Popcorn at the Garrick Theatre

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Posted 2019-06-08 by Douglas Sutherland-Bruce ⇒ follow

Thu 04 Jul 2019 - Sat 20 Jul 2019

Ben Elton, the well-known Fremantle resident, stand-up comedian, author, playwright, actor, director and writer, is something of a comic legend. He was a founder of London's alternative comedy movement in the 1980s, achieving fame with left-wing political satire.

In television he is responsible, alone and with Richard Curtis and others, for such gems as The Young Ones, Blackadder, The Thin Blue Line and Filthy Rich and Catflap.

Over the years, he has been accused of being too left-wing and for being not far enough left-wing - the sort of thing that, one imagines, causes satirists to giggle uncontrollably.

Most recently he wrote the David Mitchell vehicle Upstart Crow.

He has written fifteen novels, musicals and three West End plays, including the 1996 classic Popcorn, which is the latest production from acclaimed theatre company Garrick Theatre Club Inc.

Directed by theatre stalwart and much awarded Siobhan Vincent, last seen at Garrick as Edith in Raymond Omedai's Salonika earlier this year.

Popcorn is very representative of Elton's black comedy, with vicious jabs at his chosen bloated targets of privilege, prejudice and abuse of power.

Director Siobhan Vincent: "Described as "It's bloodcurdlingly funny" and awarded the 1998 Olivier Award, this comedy is a rollercoaster ride that is thriller, satire and social commentary.
"The plot is that Bruce Delamitri, a Tarantino-esque Hollywood film director, is preparing for the Oscars. There follows an action packed comedy that raises the ugly aspects of the movie industry, touches upon the #metoo debate, and queries the effect of violence in film upon impressionable minds.

"Faced with the monster he creates, who is to take responsibility? Elton deliberately intertwines his own commentary with Delamitri's questionable ethics and we, as voyeurs, do not walk away unscathed. It is intellectual and stimulating entertainment at its best. Hold onto your hats, Ladies and Gents, it is one wild ride!"

Popcorn opens at the Garrick Theatre, 16 Meadow Street, Guildfordat 8:00pm on the 4th July and runs until the 20th, with matineés on the 7th and 14th at 2:00pm.

Tickets cost $25, ($22 concession) and may be booked by ringing Elaine on 9378 1990, by emailing [email protected] or booking online at TryBooking here .

Caution: sexual references, coarse language, violent and adult themes.