Tag: update

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I laugh in the face of tonsillitis. Ha!

So, the latest round of Glitch performances went down a storm. Thank you to all of you who made it along and to all who helped out.  Another sell-out!!  I had a great time and managed to get a few photographs taken – a couple of which you can see below.  I look ever so serious…

When I’ve got all of the pictures on my computer I’ll upload ’em properly.  Hopefully there’ll be more dates for Glitch, so watch this space.  Want to start developing a new project too…

I’ve got two Lois of the Lane gigs this week.  The first at Velvet‘s 9th Cabaret and Burlesque meetup at Madame Jojo’s on Thursday the 28th and the second at The Red Velvet Curtain Club‘s Lunacy evening at The Whitechapel Art Gallery on Friday the 29th.  Both should be very different and very entertaining evenings!

Then there’s another happening for the Gawkagogo Freakshow at The Vibe Lounge above the Vibe Bar on Brick Lane on March the 12th.  Here’s the back of the flyer:

So if you missed the Barden’s show, now’s yer chance to see a revamped re-run!

Off to the kitchen now to go douse myself in some more honey and hot water.  I shall be triumphant.

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Another year, another dose of Glitch

Happy New Year!

Yup, my one woman dystopian black comedy Glitch is back and this time will feature me as my silent comedy alter ego Lois of the Lane.


It’s playing at the Etcetera Theatre in Camden for 5 nights.  Get yer bottoms down there!

There might even be some more free badges:

(Not that I’m trying to bribe you or anything.)

A little potted history of Glitch can be found on my Projects page and here’s the blurb:

Welcome to Room 8933 and the new ‘Stay Safe!’ Character Vetting Process!

‘Stay Safe!’ marks the dawn of a new era of security at Passport Control.  A few minutes and a short digital questionnaire later: you’re free to continue your onward journey.

Quick, simple efficient and painless: ‘Stay Safe!’ – for you, for us, for everyone.

What could possibly go wrong…?

December was a very Crimbly affair for meself (the usual rushing about the shops, sweating profusely and much merrymaking) but I did manage to appear as the Fairy Godmother in Total Rock‘s Christmas Panto ‘Cinderella Boberella’ for me mate Talita.

‘Twas rhymetastic!

2008 holds good stuff in store methinks…

Bring it all on.

Oh yes indeed.

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Ooh, it’s got a bit nippy ain’t it?

Brrr…

Again, lots of stuff since the last post.  The Gawkagogo Freakshow tent went down a storm in the Pleasance Courtyard at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe and subsequently we’ve done a one off, massively extended version of the show, with special guests, at the infamous Barden’s Boudoir…

…which also went down mightily well!

There will inevitably be more Freakshow news soon…

November beckons, and with it comes a series of private screenings of ‘Small Talk‘, the multi-award winning short film I starred in last year.  It’s being screened alongside 2 other short films – ‘The Trousseau’ and ‘Crossed Lines’ which feature friends as the lead in each.  Here are the dates, times and places:

Tuesday November 13th – Riverside Studios, Hammersmith
1:30pm / 2:30pm / 3:30pm – THE TROUSSEAU
1:45pm / 2:45pm / 3:45pm – SMALL TALK
2:00pm / 3:00pm / 4:00pm – CROSSED LINES

Wednesday November 14th – Curzon, Soho
6:00pm – THE TROUSSEAU
6:15pm – SMALL TALK
6:30pm – CROSSED LINES

Thursday November 15th – The Pleasance Theatre, Islington
1:30pm / 2:30pm – THE TROUSSEAU
1:45pm / 2:45pm – SMALL TALK
2:00pm / 3:00pm – CROSSED LINES

and here are the blurbs:

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THE TROUSSEAU – 17min – Starring Maria Thomas
When the young British Ama learns of her mother’s death she decides to return to her birthplace in Ghana.  The women of her clan question her suitability in taking her grandmother’s place in the funeral preparations, but Ama breaks with tradition and proves them wrong, finding a means to express her sorrow.

Nominated for ‘Best Actress’ and ‘Best Short Film’ at the BFM 8th International Film Festival 2006.

Screened as part of Africa in the Picture season at the Amsterdam Film Festival 2007.
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SMALL TALK – 13min – Starring me
A short Black Comedy.  Madeline is an introverted telephone operator who amuses herself by making prank calls to unsuspecting Londoners passing by the phone box outside her flat.  One day she’s caught off guard when someone she calls decides to make small talk back…

1st Prize for the ‘Best Digital Film’ at the 13th International Short Film Festival in Drama (Greece) 2007.

