New play The Joke explores cultural stereotypes, humour and cannibalism with interludes of song and physical comedy.
It is written by English comedian, actor and writer Will Adamsdale with collaborators Irish stage, TV, film and radio actor Lloyd Hutchinson and the Scot Brian Logan, artistic director of Camden People’s Theatre, founder member of Cartoon de Salvo and the Guardian’s comedy critic.
Adamsdale said, “I was watching a show at the National’s Lyttelton Theatre a few years ago and at the interval the massive safety curtain came up, and I thought how fun it would be if there were some bemused men on it as it went up, who didn't want to be there or in the theatre at all.
"I wondered why they would be there, trapped in the theatre, like shipwrecked men on an island and whether that could be the basis of a show where these three hapless chaps charge around and investigate all the nooks and crannies that we know in theatres (lighting box, backstage etc) to find a way out.
“And then for some reason they suddenly became an Englishman, an Irishman and a Scotsman. And that's why they are trapped. Because they are always trapped in those jokes: on a mountain, in a cable car, but also in a joke they can never get out of and where they play their roles endlessly. They are also trapped—as we all are—by the labels and stereotypes foisted on us.
“The safety curtain stunt may have to wait though for health and safety reasons (I asked)”
The songs and music are by Will Adamsdale and Chris Branch and choreography is by Arthur Pita. The Joke was commissioned by Unity Theatre and is produced by Fuel Theatre.
The Joke tours to
- 21 to 23 April Theatre Royal Margate
- 25 April – Norwich Arts Centre, Norwich
- 26 April – Corn Exchange Newbury
- 27 to 30 April – The Bike Shed Theatre, Exeter
- 3 to 4 May - Unity Theatre, Liverpool
- 5 May - South Street Arts Centre, Reading
- 6 May - Heyword Hall, Devon
- 7 May - The White Hart Hotel, Devon
- 11 May - The Brewery Arts Centre
- 13 May - The Maltings, Berwick
- 17 May to 4 June – Camden People’s Theatre
The running time is approximate 90 minutes. The Joke is suitable for those aged 12 and over.