THE GAME IS UP
upfront
pic: JORGE LIZALDE
pic: JORGE LIZALDE
PHILL JUPITUS
YOU’RE Probably Wondering Why I Have Asked You Here... is the new
improv show from Phill Jupitus. But beware and don’t go along expecting regular
old stand-up. Phill believes in intelligent comedy and his newest show is a
three-part performance piece which will see him play a trio of very different
and extraordinary characters.
This is no one-man show though, as the audience play an important role. Jupitus
relies heavily on their input as they are encouraged to ask questions to get to know
more about these characters. Yes, it would be a lot easier and less risky to just write
a sketch, stand up there and perform it but Phill Jupitus doesn’t do easy. Instead
the show, which was very well received at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival last year, is
a testament to his skills of improvisation is a masterful skill.
Best known for his appearances on Q.I. and Never Mind the Buzzcocks, it’s hard
to believe that Phill began his performing career in 1984 as a left-wing punk poet. His
CV includes support slots with artists such as Madness, The Who and Paul Weller.
Phill entered mainstream comedy consciousness in the 90s with two successful
tours. Jedi, Steady, Go (1996) was a personal interpretation of the Star Wars story,
which he followed up with the very popular Quadrophobia in 1999. Since then
he has appeared in the sitcom Dark Ages, wrote and performed in the critically
acclaimed play Waiting for Alice and appears regularly in Radio 4’s News Quiz. In
2009 he even appeared on the West End in the hit show Hairspray as overweight
and self-conscious mother Edna Turnblad.
It’s no surprise then that he is now only getting the time to go back on tour.
This is one very busy man. On entry audience members are told to “leave your
preconceptions at the door but don’t forget to bring your curiosity.” For some
laughter with an intelligent twist this is the show to see. DENIECE CUSACK
Pontardawe Arts Centre, Fri 22 Nov. Tickets: £15. Info: 01792
863722 / www.pontardaweartscentre.com. Borough Theatre,
Abergavenny, Wed 4 Dec. Tickets: £15. Info: 01873 850805 /
www.boroughtheatreabergavenny.co.uk
BUZZ 20
NOW in its fourth year, the playARK Festival takes over the Wales Millennium Centre
and challenges you to reclaim learning, living and working now.
Bringing together inspirational ideas from renowned UK and international
speakers, day one is dedicated to various talks, exploring the theory, practice and
importance of playful and creative approaches to the things we do within our
businesses, learning environments and our communities.
The festival, however, is a game of two halves as day two allows you to experience
your inner child with a fun-filled day of free games suitable for adults and
children. From interactive to family games, be prepared for unique day of fun
experiences, created by some of the best and most innovative game makers from
around the world.
In Human Bingo participants are the bingo balls and must use a mobile phone
as the dabbers. In this interactive game run, hide and capture as many moving
targets as possible until you can get a full house.
Other interactive pop-in games include Mitt Rowdy – challenging you to pick
up a coin before your opponents whilst wearing an oven mitt. Other intriguing
games include Extreme Musical Chairs – exactly as the title describes, and not for
the faint hearted. Independent game shop Rules Of Play will also be joining the
festival with a great selection of board games throughout the day.
The festival finale, Block Party, is a roaming theatrical street game that tests
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