‘Best Non-Italian Short Film’ at Kaleidoshorts 2007, organised by the Italian Embassy.

‘Best Student Drama’ at the Southern Royal Television Society Awards 2006/2007.

Digital Video Practice Award for ‘Best Student Short’ at the End of the Pier Film Festival 2007.
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CROSSED LINES – 14min – starring Keith Eyles
Do actions really equal consequences or is life just a lottery and can something as random as a number actually change everything?  In just a few hours Jonathan Shepherd’s life is about to change drastically in this dark tale about infidelity, hypocrisy, mixed communication, bad timing and how far someone will go to protect what they have…

Premier screening of this new film, written, directed and produced by Keith Eyles.
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You can find my finely crafted e-flyer for the screenings here. If you’re interested in attending one of them, please let me know. Tickets are limited.

Before November we have ourselves Halloween.  This year I’m going to be working with Gawkagogo on their Voodoo Witchdoctor Automaton installation.  We’ll be at Torture Garden‘s Halloween Ball on the 27th and Opal Nera’s Halloween Ball at T Bar on the 31st.  Come get your diagnosis!

Lastly, but certainly not least, I’ve had several Lois of the Lane gigs and have another coming up at ‘You Little Minx’ at Tiger Tiger in Croydon on the 2nd of November.  I’ve had some wonderful promotional pictures taken of her which I’ll be uploading soon, along with lots of other information, so watch this space.

Off now to go and dig out me thermals…

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Lois of the Lane, Pig in the Mud, Firey Clowning and More!

Good grief, a whole heap of a lot of stuff has happened since I last posted on here.  Wearisome wi-fi woe has been holding me back on the update front, but now I am victorious (haha wireless router – I have tamed you!  Feel my power!) and ready to spill all sorts of beans and the like.

So, first up – Lois of the Lane, my cabaret creation.  She’s a smiley silent comedy girl with a penchant for a bit of ridiculousness.  The blurb so far:

Lois of the Lane – Nerd of few words.  Snazzy dresser.  Sharp mover.  Lover of fine music and fine unexpectedness.  Eater of cheese.  Wearer of eyebrow.  Purveyor of the most delicious bite-sized chunks of silent comedy this side of Vaudeville.  You have been warned!

Each of my acts, otherwise known as ‘Random Acts of Ridiculousness‘ are around 4-5 minutes long and comprise of much stupidity 🙂  I currently have 3, (very nearly 4) ready and raring to go, entitled ‘Opus One’, ‘The Box of 1,000 Dances’ and ‘Showdown’.

My first gig at the opening night of Red Dress‘ Supper Club: ‘You Little Minx’ on the 29th of June was a storming success.  This is me, mid ‘Box of 1,000 Dances’, photographed by Moira Lovell:

My next gigs will be at The Vaudeville Cabaret Club during the last 10 days of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.  When I have exact dates, I’ll post ’em.

I’m getting some ‘Lois of the Lane‘ promotional photos done, then there’ll be a whole re-vamp of my website to accommodate my new alter ego.  Lots and lots to do…

Next – The Gawkagogo Freakshow!

We had a fantastic time at the Glastonbury and Latitude festivals.  A constant stream of people, endless queues to get in and a bit of coverage on Channel 4 in the form of Carling’s Festival Postcards.   You can watch our bit in the show here:

Now it’s off to the Pleasance at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with us and the micro carny tent.  Information and stuff here.  We’re on from the 18th – 27th of August, playing every 15 minutes from 7pm – 9pm and we are one of the 20 must-see acts at the Edinburgh Fringe.  You definitely must see us then.

While we’re up there, Paul‘s got another exhibition going at the Hula Juice Bar, Grassmarket.  Details here.

Lastly, Gawkagogo joined the Fire Tusk Pain Proof Circus at their spectacular gig at The Roundhouse on the 27th of July, as part of the ‘Circus Front’ season.  I had much fun clowning around as Hooters 🙂  Here be gallery:

 

(Actually, this is lastly – pictures from Glastonbury and Latitude:)

(Image above: courtesy of Sonny Malhotra – Reportage Photography.)


Muuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuud!!

