Next Level Sketch at Bristol Improv Theatre with Up The Antics and The Artist Formerly Known As Banana
I wrote this post yesterday and accidentally hit “discard” before publishing, sending it down the nothingness pipe into the memory hole of forever. So writing about our show again feels very strange – like anything I say here will be a mere shadow of whatever it was I wrote yesterday.
And of course, whatever I wrote yesterday was a mere shadow of what actually happened on Saturday, because you can’t write down absolutely everything that happens in existence, and to try to do so would soon lead to madness or at the very least a few spelling mistakes.
Perhaps, then, it’s better you figure out what happened from the photos below, combined with a few cryptic remarks. This way I won’t feel like I’m in a low-budget science film – or worse, torturous anime – by trying to recreate yesterday’s words about Saturday’s dreams.
Rehearsals in a suburban house. I am pretending to be on fire, because it is the 1970s, a more dangerous time.Johnny Bigcoat is the most important member of any criminal enterprise.The Bristol Improv Theatre was under threat of closure, but has raised enough money to stay open. Here’s hoping they don’t spend it all on pirate costumes.A banana being led away by the authorities.Lurking backstage before doing a sketch. Our curtained-off area was our sanctuary. It contained kindness, reassurance, and more chairs than we’ll ever need.Column Poses. Here I think this couple of photographic models are dealing with problems in the bedroom. Our curtained backstage was a great place to see exactly how sketches were going down, and to relax when realising hey – people are having a fun time. The view from the back of the theatre during our last sketch, “Sirens”. Here I am playing the important role of “sailor”, who comes out to warn the captain that these are the legendary sirens, in a West Country accent.Jesus.Our cast. All were great. Adrenaline is a funny thing: I couldn’t remember anything very well during rehearsal, but as soon as we were up there in front of a human audience, sparks flew. I especially enjoyed Josephine’s safe sun sketch, and the different reactions of the male and female presenting audience members to a pasty ginger man being bullied into sunburn by a powerful ball of gas.Full gang. June a fabulous MC, Sadie the banana a very funny clown, and Up The Antics very assured longform performers.
jamesofwalsh 