Past Productions
Why don't we do it in the road? 2010
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
Why don’t we do it in the road? — love, sex and violence on the streets of Bedminster
In autumn 2009 we previewed a new outdoor show and it was so successful we’re making it a regular Sunday event throughout the autumn from September 19th to October 24th 2010.
WHY DON’T WE DO IT IN THE ROAD? is a theatrical walk with some of the most extraordinary people – and animals – you’ll ever meet. And every word is true.
- Meet Princess Caraboo, buried in Bedminster, and Charlie Stephens, the local barber who went over Niagara Falls in a barrel.
- Learn about gold from Britain’s biggest robbery smelted down on North Street.
- Hear the story of the Bristolian hung for murder whose corpse suffered a fate worse than death.
- And see the tiny dog who collected money for soldiers in the trenches.
Meet Aldi car park, North Street, Bedminster BS3 1JR (next to Tobacco Factory). No need to book, just turn up (rain or shine). The walk/performance lasts about 90 minutes and covers about a mile.
Created as an even for adults, we think it’s suitable for age 10 and over.
Supported by Bristol City Council and Better Bedminster Community Chest: thank you!
Click here to see photos from last year’s previews
Venue magazine – 4 Star Review
Why don’t we do it in the road?
Streets of Bedminster, every Sunday until 24 October
This latest outing from Show of Strength Theatre Company as usual does not follow orthodox methods in the theatrical presentation of history: for a start, it kicked off in a supermarket car park, where its two performers started proceedings in uncompromising fashion by taking money off us, making sure we were in no doubt that this was about Bedminster, see, and indicating in no uncertain terms what we should think of such as them posh folk in Clifton.
There followed an entertaining trawl through the streets of Bemmy and encounters with various oddball characters from from different centuries, including a poetic butcher, an exotic princess (or was she?), an exhibitionist barber who went over Niagara in a barrel (or did he?), two dogs and a tiger. There was a short history of local pies, an exploration of South Bristol’s connection with one of the greatest robberies of all time, and much more – all enlivened by the constant changes of character from the admirably versatile Kim Hicks and Chris Yapp. And, as they were at pains to point out, it was all true! It bore no relation to your average guided tour. Local history was never as much fun as this.
John Christopher Wood ****
Venue 24 September Issue 928
Performance
Theatre/Dance/Live Art
Audience feedback on 3 preview performances October/November 2009:
‘brilliant, far more artistic and enjoyable than football… outstanding’
‘Interactive, personal, intimate and original’
‘witty, engaging… fascinating local history & colourful characters… skillfully created opportunities for spontaneous audience participation… hilarious… fantastic’
‘great… dynamic and entertaining… can’t think how it could be better’
‘Another jolly good show…’
‘Up from Poole, Dorset for the weekend. Excellent!’
‘Keep it up. Very enjoyable.’
‘Acting very good and history.’
‘Learned a lot in humourous fashion.’
‘Great way to tell people about the area.’
‘Learning about the area in such a refreshing way. I love ALL your stuff!!’
‘History come to life! Fresh air and exercise!’
‘Really lovely idea and well executed.’
