9th October 2002
Thick as Thieves (performed in shop)
Cast: Mark Whitely
and Daniel Hoffman-Gill
Venue: Old Redmayne & Todd shop, Birkbeck
House in Trinity Square
Dates: 7th - 26th October 2002 at 8.00pm
Tickets: £7.50 / £6
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| The Hard Graft Theatre Company |
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A Nottingham-based theatre company
are turning a city centre shop into a 50 seater theatre for a three
week run of their hit play "Thick As Thieves". |
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The last time we saw the Hard Graft Theatre Company
was back in February.
Then they were engaged on a tour of living rooms of Britain, asking
for volunteers to host their play Thick As Thieves.
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| Entrance to the old Redmayne & Todd shop,
Birkbeck House in Trinity Square |
Since the success of the national tour they have returned
to Nottingham to bring their unique 70 minute show to a wider audience.
The Company will be performing in the old Redmayne & Todd shop, Birkbeck
House in Trinity Square which has been turned into a temporary 50
seater theatre.
The plot
An old man is found dead in his home by two unfortunate burglars and
chalk outlines are discovered in the area.
That's the plot for the touring play Thick as Thieves, which will
put your living room centre stage with the Hard Graft Theatre company.
The play tells the story of two inexperienced thieves
whose discovery of a murdered budgie is just the beginning of a disturbing
night's work.
Review from the living room tour
It's the cleverness of the script and its delivery dragging you straight
into this experience as if it were your own house being burgled.
This 70 minute play represents condensed theatrics at their best,
with the comical, philosophical thieves Barry and Steph in a brilliant
double act which wouldn't look out of place on Friday night TV.
Mark Whitely and Daniel Hoffman-Gill (Barry and Steph) have already
enjoyed on-screen success, with film and TV performances ranging from
'Playing the Field' to 'Long Time Dead'.
Theatrical revolution
Thick As Thieves is a refreshingly simple, involving and entertaining
play driven by an innovative concept.
The Thick As Thieves tour can be summed up by "If you always
do what you always did, you'll always get what you always got."
Wise words for us all.
| Interview
with Weird Doug's Mark Whitely: |
Last
time we spoke (back in February) you were self-funded. Any financial
change to your situation?
I was lucky enough to receive a grant from East Midlands Arts,
and sponsorship from Carpet Tile Wholesale in Nottingham. I
also got lots of favours from lots of very kind friends. |
How
well received has it been across the country?
I couldn't have imagined a better response. The public are
interested in entertainment and I believe we're giving it to
them. I have a comments and contacts book full of praise for
what we're doing, I couldn't be happier. |
When
you're touring how much do you miss Nottingham?
I love Nottingham, it's a friendly, ambitious, talented
city that sits well in the middle of everything. They could
make train fares to London cheaper though! |
Did
you go to Edinburgh?
No, it's too expensive. Although I did approach a chain of hotels
to do it in one of their rooms. |
What
made you make the move from living room to shop theatre?
I thought I needed a bigger audience to see my work. It's all
very well playing to six people on a narrow boat on the Mersey
ship canal, but I couldn't see where it was going. In the shop
people still have the feeling of being there with us, only now
there's more of them. |
Is
it now a national tour of shops?
I'll answer that in 3 weeks. Let's see what happens. |
There's
a new 'smallest cinema in the world' set up in Hockley. Do you
fancy doing smallest permanent theatre and make it a double
for the city?
No, but I'm looking for a permanent venue to turn into a 100
seater studio theatre in the city centre. We have two fantastic
main stages in Nottingham, but apart from Lakeside Arts Centre
there is nothing for the smaller shows. If anyone has any ideas
drop me a line. |
The
website shows you've been rubbing shoulders with the rich and
famous. What's that about?
I'm an actor, when i'm not doing plays in Shops I work in television
and films, these are friends I have worked with along the way
who support my work and help with publicity. |
| Have
you any tour dates for us to publish? We'll be touring charity
shops in the Midlands with our new play "Burt 'n' Joyce" this
winter. |
What
next?
I'll be writing "Burt 'n' Joyce" in the shop window this week.
Then I've been offered a television programme with Carlton Television.
The film of Thick As Thieves that we made as a pilot for Paramount
should be finished next month so they'll be more Hard Graft
to do. After that, who knows, but it's bound to fun. |
What
is your own personal ambition?
To earn enough money to create whatever takes my fancy,
and to be in love with life forever. |
Anything
else you'd like to add?
Nothing apart from please come and see the show, it's very good! |
The Hard Graft Theatre company will be appearing in Nottingham from
7th - 26th October.
For further information visit the weirddoug.com
website and find out how you can get involved in the theatrical
revolution.
Tickets for this event can be purchased either by ringing Nottingham
Playhouse box office 0115 941 9419 or on the door.
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