Bedfringe 2009

6

weeks!

produced by Future Legend

venues

acts

11 to 25 July

30 + 2

2009

www.bedfringe.com

B e d f o r d ’s p r e m i e r c o m e d y, t h e a t r e & m u s i c f e s t i v a l j u s t g o t b i g g e r

2009 Bedfringe produced by Future Legend

James Pharaoh

Richard Mann

It’s back! And it's bigger than ever!

Welcome Bedfringe friends! This year we have events running in multiple Venues, allowing the festival to run for longer. 2009 venues include The Bedford Gallery, The Ent Shed, The Place Theatre, The Howard Room, The Harpur Suite and The Bedford Corn Exchange.

We hope that you see real value and a long future in this fantastic festival now in its third year. So come and see what all the fuss is about… Or simply prop up the bar!

welcome from the Directors

May we to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors for their generous support, without which, Bedfringe would simply not exist.

Future Legend is a Bedford based production company (Est.1996) highly committed to the production of video, film and theatre.

Future Legend is made up of a unique team who have been working together for over 20 years, specialising in a wide range of skills, such as direction, production and performance.

We are able to produce high quality, creative, entertaining and motivational corporate and training video solutions to aid you in enhancing your marketing and business communications. www.futurelegend.co.uk

www.bedfringe.com

B e d f o r d ’s p r e m i e r c o m e d y, t h e a t r e & m u s i c f e s t i v a l j u s t g o t b i g g e r

Bedfringe 2009

sponsors

Principal sponsor

Support In Kind Design and print, complete solutions, short and long run.

01234 843900 www.lgdigital.co.uk

1 Lurke Street 0800 013 0339 comearoundtobedford.co.uk

Business sponsors

Stage, lighting, sound hire.

0870 873 1130 impactproductions.co.uk

Media sponsor Electrical & Mechanical Engineering LTD 23 Sergeants Way 01234 328209 admin@sdgservices.co.uk

The Brewery, Havelock Street 01234 272766 wellsandyoungs.co.uk St Mary’s Street 01234 799988 bedford.parkinn.co.uk

22 Mill Street 01234 369582 bedsonsunday.com

Many thanks to Brian Howard ESQ

dhl.com

bedfringe2009

www.bedfringe.com box office: 01234 269519

PA, AV and Lighting Hire for indoor and outdoor events.

01234 294690 www.khsound.co.uk

Quality Embroidered Logos.

Brunel Road, Barker’s Lane 01234 217972 www.hyspec.co.uk

19-23 The Broadway 01234 352107 tavistocksoundandvision.co.uk

sponsors

vip

Opening Reception

Steve Gifford

Alexandar Perkins

11 July Time: 7.30pm Tickets: ÂŁ9.90 (inc booking fee) Venue: Bedford Gallery

caberet

Luke Toulson

White Tie & Tails

The 2009 VIP Opening reception with complimentary drinks supplied by The Blue Glass Company, Bedford.

Comedy, live music and an opportunity to meet the directors. www.bedfringe.com box office: 01234 269519

3

bedfringe2009

Andrew O’Neill

James Sherwood

15 July

BEDFRINGE AND GOOD SENSE OF HUMOUR PRESENT,

BEDFRINGE AND UP-STAGE THEATRE COMPANY PRESENT,

ANDREW O’NEILL & JAMES SHERWOOD

FLOATERS A dark look at the lives of eight people affected by rape. A tragicomic piece of theatre that will enlighten and entertain.

“If this is the standard of playwright and cast I look forward to seeing more of them in the future” THE LUTON NEWS

Andrew O’Neill isn’t your usual stand-up comedian. He has an innate sense of absurdism and silliness, and proudly displays one of the most inventive comic minds around today.