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First gig and Moosic

So, yes!  I’ve got my very first solo Cabaret gig booked 😀  You’ll find me and my new act at Tiger Tiger in Croydon on the 29th of June.  The night’s called ‘You Little Minx’ and the details are here.  It should be a fantastic evening, so dust off your glad rags one and all!  Details of my actual act are yet to be revealed, but they’ll be posted on here before the big day, if I manage to organise meself.  Rest assured that it’ll be stoopid and much fun.

On an entirely different note (cheap link Lois, cheap link) I’ve been doing a bit of singing for a band called ‘I Eat Fog‘.  You can find me doing just that for them – singing, not eating fog – here.  (You need to scroll down and click on the ‘I Eat Fog’ album – there are 2 tracks.)

On the Gawkagogo Freakshow front, all is shaping up verrrry nicely. I’ve barely lifted a finger on it yet.  I think my small part of the hard work is just about to start kicking in…

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Freaks! Awards! Beards! Spies!

This summer is looking to be a rather enjoyable one with me disappearing off to 3 festivals: Glastonbury, Latitude and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as part of the Gawkagogo Freakshow:

“A new fast-paced, edgily funny modern rockabilly pop-culture twist on a classic freakshow – but compacted in time and space!  Using the classic grind show format, Gawkagogo Freakshow consists of a rapid-fire, action-packed 15-minute freakish variety bill.  The show features quick-change cartoon-style costumes, weird puppetry, stage illusion and audience interaction, to produce an experience unlike anything the audience has ever seen before.  Introduced and run by the trio of Gawkagogo hosts, the Freakshow features a varying bill including some of the acclaimed Gawkagogo roster of characters, like: Elephant Man Elvis (“Comedy Genius” LONDON EVENING STANDARD), Dali Parton, Norma Guntz and her Tom Jones Tumour, Dennis Hopperfield The House Fly Liberarnie, Mentalo: Master Of Mentalism, The Invisible Man Magician.”

‘Ave it!!

Gawkagogo‘s ‘C*nt Bingo’ was nominated for “Most Original Act” in the this year’s Ministry of Burlesque Awards following our appearance at Candy Box in February.  I thoroughly enjoyed meself, dancin like a loon, at the awards ceremony at The Pigalle Club on Sunday.  (No one was harmed during said dancing.  Well, as far as I know.)

With all of this cabaret stuff I seem to have got myself into, it’s about time I sorted out my own act, which is what I’m doing right now.  More on this soon…

I also want to get some music stuff on here, so I should be sorting that out and uploading it when it’s ready to go.

Old news that I didn’t get round to posting in time:

I was one of the voices in the afternoon play ‘Delayed Departures’ last week on Radio 4, written by Matthew Solon, Produced/Directed by John Dryden and starring Matthew Solon, Samantha Bond and Robert Gwylim.  Bizarre to be doing Airport Announcements after Glitch!  Here’s me (whilst we were recording in a hotel room) with some of the equipment, looking like a Russian Spy:

Bondtastic!

Ooh, here’s another photo of me (it’s all me, me, me…) as the Demon Barber Bearded Lady in Gawkagogo‘s Damnation Alley at The Texas Chainsaw Travelling Horror Picture Show‘s 1st Birthday Massacre in March:

Photo courtesy of Stef Lindeque.

It was rather freezing in my doorway, but it was well worth it.

Right, back to shaking my brain around a bit to see what comes out…

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SHOWREEL!! (Amongst other things)

First up – my showreel is finally finished!  Huge thanks to my flatmate Jamie for having all the necessary cables and bits and bobs to set me on the right track.  The many long hours I spent sat alone in front of my computer have paid off and I’m very pleased with the final version.  So, come one, come all – witness the glory!

(I’m a bit over excited. Can you tell?)

Secondly, ‘Small Talk‘ has won some kind of award.  When I find out exactly what it was it’ll be put straight on my CV!  It was screened again on the 15th of February at the NFT as part of Eat Our Shorts.

At the end of this month, on the 23rd, I’m going to be part of Gawkagogo‘s ‘Damnation Alley’ at The Texas Chainsaw Travelling Horror Picture Show‘s 1st Birthday do at Electrowerkz.  I think there may well be some kind of facial hair involved 😀

Last week I was part of the 365 event at The Pleasance.  I found myself part of ‘Constant 2’ and ‘Ask The Experts’.

