Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre is to stage its first live show since March 2020, imitating the dog and Leeds Playhouse’s outdoor production of Dr Blood’s Old Travelling Show.
Inspired by horror films and the traditions of carnival and medicine shows, this story of mischief and immorality features Dr Blood and his motley crew exploring the costs of pursuing ambition, hypocrisy and greed.
Developed by imitating the dog and co-produced by Leeds Playhouse, this new collaboration follows their production Night of the Living Dead ™- Remix, a stage adaptation of George A Romero’s zombie movie.
imitating the dog co-artistic director Andrew Quick said, “it’s a strange time to be making a new show but we’re really looking forward to meeting the new challenges of creating work in the present conditions.
“We felt it was important to keep going and create a piece that wasn’t only magical and entertaining but will abide by social distancing guidance and be COVID-19 safe.
“It’ll be a challenge to make but it’s a hugely entertaining production that is scary in parts but also full of fun, with some deep and dark themes running through it. We’ll be using screen and camera technologies for which we’re known and I just can’t wait for us all to come together again and experience all the joys of live theatre outdoors.”
Written and directed by Quick and co-artistic director Pete Brooks, Dr Blood’s Old Travelling Show will have design by Laura Hopkins, projection and video design by Simon Wainwright, lighting by Andrew Crofts, original music by James Hamilton and models by Matthew Tully.
Dr Blood’s Old Travelling Show will be staged outside the Belgrade on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October.