“So funny I put him in my new TV show” STEVE COOGAN James Sherwood is one of the country’s foremost comedy writers and stand-up comedians. James contributes the funnies to radio shows across the BBC. “... brilliantly conceived and very funny …

Sherwood has phenomenal stage presence” THE SCOTSMAN

18+

www.up-stage.co.uk *Adult themes and language

16 July

Time: 8pm Tickets: £8 (No concessions) Venue: The Ent Shed

Strictly for ages 18years+

Time: 8pm Tickets: £7.50 (£6.50 concessions) Venue: The Place Theatre

comedy

www.bedfringe.com box office: 01234 269519

16+ Suitable for ages 16years+

theatre

4

BEDFRINGE AND DREAMSHED THEATRE PRESENT,

BEDFRINGE PRESENTS,

ALIAS THEATRE & ATHENA ARTS

I’LL BE BERT Following its sell-out premiere at the Everyman Studio Theatre in Cheltenham, ‘I’ll Be Bert’ comes to Bedfringe before going to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Award-winning Alias Theatre and The Goldington-based Athena Arts Project are teaming up for a double-bill of innovative and powerful physical theatre and script.

Written and performed by Bill Cronshaw, a life-long Manchester City fan, the play takes an affectionate look at growing up in post-war Manchester and the impact that Bert Trautmann, (City’s legendary German goalkeeper), had on an impressionable schoolboy.

Led by Artistic Director, Trudy A Bell, Alias and Athena provide opportunities for young performers between the ages of 8 and 18 to develop advanced theatre skills and devise new writing for performance. www.aliastheatre.co.uk

17 July

17 July

Time: 5.30pm Tickets: £5 (£4 concessions) Venue: The Place Theatre

Time: 8pm Tickets: £7.50 (£6.50 concessions) Venue: The Place Theatre

dance / drama

www.bedfringe.com box office: 01234 269519

“A resounding success among young, old and non-football fans alike” THE INDEPENDANT www.dreamshedtheatre.co.uk

5

theatre

BEDFRINGE AND THEATRE OF WIDDERSHINS PRESENT,

BEDFRINGE AND CHOTTO OOKII PRESENT,

RAPUNZEL & THE TOWER OF DOOM

SWEET In the era of romantic comedies with happy endings and perfect heroes, Total Theatre Award winners Chotto Ookii present a bitter take on the saccharine nature of love.

Tangles? Split Ends? Frizzy? It’s hard enough having a bad hair day but pity poor Rapunzel spending her life in a tower with a wicked old witch using her captive’s locks as a step ladder! What sort of damage is that going to do to your hair?

Physical theatre, stunning visuals, puppetry and dance are combined in Chotto Ookii’s inimitable style to produce a hyper energetic tour de force.

Theatre of Widdershins have taken this Grimm tale right back to its dark roots!

18 July Time: 2pm Tickets: £5 (£4 concessions) Venue: The Place Theatre

“Another fabulous show – well done!

So much to enjoy for all ages and such inventive sets and puppets. You remain the gold standard!” THE BROADWAY www.widdershins.co.uk

c h i l d r e n ’s t h e a t r e

“striking imagery and fine performances…something really special” THE SCOTSMAN

18 July

www.chottoookii.co.uk

Time: 8pm Tickets: £7.50 (£6.50 concessions) Venue: The Place Theatre www.bedfringe.com box office: 01234 269519

6

theatre

BEDFRINGE AND CHAMBERS MANAGEMENT PRESENT,

BEDFRINGE AND CHAMBERS MANAGEMENT PRESENT,

JACK WHITEHALL

ANDREW LAWRENCE

Jack Whitehall first caused a stir on the stand up circuit in 2007 and secured a finalist position on Channel 5’s ‘So You Think You’re Funny?’ He has gone on to host Celebrity Big Brother’s Big Mouth and other various high profile programmes.

Andrew Lawrence “Soul-Crushing Vicissitudes of Fortune” The double if.comedy Award nominee returns with a show about luck and how it can shape our lives.

“Lawrence packs more laughs into one of his ninety second rants than most comics manage in half an hour.” THE SCOTSMAN

Now, at the ripe old age of 20, Jack is heading back to Fringe theatre for his debut solo stand up show. Expect high energy, gag-packed comedy from one of the hottest things in stand up.

22 July Time: 8pm Venue: The Ent Shed

comedy

“Terrifyingly confident newcomer Jack Whitehall is a shoo-in for stardom” EVENING STANDARD

“One of the greatest as-yet undiscovered talents on the circuit” DAILY MIRROR

22 July

“Evil elegance” TIME OUT

Tickets: £8 (No concessions)

18+

www.bedfringe.com box office: 01234 269519

Strictly for ages 18years+

double bill

7

BEDFRINGE AND GEOFF NORCOTT PRESENT,

THE SHOCKING TRUTH ABOUT MEN AND WOMAN Geoff Norcott has become a bit sexist and isn’t happy about it.

