#7 Norwegian Recycling
Issue #7 Norwegian Recycling
27th April 2022
Hello. It's me, your friend, Chris Mead.
And hey, thanks to everyone who reached out to ask how my Dad and Radio were getting along after their fall last week. They're both doing fine.
To prove it, here is a picture of my Dad in his wheelchair with a table furnishing on his head.
It's been a lovely week for improv too - Jon Nguyen and I had great fun performing "The Vicar and the Time Machine" as The Understudies at Hoopla Comedy Club and my Pure Ensemble course has now sold out too. I'm considering putting on a second version if there's enough interest, so do get in touch if you'd like to be part of a new improv team coached by me.
Thank you also to all the people who recommended new mash-ups after I shared my favourite tracks last week. I've included a selection below:
Martin Brennand recommends Norwegian Recycling
Andy Campbell recommends Hi-brid
Victoria Hogg recommends Stroke of Genie-us
Marina Conway-Gordon recommends Blondie x The Doors
I love them all but that Norwegian Recycling is particularly astonishing.
Now on to this week's recommendations...
Rule of three
[Article] A letter to that man who emailed me to correct my grammar
This article by Damon Young was shared by TWO bonafide improv legends - Vinny François and Jill Bernard so I knew it must be something special. It's a brilliant piece about the nature of language, talent and racism too.
[Music] Alto's Odyssey: The Lost City
I've been playing a lot of Alto's Odyssey recently. I play it on my phone and its one touch control system is a thing of subtle and enduring beauty. It also has an extremely evocative score. The original Alto theme was pretty special, as was its immediate sequel, but this new Lost City track is something else again. BONUS THING: Did you know that video game music is composed to help you focus - so it's great as background music when you're working? YOU DO NOW.
[Comedy] Pitch Meeting
Pitch Meeting is essentially a one joke YouTube series. I don't know why I find it so funny but I categorically do. Every episode takes you inside the pitch for a recent or cult movie. Find out how the Fast & Furious movies were named. Or have TENET explained to you. If you like it - congratulations - there are about 300 more episodes.
Spotlight
My website has been under construction for about 9 months now. I've resolved to publish it by the end of May so I'm asking you, dear readers, to keep me honest with that pledge. I'll share a viable product in the last Improv Fables of May or you have my permission to give me a VERY stern look.
But also, I want to ask a favour. If you've been taught by me or watched me perform and are willing to write a testimonial for the website then please get in touch. I'm not super comfortable with self-promotion but I do think testimonials make a real difference. Thanks for considering this, I'm really grateful.
Longform thoughts
That's what the best improvisers look like on stage - tilting towards the horizon, arms trailing behind them, unafraid...
Read Stories I always tell in class.
Radio days
Do you like your new car booster seat, Radio?