#188 Logic and sass
Vapes. Revolution. Deduction. Horror.
8 OCTOBER 2025
Welcome, brave traveller.
You have reached safe harbour.
It’s Pretend Post - the weekly newsletter from me (Chris Mead- HI!) and The Pretend Company.
I have such wonders to show you.
But first, you might want to scroll to the end and see the cute dog - that’s what most people do.
Rule of three
[TV] The Lowdown
Ethan Hawke is brilliant in this quirky neo-Western by the writer/ creator of Reservation Dogs. He plays a self-professed Truthstorian that critic Glen Weldon memorably described as “if vaping were a person”. If you like the Coen Brothers, Noah Hawley or Poker Face then I think you’ll like this too.
[Movie] One Battle After Another
Not a Paul Thomas Anderson super fan or anything but I’ve always respected him a great deal (whilst sometimes feeling less than drawn in by his lengthy runtimes). This movie is different, it’s not only beautifully shot but it’s also hugely fun and has something specific and pertinent to say about our current world. Still really long though.
[Puzzle] Clues by Sam
Jennifer Jordan recommended this daily logic puzzle to me and it is indeed very addictive. She also let me know how much she enjoys the sassy comments of the non-clue-giving characters and I couldn’t agree more. Logic and sass - what more could you want?
Spotlight
Pretend Night this month is on Halloween. Here’s what we have to offer.
Katy Schutte teaches Silence & Subtext (6.00pm-7:30pm)
We will be looking at how to pick up on subtle cues from your co-performer, from their physicality, their tone and chosen words to find and play with subtext. We'll use improvised scene work, games and Chicago-style 'slow comedy' using more than one layer of understanding to create realistic and truthful moments with depth and subtlety.
Katy is obviously the best. Book your tickets quickly as I have no doubt the spaces are going to go fast. As always, you get a free ticket to the following show included.
And then a Spooky Pretend Night Halloween Special (8pm-10pm)
We’re back in the bigger environs of Studio 12 for this month and I’m really excited that Katy & I will be performing as Project2 again. It’ll still be a sci-fi-based show but we’re thinking of pointing the sub-genre towards something more Halloween appropriate. Other than that, we once again have a truly awesome line-up for the ensemble - Lee Simpson, Durone Stokes and Jennifer Jordan will join Katy and I for an evening of lovely, patient theatrical improv.
And there’ll also be a third act but we haven’t confirmed it yet. Book tickets here and spend Halloween in improv style.
Radio contact
Radio is plagued by the pupparazi.