Before I go, here are some pictures taken at the Candy Box Burlesque Valentine’s Spectacular, courtesy of Cherry Bomb Rock Photography:

More pictures here.

(Did I mention that I’ve finished my showreel…?)

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Loadsa stuff

Glitch proved to be a sellout success at the Etcetera on the 11th and 12th.  Thanks to all who came! I had some fantastic feedback and I’m planning on putting the show on again in London asap.  More on that soon hopefully…

Prior to my Glitch performances, in the midst of the preparations, I found myself prancing around on Gawkagogo‘s stage at Torture Garden‘s New Year’s Eve bash.  We started dancing at 9pm and went right through to 6am.  (Well, I was more ‘shuffling’ for a number of hours.)

During the evening I inhabited the bodies of a Pig Faced Child:

Bearded Lady:

and Hooters the Clown:

(You can really tell how tired we all were by this point!)

On another Hooters note – me and her (us) are heading up to Brum next month in Gawkagogo‘s extra large suitcase for the Candy Box Burlesque Valentine Spectacular at the Glee Club on the 11th.  There’s going to be a live band to accompany shenanigans and everything.  Looking forward to it!

After that I’m going to be involved in the 356 plays event at The Pleasance in Norf London.  Not entirely sure how yet, but all shall be made clear…

Ooh, and Paul Garner‘s Monster Art Exhibition is still going on at Tusk Tattoo in town.  The opening night was great fun!  Photos n stuff here.

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Glitch in London! + Monsters!

*Stop Press!*  My Edinburgh Festival creation ‘Glitch‘ is going to be doing the business in London on the 11th and 12th of January 2007.

I’m on at 9:30pm at the Etcetera Theatre in Camden.

The ticket price of £6.50 includes a £1.50 membership fee (valid for a year) so you can go see the shows on before me at 7:30pm then just pay a £5er to enjoy the Glitch experience.

2 shows for £11.50/£12.50.  Barginous!

All the booking details are here, should you wish to book 🙂

Off tonight to be Hooters the Clown at the Press Launch of Paul Garner‘s Monster Art Exhibition.  Here’s the spiel:

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HERE BE MONSTERS!!!

We dare you to pay a visit to
PAUL GARNER’s MONSTER ART EXHIBITION
December 15th – February 15th
TUSK TATTOO, 1 Stukeley Street (off Drury Lane), Covent Garden, London WC2

Paul Garner’s art peers behind the curtain of a sinister sideshow underworld where cartoon geeks, zombie kids and unspeakable things from the slab mingle menacingly with the ones that the Scooby Doo gang let get away.

Spawned by a lifelong obsession with all things dark, Paul’s canvases conjure up the cast of a demonic Disneyland in which only Pugsley and Wednesday Addams’ dreams could come true; there are portraits of classic Universal horror film icons, grotesques who seem to have leapt from the pages of Famous Monsters magazine, sketchbook renderings of random monsters from Paul’s id… and more!

Paul Garner’s work has been used on poster, t-shirt and CD cover art, tattoo design, as well as appearing in movie & music magazines, as film concept art, giant murals and toy design.  Now this twisted gallery of oddities has found it’s natural home on the carnival midway walls of London’s Tusk Tattoo.  The exhibition also features photographs of Gawkagogo, Paul and partner Sarah Nield’s groundbreaking half-cartoon, half-freakshow theatre & cabaret troupe, previously described by the press as “Toys ‘r’ Us meets Jerry Springer” and “Spitting Image meets Blue Velvet”.

ORIGINAL ARTWORK AND PRINTS FOR SALE!!!

Open 11:30 to 7:00 Monday to Saturday and 12:30 to 6:00 on Sundays.

PAUL GARNER ART
Original artwork / Tattoo Design / Custom Monsters / T-Shirt Design / Limited Edition Prints

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Must go and polish me nose…

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As the end of another year approaches…

So, I did ‘Glitch‘, all those months ago, and it went rather well!  There’s a nice quote on my Projects page (which has had a bit of an update, along with the Links page…).  When I manage to pull my finger out it shall be put on down in the Big Smoke.  More on this as and when.

Since then there has been another screening of ‘Small Talk‘ at Crypt on the Green and I found myself lost in Gawkagogo‘s Halloween maze/Haunted Fun House at Torture Garden‘s Halloween Ball and Opal Nera’s Halloween bash.  It was a long old haul but great to scare the hell out of people!

More news soon, all being well…