THICK isa black comedy by Canadian writer Rick Bland. The show premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2003 and has just returned from a sell-out run at the New York Fringe Festival 2005 where Rick won the Fringe Award for Outstanding Actor. This is the first tour of THICK which begins its five date tour at the Ustinov Theatre, Bath on 16 September. Press Nights at the Croydon Warehouse: Friday 30 September (8pm), Sunday 2 October (5pm) and Tuesday 4 October (6.30pm).
Rudolph a sweet-natured idiot savant, is blissfully unaware of the chaos he creates around him. Rudolph is different and doesn’t know it. Traveling to his born-again, non-alcoholic-gin-drinking mother’s funeral, he encounters his deceased, lawn-obsessed dad. Through Rudolph’s interaction with his parents, a shoe-shop assistant, a Satan-worshipping bag lady, Pope John Paul, and a popcorn seller, he and his sister unwittingly uncover the power and possibility of forgiveness.
The cast of three conjure up the 13 different characters in Rudolph’s bleak but beautiful life.
Rick Bland (Rudolph) is probably best known for originating the role of Jerry Springer in Jerry Springer, the Opera which he performed at the Battersea Arts Centre and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Rick was a long standing member of the Reduced Shakespeare Company and so has toured the country extensively as well as playing in London’s West End for many years. Other acting credits include Strike (BAC), Angel ( UK tour, Mark Bruce Dance Company) and Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk (Royal Opera House). THICK is the first stage play that Rick has written. |
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Jane Perry has recently moved to England from Canada where she was a member of the company at The Shaw Festival, Ontario. Jane’s television work includes The X-Files and The Addams Family. Her voice can be heard in many cartoons including Sabrina The Teenage Witch. Ross Mullan has worked extensively in both Canada and England. His acting credits include Twelfth Night (Theatre Royal, Bath), Angel ( UK tour with Mark Bruce Dance Company) and Moonlight Mischief and Don Juan (Odyssey Theatre, Ottowa).
THICK is directed by Mark Bruce who is primarily known as a choreographer. His credits include Antony and Cleopatra, As You Like It, Way of the World, Peer Gynt, Fast Food (Manchester Royal Exchange), Vincent (Hampstead Theatre) and seven pieces for the Mark Bruce Company. The production is designed by Phil Eddolls who was co-designer of Improbable Theatre’s Hanging Man and was a recipient of TMA Award for Best Design. His other design work includes aspects of the 2002 Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremonies.
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Quotes from Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2003:
“A moving and thought-provoking tale”
Sunday Times, Critics Choice
“Genius writing, virtuoso performances”
The Scotsman
“One of the highlights of the festival”
The List |
