#165 Compassion & shared humanity
The Play. The Gram. The Doctor. The Stage.
7 MAY 2025
Greetings from Gatport Airwick (as my Dad used to say).
I’m on my way to Rome where we’ll be presenting The Play’s The Thing for the first time to an international festival audience at Welcome. I’m also just found out I’ve been cast in an improvised version of Bicycle Thieves, directed by Patti Stiles, at the festival too. So I’m furiously trying to download the movie on the airport’s patchy WiFi to watch on the plane.
Yesterday, the Play’s The Thing team spent a fascinating day working on the heart and soul of our show with Lee Simpson and Ruth Bratt. It was one of those days so packed full of laughter and wisdom that I’m still processing it but something Lee said keeps floating to the surface of my conscious mind.
We leave space in the work so the audience can dream themselves into it.
So I’m going to spend the next six months working on that one note - HAHA!
Rule of three
[Instagram] The Pretend Company
I was a little overwhelmed (in a wonderful way) with the number of you that reached out after last week’s post about The Future of Pretend. The consensus seems to be that you are as excited as we are about bringing more theatrical improv to the UK. One very obvious result of Liam coming aboard (on top of the hundreds of things behind the scenes) is that The Pretend Company now has an Instagram account. Please do go and follow us, as we have big plans for fun videos and extra content to run alongside our new shows. Liam and I also debuted a new duo show this week at the Hoopla Mixer and it went splendidly. Look out for Battle Royale on improv stages around the capital. IT’S REALLY HAPPENING!!!
[Music] $20 Salad
I was wholly charmed by this TikTok-user’s fun song about the price of food in NYC. And then I was lifted off my feet in a blast of sunshine by this incredible ska remix of the same song by multi-instrumentalist JER. It put the biggest smile on my face.
[Legend] David Tennant
I love David Tennant, wholly and unironically. He just seems like such a solid guy. I found this video, where he answers questions from neurodivergent and learning disabled interviewers, to be a masterclass in compassion and shared humanity from everyone involved. I have to believe that these are the interactions that will come to define us as a species - our better angels, not all the terrible things that seeks to break and divide us.
Spotlight
We have a duo of Pretend Nights coming up in the next few weeks.
Pretend Night Farnham
A wonderful five hour class with Ali James and John Oakes concentrating on stage craft and then a brilliant evening debuting a new format and taking in some improvised Shakespeare with The Play’s the Thing. We’ll be done by 8pm if you’d like to travel from London too.
Claim the Stage (with Ali James & John Oakes)
Pretend Night Farnham
Pretend Night London
Liam and I are co-teaching a class called Duo Speed Dating where we’ll get you playing with as many other improvisers as we can, and help you fine-tune the unique chemistry you have with each other. We’re hoping to launch a few new improv duos off the back of it. Then there’s another chance to see The Play’s The Thing, as well as a Project2 reunion with the wonder that is Katy Schutte and another peerless ensemble with some of the best theatrical improvisers in London.
Duo Speed Dating (with Liam Webber & Chris Mead)
Pretend Night Farnham
BONUS: If you buy tickets to either of the classes, you get tickets to the corresponding Pretend Night show in the evening for FREE. So they really are pretty amazing value.
Movement for change
This week I’m going to recommend a book called Built to Move by Kelly and Juliet Starrett. It lays out 10 essential habits that will increase your movement capabilities easily and effectively. Thanks to David Raitt, the Improv Illusionist for this wonderful recommendation.
Radio contact
Fluff monster.