Clowning is a way of creating and performing inspired by pure play. For internationally renowned teacher, director, and actor Joe Dieffenbacher, a clown is not a character, but an energy – a way of relating to the physical world. Here, in an extract from his book Drama Games for Clowning and Physical Comedy, he explains … Continue reading ‘Interacting with the world through play’ – how clowning can benefit any performer
Comedy
Ladies Unleashed: Playwright Amanda Whittington on her Ladies Trilogy
When Amanda Whittington's play Ladies' Day premiered at Hull Truck Theatre in 2005, it introduced the world to Pearl, Jan, Shelley and Linda – four likely lasses from the Hull fish docks on a day at the races. The play and its sequel, Ladies Down Under, have since been performed around the world, including thousands … Continue reading Ladies Unleashed: Playwright Amanda Whittington on her Ladies Trilogy
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Everything That Went Into Writing My New Book (But Were Too Polite to Ask, Dear)
Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the West End... The masked man of Theatreland has returned. West End Producer's new book is the ultimate guide to theatregoing, full of the hilarious advice and insight he's become known for. Here, WEP reveals the blood, sweat and Dom Pérignon that went into writing … Continue reading Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Everything That Went Into Writing My New Book (But Were Too Polite to Ask, Dear)
Victoria Wood: ‘Giving Notes’
We were saddened by the death of Victoria Wood this week – she was a gleeful, mischievous presence on our screens for so many years, and will be sorely missed. Here's a reminder of her talent in her sketch included in the RSC's The Shakespeare Revue – appropriately enough as we commemorate the death of … Continue reading Victoria Wood: ‘Giving Notes’
‘The pain of celebrity’: Ian Kelly on Mr Foote’s Other Leg
Ian Kelly wrote an award-winning biography of the once-notorious eighteenth-century comedian, Samuel Foote. Now he's acting in his own stage version of the story alongside Simon Russell Beale in a sold-out production directed by Richard Eyre. Here he explains why his one-legged protagonist, who rose to fame and celebrity only to be toppled in a … Continue reading ‘The pain of celebrity’: Ian Kelly on Mr Foote’s Other Leg
With a little help from my friends: Amelia Bullmore on her play Di and Viv and Rose
Actress and playwright Amelia Bullmore had a West End hit earlier this year with Di and Viv and Rose, a warm and funny play about three women and their enduring friendship. As the play is made available for amateur performance, she recalls the moment that inspired her to write it, and explains why, for her, … Continue reading With a little help from my friends: Amelia Bullmore on her play Di and Viv and Rose
Michael Palin: Monty Python as it happened
The inspiring Monty Python at Work is Michael Palin's intimate, behind-the-scenes account of the conception and making of the legendary group's shows, films, books and albums, drawn from his published diaries. Here, the author explains what writer-performers can learn from the book - and read further for extracts from the beginning of the Python journey. … Continue reading Michael Palin: Monty Python as it happened
The Prompt Book 