#90 No bodies? Perfect!
Issue #90 No bodies? Perfect!
29th November 2023
Hello.
After a week of staying at home and feeling sorry for myself, this week has been a flurry of classes, meetings and new opportunities.
Chief amongst them was the honour of holding auditions for not one, but two new improv shows at Hoopla.
Firstly, in February, I'll be directing a show called Scumbags! which is based on the works of the Coen Brothers - specifically the ones concerning criminals whose ambition far outstrips their actual ability to put those plans into action. I came up with the tagline - No bodies? Perfect! - which I think is really clever but Laura says doesn't make sense.
Secondly, in June, I'll be presenting The Secret of Monkey Island inspired by the classic computer game of the same name. My pitch for this one is experiential theatre meets improv meets escape room meets pirates. We'll see...
Thank you to everyone who applied and particularly to those who came along to audition. I've written more about my experiences below.
But first, here are some recommendations.
Rule of three
[TV] Doctor Who
Doctor Who is my favourite TV programme of all time. I've loved it since I was six years old. It's unique blend of charm, sentimentality, humour and intelligence helped me define the kind of adult I wanted to be. It's that foundational. Anyway, I've obviously recommended the show before, but this week Doctor Who returned with a new (old) Doctor, a new (old) creative team and a new (old) story based on the seminal Marvel Doctor Who Weekly comic strips from the 1970s. Spoiler: I adored it. The energy, the pacing, the beautiful look and feel (thanks Disney money). This Christmas, Ncuti Gatwa takes over as the Fifteenth Doctor and it's honestly the best thing in the universe to me. If you drifted away in recent years or didn't know where to start with 60 years of programming - check out The Star Beast on BBC iPlayer in the UK or Disney+ in the rest of the world.
[Music] The Staves
Following my theme of recommending things I've already thoroughly recommended in the pages of Improv Fables - The Staves have a new single out. It feels like a new direction for them and sadly, they're also down one sister (Emily, who has stepped away to concentrate on motherhood - a good excuse). But friends, there's something about a band composed of siblings who have sung together for their entire lives. The harmonies feel natural and effortless. I actually think All Now is their best single in years. (sorry Emily)
[Winter] Ice-based comedy
This little video popped back up on my timeline recently and reduced me to tears once again. It's just a polar bear mascot repeatedly falling over on an ice rink. It fills me with joy. And it reminds me of my favourite scene from Parks & Rec too.
Spotlight
Nothing improv-related to recommend this week (unless you want to join my Mockumentary intensive next Monday/ Tuesday). But I did want to mention that The Ood Cast, the Doctor Who podcast I co-host, is back reviewing the new Anniversary specials. We're very proud of it - each episode has discussion, sketches and songs inspired by the show.
The Star Beast episode won't be up until Friday (I'm editing it after I finish writing this newsletter) but you can sign up to our feed and check out our back catalogue at theoodcast.com.
Longform thoughts
I’m looking for an improv team. I’m not looking for a cast of individual superstars. To that end, I’ll cast people who are supportive, thoughtful and actively trying to make their scene partners looks good (and that’s what I tell people I’m looking for in my introduction as well).
My thoughts on How to run an improv audition.
Radio contact
Took this picture on the train into town this week. Radio did wide eyes so he looks like a puppy again. Knock it off, Radio, you're nearly TWO years old.