WHAT'S ON at WHITE BEAR THEATRE
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Ram & Crab Theatre Presents
By Eddie Cunningham & Hamish Douglas
23rd - 27th April 2024
1981, Shepherds Bush,
Pete Simmons and Alan Barrett have returned to their hometown to rehearse for their eagerly anticipated reunion concert. They used to rub shoulders with the great pop artists of the early sixties, jamming with Townsend & Daltrey, smoking with Lennon & McCartney, and drinking with Jagger & Richards. The last decade, however, has seen their fortunes divide. Loved but outdated, their attempts to stay relevant have had mixed results, but the real struggle is whether they can overcome their tempestuous past.
The Ram & Crab Theatre Company presents Parallel Fifths, a comedy inspired by the fortunes and failures of our most loved troubadours. This folk-pop farce asks the question, what if Simon & Garfunkel met This Is Spinal Tap?
The Ram & Crab Theatre Company was formed in 2018 by Hamish Douglas and Eddie Cunningham, with the objective of bringing entertaining and playful productions to the many fantastic pub theatres around the country.
Both graduating from the University of the West of England in drama and creative writing, Hamish and Eddie have worked together on a multitude of different shows but have always had a passion for comedic performances. After covid halted the production of Parallel Fifths, they are excited to finally showcase the first original show under the banner of the Ram & Crab Theatre Company.
TOP PICK
THE CREATIVE PLACE INTERNATIONAL / iTHEATRE SARATOGA, AND THEATRE COMPANY, and HINT OF LIME PRODUCTIONS Presents
A PLAY BY JEFFREY SWEET
Starring Jeff McCarthy
1st May - 18th May 2024
Direct from New York and a UK/European premiere, iTheatre Saratoga/AND Theatre company’s acclaimed production stars Broadway veteran Jeff McCarthy (Urinetown, Beauty and the Beast), as the legendary Kunstler—a self-described “radical lawyer” and civil rights activist. Famous for defending the Chicago Seven and his involvement at Attica and Wounded Knee, attorney William Kunstler had an outsize personality and a tremendous appetite for life. In this two-character drama, tensions flare when he arrives on a college campus to give a seminar. The brilliant young law student assigned to introduce him objects to his appearance and is determined to confront him. Has Kunstler finally met his match?
Some Events - you maybe interested in!
There will be a series of events in support of the production:
Wed 8 May
Post show Q&A with Jeffrey Sweet (playwright), Jeff McCarthy (William Kunstler) and Nykila Norman.
Mon 13 May - BOOK NOW
A Documentary film “William Kunstler – Disturbing the Universe” made by Sarah and Emily Kunstler (William Kunstler’s daughers) will be shown at 7.30pm. A 90 minute film followed by a Q&A with playwright Jeffrey Sweet, Sarah & Emily Kunstler.
To book your place, click here
Tues 14 May
Post show Q&A with Jeffrey Sweet (playwright), Sarah Kunstler & Emily Kunstler
Wed 15 May
Post show Q&A on Human Rights – guest speakers tbc
Reviews
“Wise and revealing. A skilful script. An eye-opening history lesson. Jeff McCarthy seduces his audience. Mr. McCarthy has the Kunstler style down pat…”
The New York Times
“This fascinating production provides a unique insight into Kunstler’s life and times. With superb staging this two hander features the impeccable acting of Jeff McCarthy. The show is timely as it addresses many of the civil liberty issues that Americans are facing today.”
Broadway World
Documentary film William Kunstler – Disturbing the Universe
Made by Sarah and Emily Kunstler
13th May 2024
Documentary film “William Kunstler – Disturbing the Universe” made by Sarah and Emily Kunstler (William Kunstler’s daughers) will be shown at 7.30pm. A 90 minute film followed by a Q&A with playwright Jeffrey Sweet, Sarah & Emily Kunstler.
This is a special event is in connection to the production of KUNSTLERS which you can book here
Mich Mash Theatre Company
SCRATCH the MASH
Sunday 12th May 2024
A scratch night filled with new writing from emerging artists.
