#35 Neverfolk
Issue #35 Neverfolk
9th November 2022
Hey everyone!
I feel wonderful today. Outside the sky is liquid blue, it's cold and bright and the air smells of heather and bilberry. A perfect autumn day.
This morning, Radio and I ran the trail around the heath by our house. He's taken to running off into the undergrowth for several heart-stopping minutes at a time but he always bursts back onto the path ahead of me, looking behind him to check I'm still there. It's very sweet.
This week, I went to the outrageously entertaining British Improv Project and met a huge number of UK improvisers for the first time. It was thrilling to step into a room of performers and only know 10% of them. Such a wealth of talent and knowledge to discover.
And a grateful HELLO if you've joined the newsletter since that weekend. It's good to have you along for the ride. Please do reply to this email if you want to chat about anything in particular.
Now's the bit where I recommend stuff.
Rule of three
[Theatre] My Neighbour Totoro
Saw the RSC production of this Studio Ghibli classic on Monday. It's directed by an improviser, the puppets are by Jim Henson's Creature Shop and the ensemble work is breath-taking. Theatrical magic of true power and beauty. If you can't get to London to see it then do check out the original animated film which is a lovely cinematic treasure.
[TV] Taskmaster
I didn't want to see this when it first came out because the poster was mostly a load of male comedians. But it's actually become one of the least toxic and most life-affirming game shows on British TV. Watch celebrities try to complete the lowest-stakes tasks imaginable. Whether it's solving a riddle, throwing a potato or writing a song for a stranger.
[Comic] Giant Days
A comic about students at Sheffield University, drawn by a Disney artist - this is an idiosyncratic comic that proves that sequential storytelling doesn't always have to be about punching aliens into the sun. Daisy, Esther and Susan are fully-rounded, flawed characters who you end up adoring. I loved the whole run.
Spotlight
I've been asked to participate in Impro Amsterdam again this year. I'll be bringing my favourite ever format, Neverfolk, to the main stage and my Point & Click Adventures workshop is on sale on the website. I love all improv festivals but Impro Amsterdam is the one I never miss. I'm going to be there all week, watching every show and taking a bunch of workshops. If you've never been to an international festival, you couldn't find a better place to start.
Longform thoughts
"Any improv show is a constant, evolving conversation between players and audience members."
Read more about standing ovations & subtle signals in The audience as co-creator.
Radio Days
This halloween, Radio cos-played as a desk lamp.