Don’t Laugh it’s my Life

An anarchic tale of redemption.

In a quiet house in a quiet street the kids are beating dad with twigs, mum's at the end of her tether and grandma thinks the lodger is Jesus.
Don't Laugh it's my Life is inspired by Tartuffe, Molière's classic comedy of human obsession. It tells the story of a man who seemingly has everything but is persuaded to give it all up in search of a better life. He falls under the influence of an enigmatic stranger, a holy man. His first impressions prove misleading and chaos ensues for everyone.

Don't Laugh it's my Life is a farce with occasional dark and disturbing undertones. In an attempt to rediscover the spontaneity and invention of Commedia dell'Arte, the Company has drawn heavily on the techniques and structures of that form whilst managing to avoid the distinctive marks at the tradition. The result is a vigorous mix of physical comedy and high drama with flights of fancy that have you gasping for breath as a family falls apart.
Commissioned by Smalltalk and The Dorset Theatre Promoter's Consortium. Funded by the Arts Council of England.

Creative team

Directed by John Wright, Designed by David Roger , Mask designed by Mike Chase, Lighting by Niall Black, Production Management by Niall Black

Cast Hayley Carmichael, Leah Fletcher, Stephen Harper, Paul Hunter, Richard Katz

Dates

1997
21 - 22 Oct Weymouth College
23 Oct Bridport Arts Centre
24 Oct The Old Brewery Hall, Ansty
25 Oct The Drama Studio, Beaminster School
28 Oct The Castle, Wellingborough
3 - 5 Nov Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry
6 Nov Hurtwood House, Dorking
7 Nov The Old Town Hall, Midsomer Norton
8 Nov The Regal Theatre, Minehead
10 Nov Nuffield Studio, Lancaster
11 - 15 Nov Gulbenkian Studio, Newcastle
18 - 22 Nov Sheffield Crucible Studio
25 Nov Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton
26 Nov Heathfield Community School, Taunton
27 Nov Yeovil College
28 - 29 Nov Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal
2 Dec QEH Theatre, Bristol
3 Dec Chapel Arts Centre, Shaftesbury
4 Dec Whitchurch Canonicorum Hall
5 Dec Portman Village Hall, Shillingstone
6 Dec Dorchester Arts Centre

1998
12 Jan - 1 Feb BAC, London

Reviews

The Eye on Don’t Laugh it’s my Life

A stunning case of invention and sheer inspiration.

Time Out on Don’t Laugh it’s my Life

Theatre about as inventive, imaginative and fantastical as it gets.

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