A former card-carrying feminist, Geoff lost sight of his principles after five years of marriage and a dubious TV gig. Now he wants to rediscover the new man he buried.

“Funny, charming and optimistic…”

THE LIST

23 July Time: 6pm Tickets: £7 (£6 concessions) Venue: Howard Room

bedfringe2009

www.bedfringe.com box office: 01234 269519

“Guaranteed to bring the house down at any comedy gig” MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS

20% OFF FOOD & DRINK

full details at: www.bedfringe.com

comedy

8

BEDFRINGE AND SIMON MUNNERY PRESENT,

8

SIMON MUNNERY’S AGM 09 Simon Munnery returns to Bedfringe for the second year of his sentence, hoping for time off from good behavior, to kiss flying moment and do aubergine sketch on request, with new songs, considered hair and an ironed shirt.

Can’t say fairer:Just comes out fairer.

Recently he has become overly worried about the state of his outhouse: he has got a messy annexe complex.

BEDFRINGE PRESENTS, 20% OFF FOOD & DRINK

full details at: www.bedfringe.com

www.lat.notbbc.co.uk

23 July Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £7 (£6 concessions) Venue: Howard Room

comedy

23 July 20% OFF FOOD & DRINK

full details at: www.bedfringe.com

Time: 9pm Tickets: £6 (No concessions) Venue: Howard Room

www.bedfringe.com box office: 01234 269519

MAXWELL, HAMMER & SMITH We welcome back MH&S who are voted the UK’s no 1 harmony band playing songs as a trio that many bands wouldn’t dare to attempt. From E.L.O to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”, the band have a fantastic following guaranteed to fill any event that they play.

live music

9

BEDFRINGE AND WOODEN HILL PRESENT,

BEDFRINGE AND ST THOMAS MOORE SCHOOL PRESENT,

HANGING UP YOUR HOODIE

FAIREST OF THEM ALL...

All may be fair in love and war, but the princes and princesses of Fable Ville are only concerned with one thing – who is the Fairiest of them all? Come and see what happens when your favourite fairytale characters battle it out for the title. This could get ugly…

A mixture of music and drama exploring the way that young people have been portrayed in the media throughout the past 50 years.... have things really changed or is it just the music that’s different?

Bedford based Wooden Hill work with all sorts of people in all sorts of ways.

They deliver training, run consultations and produce theatre.

BTEC Performing Arts students from St Thomas More RC Upper School present a children’s story with a difference.

www.woodenhilluk.co.uk

24 July Time: 11.45am Tickets: £5 (£4 concessions) Venue: Harpur Suite

theatre

24 July 20% OFF FOOD & DRINK

full details at: www.bedfringe.com

Time: 1pm Tickets: £5 (£4 concessions) Venue: Harpur Suite

www.bedfringe.com box office: 01234 269519

20% OFF FOOD & DRINK

full details at: www.bedfringe.com

c h i l d r e n ’s t h e a t r e

10

BEDFRINGE AND TIME TO BOOK PRESENT,

BEDFRINGE PRESENTS, “BEDFRINGE POETRY”

DON’T SIT UNDER THE APPLE TREE

There once were some poets from Bedford who thought they would go out and get heard the crowd were amazed by their lyrical ways, kind of Shakespeare, but less of the dead words.

SONGS FROM THE 1940’S PERFORMED

BY FIONA HARRISON After the amazing Bedfringe success of “We’ll Meet Again” in 2007 and “Down Paradise Row” in 2008, Fiona Harrison makes a welcome return with her new 1940’s hour long musical show.

24 July Time: 2.30pm Tickets: £6.50 (£5.50 concessions) Venue: Harpur Suite

live music

So settle down to an afternoon of nostalgia and listen out for Fiona’s close harmony work which has earned her the title of “Britain’s Finest Professional 1940’s Entertainer”. www.timetobook.org www.fionaharrison.com 20% OFF FOOD & DRINK

full details at: www.bedfringe.com

THE SWAN THEATRE CO PRESENT “COMIC & CURIOUS”

BEDFORD BASEMENT POETS PRESENT “DANCING ON VOICE”

An evening of poetry.

