Beginning a run at Park Theatre this month is 'Jobsworth', a funny solo show about a young woman forced to juggle more than one full-time job to stay solvent, which completed an acclaimed sell out run at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe.
The show, produced by Prentice Productions, is co-written by Libby Rodliffe and Isley Linn, and is based on Libby's own, difficult life experiences of living and working in London. And Libby isn't just a co-writer - she performs the show as well.
I spoke to her to find out more.
CLICK HERE to read this Caro Meets interview.
'Jobsworth' is on at Park Theatre from 19 Nov-6 Dec. Head to the venue website here for more information and to book tickets.
TW ROUND-UP: CREATIVE CURRICULUM, EQUITY V SPOTLIGHT, LONDON BUSKERS
It's the TW Backstage Round-Up - we select and summarise three recent developments in the culture business.
This time, creative industries welcome UK government's school curriculum review; Equity given go ahead to appeal ruling in Spotlight dispute; London buskers hit by "double whammy of lost income".
CLICK HERE to read the latest TW Round-Up.
VOILA! FESTIVAL>>
Hansal & Geetal | Etcetera Theatre | 14-15 + 20-22 Nov (pictured)
Yay for the Voila! Festival, lighting up the November listings with its fabulous smorgasbord of internationally produced theatrical fare. Do head to this page here and peruse everything on offer, but my first pick is this fab interactive clown comedy show with a school days theme: "Two class clowns are forced to face their greatest fear: sharing the joke with the whole class". Find out more about it here.
L'Indiscipline | Theatro Technis | 14-15 Nov
"Step into Nineteenth Century Paris, where France's most famous doctor, Jean-Martin Charcot, investigates the mysterious mental disorders plaguing his time using bizarre, questionable techniques". If they hadn't had me at "Nineteenth Century Paris", they'd have definitely had me at "mysterious mental disorders". Brought to you by creatives from Mexico, Czechia, France and Kazakhstan. Click here.
June | The Space | 18-19 Nov
Here's an intriguing one, a sci-fi mystery thriller that promises to combine "the languages of object theatre and found-footage documentary" in layers of interweaving narrative centred on Alex, a teenage truth seeker. "Through Alex's camera, narratives are constructed and reconstructed. But what happens when the camera switches off? Who is left in charge of the story?" Info here.
KID SHOWS>>
Me… | Little Angel Theatre | 15 Nov-25 Jan (pictured)
It's officially that time of year when children's shows that are going to run up to and beyond Christmas start to open their doors, so I have three of those for you this week, and you can either see them post-haste or save them for a festive treat. First up, one for little ones aged two to five, based on the book by Emma Dodd, which tells the story of a baby penguin finding her feet in a land of shimmering stars and glistening snow. Click here.
The Firework-Maker's Daughter | Polka Theatre | 15 Nov-18 Jan
An older demographic - six to twelve years - for this one, another adaptation, of course, of Philip Pullman's book of the same name. It's about Lila, who dreams of becoming a master firework maker like her father, and must go on an epic journey to achieve this. But when her father's life depends on her winning the firework competition, will she save the day? You probably already have an idea. Book your tickets here.
How Does Santa Go Down The Chimney? | Unicorn Theatre | 15 Nov-3 Jan
Here's the most overtly Christmassy one of the bunch, it's literally got Santa in the title, and if that doesn't get your small people started along the road to pre-Christmas frenzied near-hysteria, I don't know what will. Only kidding, this will not turn your children into feral noel-junkies, it's simply another adaptation, and a jolly offering replete with physical comedy, live music and anarchic fun. Details here.
SATIRICAL STUFF>>
The Good Landlord | Omnibus Theatre | 18-22 Nov
The kids have had their fun, so how's about some grown up, comical, satirical stuff for all the many adults reading this? First up we have 'The Good Landlord', which is a dark comedy squarely aimed at those of you who are brassed off with the landlord economy. It's about Jack, who, after his girlfriend leaves, attempts to sublet his cupboard to a desperate stranger. Find out more about it here.
