#167 It was only a puppy
Bow. Row. Wow. Cow. Show.
21 MAY 2025
Hello.
Here, I am. It’s me, Chris Mead, the Renaissance man. I have so many strings to my bow, it’s practically a harp. I perform improv, I teach improv, I talk about improv, I write about improv ...
Oh wait, it’s actually only one string.
*takes a bow*
Rule of three
[Movie] Havoc
Havoc is an averagely-written film with startlingly visceral and staggeringly inventive action sequences. Seriously, there is a nightclub shoot-out in this thing that would make John Wick think “it was only a puppy, I should pack up my guns and go home”. Directed (and written haha) by the Welsh director Gareth Evans who also gifted the world The Raid and The Raid 2.
[TV] Andor
I know, I know. I’ve recommended it before and it has a GIANT marketing campaign behind it. But Season 2 of Andor continues to be perfect. A genuinely intelligent political thriller with powerhouse performances of subtlety and infinite nuance that has been set, for some reason, in the Star Wars universe.
[Video games] NPC documentary
A documentary crew follows Non-Player Characters in the game Red Dead Redemption 2 - and spends a delightful amount of time narrating their every move. Love me a silly idea, implemented with sincerity. And timely, because this week Rockstar also dropped the Grand Theft Auto VI trailer. Thanks to Jacob Banigan for the rec.
Spotlight
Today, as you read this on 21st May, we have a Pretend Night in London. Once again we’re at Theatre Deli at 8pm and we have quite the line-up.
Project2 Oh how wonderful to be able to play with Katy Schutte again. This is the sci-fi show we’ve been performing for over a decade and I still love it with all my heart. PLUS we are being accompanied by Fred Deakin who is an utter musical genius of the highest order.
The Play’s The Thing And then a chance to see my newest show - an improvised Shakespeare play with John Oakes and Ali James. Performing this one still scares the socks off me but it’s worth it.
The Pretend Ensemble Starring the aforementioned Katy Schutte, Ali James, John Oakes and joined by Teresa Senyah, Roz Gregoire and Liam Webber. Heartfelt theatrical improv performed with joy and patience.
Get your tickets here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/pretend/1686762
Longform thoughts
All your good ideas are hidden under a pile of your bad ideas. And you have to get through all your bad ideas before you can access the good stuff.
With thanks to John Oakes, this week’s improv rumination is about The bad ideas pile.
Movement for change
I’ve begun using the Yoback by Eastnole to create deeper, more effective stretches. It’s such a beautiful artefact, I’m finding it much easier to practice every day.
Radio contact
This was funny until I couldn’t get down.