An afternoon of poetry.

www.theplacebedford.org.uk

www.bedfringe.com

19 July

24 July

Time: 7.45pm Tickets: £5 (£4 concessions) Venue: The Place Theatre

Time: 4.30pm Tickets: £5 (£4 concessions) Venue: Harpur Suite

www.bedfringe.com box office: 01234 269519

20% OFF FOOD & DRINK

full details at: www.bedfringe.com

poetry

11

BEDFRINGE AND GOOD SENSE OF HUMOUR PRESENT,

BEDFRINGE PRESENT,

MARCEL LUCONT: SEXUAL METRO

THE SCOTTISH FALSETTO SOCK PUPPET THEATRE COMPANY

France’s premier award-winning misanthropist, philosopher and lover brings his “wonderful French wit” (TimeOut) and “brilliantly brusque routines” (Chortle) to you, the “ignorant masses” (Marcel Lucont).

The stars of BBC3’s ‘Comedy Shuffle’ and MTV’s ‘Best Ever Show’, return to Bedford with a taste of their brand new show, and some favourite bits. Songs, sketches, socks and violence.

“Wonderful French wit... a suave MC.” TIME OUT

“For sheer energy and laughs per hour, these comic stockings are the biz – denier miss it.” **** THE SCOTSMAN AUG 2008

“A stand-up star in the making” THELONDONPAPER.

“Hilarious... the Abbott & Costello of the sock world” TIME OUT

24 July

24 July

Time: 6pm Tickets: £6 (£5 concessions) Venue: Harpur Suite

Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £7 (£6 concessions) Venue: Harpur Suite

comedy

20% OFF FOOD & DRINK

full details at: www.bedfringe.com

www.bedfringe.com box office: 01234 269519

!

This is not a children’s show

20% OFF FOOD & DRINK

full details at: www.bedfringe.com

comedy

12

BEDFRINGE AND VIVIENNE SMITH MANAGEMENT PRESENT,

BEDFRINGE AND IRB PRESENT,

IAN BILLINGS: OUT OF HIS MIND!

PATRICK MONAHAN A regular TV & studio warm up on shows such as ‘Friday Night Jonathan Ross’, ‘The IT Crowd’, ‘The Lenny Henry Show’ as well as a regular MC at selected venues on the comedy circuit.

Enter the wonky bonkers world of kid’s comic and author, Ian Billings, for a tickle-filled hour of chuckle puns and giggle gags. Be prepared for belly laughs – remember to bring your belly.

Patrick is an original writer and clever improviser skilled in audience interaction!

“Ian Billings was brilliant!”

EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS ***** www.ianbillings.co.uk

“High energy & conviction, his material is great; he's going to go far” THE SUNDAY TIMES. “Thoughtful Comedy” THE GUARDIAN

24 July Time: 9pm Tickets: £7 (£6 concessions) Venue: Harpur Suite

comedy

25 July 20% OFF FOOD & DRINK

full details at: www.bedfringe.com

Time: 12noon Tickets: £5 (£4 concessions) Venue: Howard Room

www.bedfringe.com box office: 01234 269519

U Suitable for all ages

20% OFF FOOD & DRINK

full details at: www.bedfringe.com

c h i l d r e n ’s c o m e d y

13

BEDFRINGE AND FUTURE LEGEND PRESENT,

BEDFRINGE AND DR. MERRIWEATHER PRESENT,

THE GLENN MILLER MYSTERY

MERRIWEATHER COMES TO TOWN

STARRING TONY PHILLIPS & RICHARD MANN

William Shakespeare, the greatest dramatist that ever lived, remains yet an enigma – until now: For the first time, one of his own theatre company steps forward and speaks out…

Sinatra tribute artist Tony Pirelli is preparing himself for a concert when suddenly he feels somebody else’s presence in his dressing room. Standing there is a trench coated figure whose look resembles the late US band leader Glen Miller. The trouble is... it’s the 21st Century and Miller disappeared in 1944, so what is going on?

