#127 Nonagenarian John Wick
Bristol. Badass. Bandits. Beautiful.
Issue #127 Nonagenarian John Wick
14th August 2024
(I’m in Bristol)
And currently on the second day of six straight days teaching six hours a day. That’s 36 hours of improv this week. Am I worried that’s too much?
No, I am not. Because there’s really nothing I’d rather be doing.
Improv is my ikigai.
Also, yesterday after class, we went to see a screening of A Mighty Wind at 20th Century Flicks, an honest to goodness video rental place with its own screening rooms. It was such a special experience (and I forgot how beautiful the love story between Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara was).
But those aren’t my recommendations (even though they kind of are), these are my recommendations.
Rule of three
[Film] Thelma
I was unprepared for just how funny and heartfelt this film was going to be. A revenge thriller about a 94-year old woman who gets scammed and sets out on her friend’s mobility scooter to get her money back, June Squibb is electric in the title role. There’s a version of this movie where Thelma is played for laughs as a sort of nonagenarian John Wick. What this film is interested in doing is infinitely more subtle, vulnerable and wonderful.
[TV] Time Bandits
Wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about them remaking the Terry Gilliam original. Here’s how I feel, delighted. This TV version isn’t without its controversies in terms of casting but there is much to love here. It’s really funny, it’s really stupid and, on a personal note, Lisa Kudrow is my hero.
[Theatre] Perfect show for Rachel
I am always excited to see what else improv can do. Perfect show for Rachel isn’t strictly an improv show but it is co-created with Lee Simpson from Improbable and uses the improv skill set in an entirely new and beautiful way. Rachel is learning disabled and her sister Flo has worked with her to create a show format where she can lead all the action. Rachel directs the show from an awesome control desk where every button triggers a pre-rehearsed sequence - whether that be dance, music or theatre. And Rachel might press the same button multiple times per show, she might stop one sequence mid-flow and start something new, she might banish a performer from the stage altogether. Every show is exactly what she wants to see. Hence, the improv skills. I adored this show more than words can say - I have rarely seen something so joyful, unique and affecting. Have a look at this behind the scenes video and watch out for tour dates in the new year.
Spotlight
I have been utterly bowled over by the response to The Pretend Company with nearly 100 people applying for the first course. That cohort of 12 is now filled and ready to go in September - but I got a lot of responses asking for other versions of the class - on weekdays, or as an intensive etc.
Just to remind people, what I want to do with The Pretend Company is create improv with its roots firmly in theatre.
Improv that has ambition
Improv that connects players
Improv that's funny but won't sell out empathy for a gag
Improv that thinks about the mise en scène and stagecraft
Improv that holds space for different view points and experiences
Improv that tells stories
Improv that's brave and supportive and feels important or, at the very least, thoughtful
If you’d like to work with me in 2025, I invite you to fill in this form telling me what kind of course most excites you.
I don’t think it’ll take you more than a couple of minutes and you’ll be the first to hear when I put on the kind of course you’re looking for.
THANK YOU!
Radio contact
I chased Radio behind a table and got stuck.