A little bit of comedy, a little bit of drama.
Raising funds for our upcoming tour Southwest of Locked In.
Artists include:
Kit Moss - Spoken word
Off The Mango - Comedy
Kashka Arnell - Comedy
Spruce Moose - Comedy
Billstar - Spoken Word Poetry
Michelle Dabenett - Comedy
Burden of Proof
Written and directed by Ian Dixon Potter
21st May - 1st June 2024
Detective Sergeant Dunderdale is on the brink of solving a bloody murder but is there enough evidence to convict Joseph Wade? Dunderdale is determined to secure a conviction by fair means or foul. After all, isn't it acceptable to bend the rules a little if the only alternative is for a dangerous killer to walk free?
The Work We Do
Written and directed by Cerys Jones
4th - 8th June 2024
Two performers, Annie and Harry, meet for the first time in a studio to record an erotic audio story. But can two people with such different viewpoints really come together?
From the writer/director of 'Who's Next?' (White Bear Theatre) and 'Cynefin' (Bread and Roses Theatre), 'The Work We Do' explores our relationship to work, sexuality, and the nuances of prejudices
Lewisham Girl Productions
Just Call Me Al
By Lisa Pancucci
11th - 15th June 2024
Kathleen loved to write.
Well, she did until Al came to stay.
Kathleen has Alzheimer’s Disease.
Miranda, her eldest child, is struggling. Carla, her middle child, is trying her best. Alex, her youngest, is not sure of anything anymore.
Every day their mother is becoming more and more out of their reach. Do their memories still count if their mother can no longer share them? And will Al succeed in tearing them apart or can it bring them closer?
Just Call Me Alfollows the journey of one family facing the impact of this disease. Told with courage, humour and compassion, it is a tender story of love, loss and the ability to endure.
She is still here. We have a lot left of her. We can still hold her hand and make her laugh.
Lewisham Girl Productionsis a SE London theatre production company that, through thought-provoking drama, passionately seeks to bring ordinary lives to the stage.
TOP PICK National tour
Giles Shenton Productions
What's Wrong With Benny Hill?
COMEDY KING OR MYSOGINISTIC MONSTER?
25th August 2024
A musical comedy by Mark Carey.
Music by Kevin Oliver Jones
Performed by Mark Carey & Dani Carbery
Benny Hill died alone in his spartan flat in 1992, he was 68. His body was undiscovered for several days. Benny was, had been and still is, one of the most successful comedians of all time.
When Apollo Eleven landed on the moon in 1969, millions watched live on TV but that evening many more had tuned in to “The Benny Hill Show”.
Today “The Benny Hill Show” is broadcast regularly in over a hundred countries around the world. In Britain he has, effectively been “cancelled”.
“What’s Wrong with Benny Hill?” is a brand-new comedy that explores the life and legacy of a very peculiar and brilliant comedian. It tells the story of his life and shows why he was considered by many of his peers to be the best, an “Imperial Clown”.
Mark Carey, in his latest play sets out to address these questions and provide an insight into a unique and deeply private man with a very public face, and tackles current issues such as cancel culture and freedom of speech.
What’s wrong with Benny Hill?. The hilarious new musical comedy featuring Mark Carey and Dani Carbery.
"Brilliant! Provokes discussion and debate.....whatever your views on comedy. Star quality performances." Tony Homer, Downstagewrite
"Ruddy marvellous! Brilliant performances! Thought provoking and challenging!"
Gill Sutherland, Stratford Herald
We are very proud to announce that LONDON PUB THEATRES MAGAZINE is now an OFFIE AWARD WINNING publication
A ONEOFF Special Award has been awarded to London Pub Theatres Magazine and Editor Heather Jeffery for providing a vital forum for highlighting the excellent work that happens in rooms in pubs, with sensitive editing, and an acute sense of the importance of tiny fringe venues to the health and development of British Theatre