Comedy, classic texts, and side-splitting chaos: we chat to the revered Slapstick Picnic
/Slapstick Picnic – the clue’s in the name – puts on outdoor theatre performances with a very untraditional twist. Think classic texts made wickedly fun by delightful comedic genius. Think joyous slapstick moments, a handful of actors playing ten or twenty characters, side-splitting laughter… and your very own picnic (with as much wine as you like) to top it all off.
As for the backdrop to these chaotic literary adventures? That could be the stunning gardens of a stately home, the bustling centre of Covent Garden, a Roman Amphitheatre... or any number of other impressive destinations near you. These guys do have almost 50 tour dates in the calendar this summer, after all.
What else to expect? Immersive fun – bags of it. Seriously talented performers; seriously intelligent writing; seriously inventive productions; props made from picnic baskets… oh, and the occasional interruption from a peacock, or some other comically apt farmyard animal. (The animals aren’t planned, by the way. Such are the perils of performing out in the open, against a backdrop of beautiful summer sunsets. And on the topic of weather – the occasional unplanned downpour also only adds to the fun.)
Needless to say, this really is a theatre experience like no other. If you’re intrigued to know more – and how could you not be? – read on for our interview with producer Paul, one of the brilliant brains behind Slapstick Picnic (who, as if that weren’t impressive enough, is also one of The HandleBards, a touring collective of Shakespearean actors that travels around the UK by bicycle, props in-tow.)
Here, he talks all things slapstick comedy, tells us about the group’s raucous production of Peter Pan this summer, and imparts some very solid words of wisdom for budding performing arts enthusiasts.
Here we go 👇.
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