#150 Iamb’s grip
Stratford. Detroit. Oxford. Anywhere.
22 JANUARY 2025
Today I tried to solely speak in verse
In iamb’s grip I bravely took the stage
Such effort made me want to scream and curse
For my success I could not dare to gauge
We all have skills we wish we could display
So feel the fear and do it anyway
Rule of three
[TV] Detroiters
Sam Richardson is not only an incredibly skilled comedic actor, he also has one of the most appealing screen presences I’ve ever experienced. He’s just so damn likable. In Detroiters, a surreal comedy about two BFF ad men from Detroit, you get the full Richardson experience because he also co-created and wrote for the show.
[Book] Babel
I’ve highlighted before how much I like a good magic system so try this one on for size. When a word is translated, some of its meaning is lost. So, for instance, the Sanskrit word for home may also carry with it connotations of gathering around a hearth. When you translate it into English, the fire imagery gets lost. In the world of Babel, an alternative 19th century Oxford where translators are imperial wizards, that extra meaning becomes a spell that allows you to set things on fire. Boom! It also serves as a neat allegory for colonialism as the quest for new languages to exploit drives England to conquer more and more territory.
[Improv] The Improv Guide
My brilliantly named pal, Chris Read has created a beautifully simple interface for compiling improv classes (initially across the UK) - he’s automated the process for the big companies and is inviting smaller companies to input their classes as well. It’s such a wonderful resource, I encourage everyone to use it. The Pretend Company will be listing everything we do there shortly.
Spotlight
The first Hoopla x The Pretend Company show was everything I wanted it to be - funny, patient, theatrical and kind. Thanks to everyone who came out to support us - improvisers are the best people in the world.
The first official Pretend Night will be in a week’s time, Wednesday 29th January at OMUK Studios in King’s Cross.
6-8pm will be a workshop based around Logical vs Absurd scenes. I see it as a place to get better at the craft - minimal games, lots of scene work and personal feedback - so please, if you book a place, be prepared to work. There are a few tickets left here.
8.15-10.15pm will be a showcase for people doing slower, more relationship based improv. Or stuff that pushes the art form in some way. You can read about it in more detail and reserve yourself a ticket here.
I think I’ve confused some people with how to book so I’ll be clear as I can be below.
If you book the workshop you get a free ticket to the show included.
If you just want to go to the show, fill in the form here (to let us know you are coming) and pay £10 on the door. Currently the space does not have chairs - just stools and beanbags - we’ll get more comfy as we go but I just wanted to start building something as soon as possible.
Longform thoughts
It could be hugely unusual, like the doctor prescribing that the patient go kill a bear. But it’s easiest if the unusual thing is real and relatable.
I was going to write my own essay this week, but Will Hines wrote an amazing piece on teaching game of the scene that I think is genuinely useful.
Radio contact
Radio directing scenes with Showstopper! co-creator Dylan Emery.