Durham Revue: “my mind is like a jumble sale of comedy and telly” Profile speaks with the Durham Revue about their creative process, taking a show annually to the Edinburgh Fringe and their upcoming final show in Durham at the Gala theatre

Christian Vince Profile Editor

The Durham Revue is Durham’s oldest, and first, comedy sketch group. After being established in 1974, the group has seen alumni go on to achieve success in the world of comedy and acting. From comedians Ed Gamble and Nish Kumar to the likes of Jeremy Vine and Peaky Blinders actress, Charlo e Riley. The group’s “longstanding relationship with the Edinburgh Fringe” has pushed them out of the Durham bubble and onto a national stage.

Co-presidents Leah Pinter and Tansy Adam spoke to Profile along with Henry Gwilliam, a writer and performer about their time in the Revue. We start by discussing the “year-long writing process”.

Adam revealed that each member of the group writes three sketches a week, spending a total of 9 hours together working on the show weekly. “Our work is so collaborative that by the time the show reaches the fringe, it is hard to tell who wrote which sketch”. Adam mentions that a major part of the group’s ethos is that “we are a team and we work as a team” so no one ever feels possessive of their work or afraid of alteration. The previously mentioned “yearlong process” is not just a process of writing, but also “of building comedic relationships”, says Pinter. As the troupe change annually, it is important that these relationships are built in order to have true comedic chemistry.

However, due to the pace and creativity of the group, Pinter hit the ground running. Adam drew upon the importance of having others to refine her ideas as she admi ed to her mind being “just like a jumble sale” of comedy and TV references.

the show will naturally change as it moves away from Durham. Pinter notes the “no Durham references rule” and clarifies “we don’t want to be alienating certain groups of people”. “It is all about figuring out what works for an audience”. For example, at the fringe, “we could have an audience of 7 who are roaring with laughter and then we could be sold out and not even get that much”, Adam says. The group all nods in agreement over the subjectiveness of their comedy but with a group of writers from a range of different backgrounds, there is bound to be something in the show for you. Unlike other sketch groups (“who will not be named”) making jokes about Chekov, the Revue ensure that everyone watching can somewhat relate to their writing.

Switchboard and Durham Hygiene bank previously, the Revue are donating the money raised to Durham’s branch of the Trussell Trust, fighting against poverty and hunger.

How would you each describe the upcoming Gala show?

It is discussed that each member of the team has an individual writing style, with Pinter drawing inspiration from daily observations, Adam from pop culture and Gwilliam from character work and accents. Pinter notes that, prior to joining the Revue, “I had never wri en any sketch comedy”.

The group’s yearly appearance at the Fringe is a highlight. All three performed at last year’s Fringe in which “we did an hour long show every day in August”, says Pinter. “We would wake up and spend the morning flyering on the royal mile”. This was no walk in the park as they were “joined by hundreds of other people to get people to come to their shows”. Having been to the fringe myself, I must admit that people physically bend over backwards at an a empt to lure in an audience, so it is important for each show to stand out.

I ask about the instances in which sketches have to be reworked when they have not landed or need to be adapted depending on the audience and how the team approach that. Adam recalls a “Prank Patrol sketch” based on the CBBC programme from the 2010s. Some people did not understand the reference (which in my opinion is a big loss on their part) but found the sketch funny despite this. “Some sketches just stand alone by themselves”.

Pinter accepts that “some sketches will fly unexpectedly, and we just have to lean into that”. The team recall a few instances on the contrary in which they performed in Collingwood and the sketch flopped. “We all thought it was hilarious but the audience didn’t find it funny… it was mental to us!”.

The whole premise for their sketch shows is that their show is accessible to its audience, therefore,

Having caught wind of their upcoming show, I want to give the team an opportunity to plug it here. “We have a show at the Gala theatre on Sunday 19th February at 8pm”, they say. With it being Pinter’s and Adam’s final show to a home audience, it is important to grab your tickets. If this isn’t enough of a reason to pop along, the team “have been working with WHAT’S A POUND? to donate a pound of every ticket sale to a charity of our choosing”.

Having worked with

Having worked with Switchboard and Durham Hygiene bank previously, the Revue are donating the money raised to Durham’s branch of the Trussell Trust, fighting against poverty and hunger

Gwilliam sells it as “a cheap night out” if nothing else! Make sure you grab your tickets to see the troupe perform their best show yet.

Pinter: “It’s going to be warm. We have bonded so much as a group that there is a clear visual sense of togetherness”

Adam: “Electric!” (this arose following an order from Pinter not to use the word “slay”)

Gwilliam: “fast-paced”