Jurassic | Soho Theatre | 18-29 Nov
"A late-night screening of a certain Steven Spielberg classic causes carnage on a university campus. What starts as a misunderstanding about the film quickly spirals into mass redundancies and bizarre conspiracies. The fight for academic survival is on". A new satire about fake news and fossils from Bruntwood Prize winner Tim Foley. Head to the venue website here to find out more.
I Dream Of Theresa May | Tara Theatre | 17-29 Nov (pictured)
A final pop of political satire for you here, focused on Nikhil, a gay Indian man living in London in 2013, and who is desperate to find a way to stay in the UK. Cue an unlikely appearance from his nemesis Theresa May, who offers to help, if he meets her standards. Expect "satire that shifts between comedy and nightmare as a queer brown man is radicalised by a diva in blue". Head to this page here for all the info.
SHORT STOPS>>
Artivist's Handbook | SPID Theatre | 14 Nov-13 Dec (Fri/Sat only) (pictured)
Yes, here are some short runs. Except that yes, you've noticed that this is on into December. Only on Fridays and Saturdays though, which is why I put it in this section. This fascinating work developed by performer and writer Helen Thompson celebrates activist producer SPID Theatre's 20th anniversary, highlighting how the charity raised £4 million to restore their council estate theatre, and sued the landlord they share with the Grenfell Tower. More here.
The Briefs Festival | Bread & Roses Theatre | 18-20 Nov
Now I know you've already had a whole section of Voila! Festival shows, so you might be all festivalled out, but I thought I might just squeeze in a short but perfectly formed festival of short things in this short stops section here. No, I won't stop saying short, you can't stop me. Anyway, you can expect three different nights of short form material (see, did it again) so why not just go every night? Find it in the listings here.
Porn Crackers | Upstairs At The Gatehouse | 18-23 Nov
"Sex, drugs and violence; cartoons and fairy tales. Just another day for the people who decide movie ratings. But how do you rate a person? Our film examiner duo spend a day negotiating power games and trying their hardest not to fall in love". A 'serious comedy' first staged back in 2009, updated in this version to address themes raised by Netflix series 'Adolescence'. Info and tickets on the venue website here.
LONGER RUNS>>
Ride The Cyclone | Southwark Playhouse Elephant | 14 Nov-10 Jan
And speaking of crackers, here we have three final cracking shows for you, somewhat connected by longevity, but this one is definitely the longest running of the three as it goes on into the new year. I am rather drawn to this, a musical with a rather dark theme: a rollercoaster accident claims the lives of six teens, but they find themselves in limbo, offered one last shot of life. Find out more here.
An Instinct | Old Red Lion Theatre | 18 Nov-6 Dec (pictured)
Next up, a nerve-wracking queer thriller from emerging writer Hugo Timbrell: "As the country begins locking down, Max finds himself hurtling down the motorway to a remote cabin in the woods with his ex-boyfriend Tom. While the virus begins its deadly attack on the outside world, seeming to mutate every day, Max grapples with his fears of isolation, of what might be outside, and how he's going to stay safe". Details here.
Big Cranberry | Jack Studio | 18-29 Nov
I rather love the name of this show, but obviously I had other reasons for selecting it for inclusion here. It's a new play set in a Boston newsroom that offers "a witty and fast-moving story of personal crisis, set in the precarious world of climate journalism". It's focused on Marianne, who is working on her latest article about the Massachusetts cranberry industry... Head to the venue website here for all the info.
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At TW:CULTURE we champion the best in fringe theatre, comedy and culture. Year round, we pick the best shows happening in London, providing handy Three To See recommendations and interviewing the people behind those productions. We also delve into developments and debates in the cultural and creative industries, with news round ups, explainers and interviews all putting the spotlight on the business of culture. Plus each summer we also cover the biggest cultural event in the world: The Edinburgh Festival. Published by and © UnLimited Media | unltd@unlimitedmedia.co.uk Send London press releases to caro@unlimitedmedia.co.uk Send Edinburgh press releases to TWedinburgh@unlimitedmedia.co.uk You can read our Privacy & Data Policy here |