25 July Time: 2.30pm Tickets: £6.50 (£5.50 concessions) Venue: Howard Room

comedy

Tony (the writer), has appeared with many acts including Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, Sir Cliff Richard and Sir Anthony Hopkins, plus many more!! www.futurelegend.co.uk 20% OFF FOOD & DRINK

full details at: www.bedfringe.com

Hilariously funny, hair-raising, bloody and poignantly sad, ‘Merriweather’ is a great afternoon out for lovers of The Bard and newcomers to Shakespeare alike. www.drmerriweather.org.uk

25 July Time: 4pm Tickets: £5 (£4 concessions) Venue: Howard Room

www.bedfringe.com box office: 01234 269519

20% OFF FOOD & DRINK

full details at: www.bedfringe.com

theatre

14

BEDFRINGE AND THEATRE TOURS INTERNATIONAL PRESENT,

BEDFRINGE AND JAMES SEABRIGHT LTD PRESENT,

AUSTEN’S WOMEN

BRITAIN’S BEST MATES

Directed by Guy Masterson, this a period piece with a difference!

Obsessed with sports, lads’ mags, girls and each other, Comedy Central’s delusional couple, Phil & Phill, share the secrets of their bizarre, award-winning friendship and hopefully bag themselves a TV deal in the process.

Compiled and adapted from the most rewarding and exciting moments in the works of Jane Austen, Austen’s Women breathes new life into the many beautifully observed women and heroines throughout her canon.

From scenes of high comedy to moments of pathos and loneliness, Austen’s creations are painted with unnerving accuracy.

“Hysterical comic geniuses” (GQ) “The next Ant & Dec” (Phil & Phill)

EDINBURGH PREVIEW SHOW!

25 July Time: 5.30pm Tickets: £7 (£6 concessions) Venue: Howard Room

theatre

www.theatretoursinternational.com

20% OFF FOOD & DRINK

full details at: www.bedfringe.com

25 July Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £7 (£6 concessions) Venue: Howard Room

www.bedfringe.com box office: 01234 269519

20% OFF FOOD & DRINK

full details at: www.bedfringe.com

comedy

15

BEDFRINGE AND JAMES SEABRIGHT LTD PRESENT,

JAN RAVENS: A FUNNY LOOK AT IMPRESSIONS Best known for impersonating countless celebrities and public figures in Dead Ringers on both Radio 4 and BBC2, Jan Ravens makes her solo stage debut in this delightfully funny and revelatory show, which premiered at London’s National Theatre.

20% OFF FOOD & DRINK

full details at: www.bedfringe.com

FUTURE LEGEND PRESENT THE BEDFRINGE CLOSING PARTY FEATURING

YER BLUES BONES

Yerbluesbones.co.uk

From Anne Robinson and Nigella Lawson to Ann Widdecombe and the Queen, no woman in the public eye can hide from Ravens’ unique brand of satirical comedy.

Come and prop up the bar as Yer Blues Bones play upbeat Rock ‘n’ Roll and Rhythm & Blues with music from Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins and Bo Didley to lesser known Stones, Beatles and Fleetwood Mac tracks.

Add to that some of YBB’s takes on modern classics and you have a set that will have you clapping, singing and moving your feet!

“If you want a fun way to end the evening – this one’s a blast!” THE DAILY MAIL

25 July

“A consummate impersonator.”

THE TIMES

25 July

Time: 7.30pm Tickets: £14 (£12 concessions) Venue: Corn Exchange

www.janravens.com

Time: 9pm Tickets: £6 (No concessions) Venue: Howard Room

comedy

Running time: 2x40mins + interval

www.bedfringe.com box office: 01234 269519

WATCH MY SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL Film entries to this year’s ‘Watch My Shorts Film Festival’ will be displayed on our venue screen throughout the evening.

Full listing at www.bedfringe.com

live music

16

BOOKINGS: CALL US! Bedford Central Box Office OPENING TIMES Monday to Thursday 9.30am - 5.30pm Friday 9.30am - 5.00pm Saturday 10.00am - 2.00pm ONLINE! at www.bedfringe.com VISIT THE CENTRAL BOX OFFICE OR BUY ON THE DOOR! Bedford Central Box Office, The Harpur Suite, Harpur Street, Bedford, MK40 1LE. Visit Bedfringe.com for address details of other venues.

FOR GROUP BOOKINGS OF 10+ please email: director@bedfringe.com Programme subject to change.

booking info

www.bedfringe.com box office: 01234 269519

how to find us