#86 Head to toe silver makeup
Issue #86 Head to toe silver makeup
1st November 2023
Hi, everyone.
And let me be one of the first to wish you a lovely November.
I had a surprise this week when I read in The Guardian that my old school friend, Matt Baynton, has been cast as Bottom in the RSC's latest version of A Midsummer Night's Dream. I was particularly interested in this paragraph.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream was the school play during my first year in secondary school,” recalled Baynton, who became a well-known TV face on the children’s show Horrible Histories and starred with James Corden in the comic thriller The Wrong Mans.
“As an impish little kid, I thought I would be perfect casting for Puck and I was so gutted to lose out to an older boy that I refused the offer to play one of the mechanicals instead. Then I watched the production and realised the mechanicals are really funny parts, and I really regretted it.”
Well, my friends, I was that older boy. I played the role in head to toe silver makeup and on a skateboard. Good times.
Matthew's sitcom Ghosts is one of the great modern examples of the form, I can't recommend it highly enough.
And I similarly can't wait to catch him as Bottom in Stratford next year.
I'll probably be quite jealous of the person playing Puck though.
Rule of three
[TV] Deadloch
Laura described Deadloch as "if Taika Waititi directed Broadchurch" which I think is a good summation of its vibe. Two mismatched detectives try to solve a series of murders in a close-knit rural community. It's darkly hilarious, defiantly odd and proudly female-led with women making up the majority of the talent behind and in front of the camera. It's on Prime Video in the UK.
[Music] Sick Boi
I've mentioned Ren before in the newsletter but his first full album, Sick Boi, came out recently and I've been playing it non-stop. The way he uses words is astounding, he genuinely makes my hair stand on end. Check out What You Want, his tribute to early 90s hip hop, for a flavour of the album. If you like it, dive further in, but be prepared for a eclectic and, by way of warning, absolutely filthy ride.
[Improv] Aardman
Rather enjoyed this article about how the globally-famous animation studio embraced improv in its earliest days. It's not strictly about our artform but does discuss how spontaneity can lend vibrancy to any medium.
Spotlight
I'm teaching at IMPRO Amsterdam again this year, bringing a 6-hour version of Mockumentary NOW! to the festival. Here's the listing - tickets aren't on sale just yet but wanted to highlight the date and extend an invitation to see some of you there. IMPRO Amsterdam is one of the high points of my year and this documentary workshop is some of my proudest work. I'm also performing a couple of times and leading a very special improv jam with my pal, Lucy Trodd.
Longform thoughts
Are you willing to admit your mistake, instead of arguing your innocence? Do you know how to make a proper apology? Have you gone further and set up mechanism whereby your students can let you know their concerns (anonymously if needed)? How can you make safety and inclusiveness part of your practice every single day, BEFORE it’s in your specific interest to do so?
This week, I discuss safe spaces in improv and my fear of being Part of the problem.
(some fairly heavy themes discussed around abuse of power dynamics within the community)
Radio contact
Recently, Radio agreed to come into London with me to help coach a very talented improv team.