.S. Map Fan Club.
'Helen Wood displays a real talent for comedy.’
(Stroud News and Journal for The Usherettes)
THE SKELETON WOMAN
- ISABEL LYSTER
The George Room, Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE
Sat 30th Sept 12.00 p.m., 6.00 p.m.
Sun 1st Oct 1.30 p.m., 4.30 p.m.
Book online HERE
A fisherman sets out one morning unaware that what he catches from the bottom of the ocean will change his life.
The Skeleton Woman is an ancient inuit story about transformation, brought to life through beautiful puppetry, shadows and live storytelling. This gruesome and funny tale brings delight to children and families of all ages.
The Skeleton Woman is an ancient inuit story about transformation, brought to life through beautiful puppetry, shadows and live storytelling. This gruesome and funny tale brings delight to children and families of all ages.
THE SMOKING SHOW
- SPANIEL IN THE WORKS THEATRE COMPANY
The Alehouse, 9 John Street, Stroud, GL5 2HA
Fri 29th Sept 6.30 p.m., Sat 30th Sept 7.30 p.m., Sun 1st Oct 4.30 p.m.
Book online HERE
An every day tale of life, cigarettes and matters arising!
This funny one hour, one-man show is a mixture of stand up, drama, autobiography and the occasional rant. It explores writer/actor John Bassett's 30 year relationship with cigarettes in a lively, funny way but also looks at the changes in society that have happened towards smoking during that time. Smoking bans, smoking styles and the demonisation of the smoker are all included in the performance, as well as the drama of a life threatening illness.
If you are a smoker then you will sympathise and recognise some of the situations and if you are a non-smoker maybe you will understand the world of the smoker a little bit better.
"An hour of comedy and musical parody, whilst remaining honest and gritty.....Whether you smoke or not, there is something to appeal to you in this show, with its hard hitting honesty; This expressive stand up performance has the audience laughing, as John laughs at himself, through an autobiographical smoke screen." - Fringe Secrets
Running time 1 hour
www.spanielworks.co.uk
This funny one hour, one-man show is a mixture of stand up, drama, autobiography and the occasional rant. It explores writer/actor John Bassett's 30 year relationship with cigarettes in a lively, funny way but also looks at the changes in society that have happened towards smoking during that time. Smoking bans, smoking styles and the demonisation of the smoker are all included in the performance, as well as the drama of a life threatening illness.
If you are a smoker then you will sympathise and recognise some of the situations and if you are a non-smoker maybe you will understand the world of the smoker a little bit better.
"An hour of comedy and musical parody, whilst remaining honest and gritty.....Whether you smoke or not, there is something to appeal to you in this show, with its hard hitting honesty; This expressive stand up performance has the audience laughing, as John laughs at himself, through an autobiographical smoke screen." - Fringe Secrets
Running time 1 hour
www.spanielworks.co.uk
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS
- BOX TALE SOUP AND THE EVERYMAN THEATRE
The George Room, Subscription Rooms, George Street, Stroud, GL5 1AE
Fri 29th Sept 12.30 p.m., 2.00 p.m.
Book online HERE
From the peaceful pleasures of Ratty’s beloved river bank to the fearful frights and wicked weasels of the Wild Wood, join Mole and Ratty on their marvellous adventures, along with gruff old Badger and magnificent Mr Toad. A beautiful adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s much loved classic, THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS features handmade puppets, props and costume, and a charming original musical score.
www.boxtalesoup.co.uk
www.boxtalesoup.co.uk
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