Three of our musketeers, who recently performed Shakespeare In Bits as part of the Rockfall Festival on the October Bank Holiday weekend in Kilkenny, are taking to Dublin tonight and bring with them a scaled down version of the festival show at the Ha’penny Bridge Inn as part of their Thursday night comedy lineup.

Messrs Colfer, Doran and Murphy (who, outside of Shakespeare, were all seen together in Stags and Hens this past July) are attempted to cram as much Shakespeare as possible into their 20-minute slot at the Battle Of The Axe tonight from 9:30pm.

Word reaches us high up here in Devious Towers that they’ll be on in the second half of the show. Their appearance tonight marks the first time that team Devious have performed outside of Kilkenny, and we’re secretly hoping to bring a full-scale production to Dublin in the not-too-distant future. Seen as our Dublin fans and friends have been so kind to us over the past year or more it’s only right we should test the theatrical waters of the capitol.

We started out with pub theatre (or theatre in a pub venue) and tonight continues in the same vein. Of course, Team Devious aren’t the only ones on the bill tonight so if you’re heading along, prepare for a full night of comedy from 9pm.

Get thee to a nunnerythe Ha’penny!

The Devious Theatre Company are launching their Dario Fo Season with the maniacal murder mystery Accidental Death Of An Anarchist, arguably the Nobel Prize winning dramatist’s most famous play.

Written in 1970, Accidental Death Of An Anarchist was inspired by events that took place in Italy in 1969 when an anarchist, Giuseppe Pinelli fell – or was thrown – from the fourth floor window of a Milan police station. He had been accused of a campaign of bombing, of which he was later found innocent. The resultant scandal uncovered a system rife with corruption and intensified public rage at the government. Intensification of public rage is something that Dario Fo is a master of with his work challenging church, government and the authorities in Italy for over 50 years.

Accidental Death Of An Anarchist takes place as an enquiry into the anarchist’s death is causing the policemen involved to have some difficulties remembering the details of the event. That is, until a nameless deranged madman shows up and proceeds to tie the authorities around his fingers in a master class performance of utter logic. The cast includes Alan Butler, Sean Hackett, Simone Kelly, Ken McGuire, John Morton and David Thompson playing the famed role of the shape shifting Madman. The production is directed by John Morton, who previously co-directed Trainspotting for Devious Theatre.

As is usually the case with adaptations of Dario Fo, this production will look at the events of the play through the prism of modern Ireland and the corruption and scandals inherent in our own political systems. Employing the comedic methods of commedia dell’arte and slapstick as used by Dario Fo, Accidental Death Of An Anarchist is an uproariously funny farce which rallies against political injustice and corruption.

Above is the teaser poster for the production which pays homage to the late, great Saul Bass whose look and style have influenced our show. Over the next couple of weeks, we will continue to roll out further promotional materials and some surprises. Stay tuned to the site for further details.

This will be the first play to be staged in the Set Theatre, John Street and we at The Devious Theatre Company are proud to be the first group to utilise Kilkenny’s finest new venue. They will be returning in March of 2009 with the next part of their season Dario Fo’s Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay!

Accidental Death Of An Anarchist will run from Wednesday December 2nd to Sunday December 6th and tickets will soon be made available from the Set Theatre box office in Langtons and Rollercoaster Records in Kieran Street. For all details on the play and the full Dario Fo Season stay tuned this site.

From my own point of view (Ken), it’s interesting to see a Devious production which, for the first time since our formation, doesn’t feature any of the founding members on stage, each of us taking up roles between sound, lights, front of house, production management and the likes. This of course affords us the rare luxury of sitting in the theatre to take in the production on a whole and having seen the production for the first time last night it’s safe to say that the comic trio have a great show on their hands.

Last night’s performance brought plenty of improv, plenty of comedy and bucket-loads of laughter in Cleere’s, the first time we’ve performed a show in “Ireland’s biggest little venue” since Heart Shaped VInyl in 2007.

The show continues tonight with an 8pm performance, followed by two shows tomorrow at 4pm and 8pm respectively. Tickets are available in advance from Cleere’s Theatre on Parliament Street priced €8. Tickets for the matinee performance on Sunday afternoon are priced €5. (Bring the kids, introduce them to Shakespeare!)

In our final interview with the Shakespeare In Bits troupe before they hit the stage tomorrow night, Eddie Murphy is asked some questions about William Shakespeare and then he thinks about them and then he answers them.

1. Describe Shakespeare In Bits in five words?

Shake Spear Is Deadly… Okay?

2. Which Shakespeare character would you most like to play and why?

Fool. He’s so misunderstood, ya know? See, he ain’t actually a clown! Well…he is, but a wise one. A very wise and misunderstood jester is what he is. Kind of like me.

3. Was Hamlet really crazy or was he taking the piss?

We should be illustrating that quite clearly on the night. Either way he is quite psychotic.

4. What are your thoughts on how Shakespeare is taught in schools? How should it be taught?

It should be taught in the same manner as sports! Now, hear me out first… The teacher could elicit a soliloquy while the student is soloing with the ball or every time a team scores a point a player from the opposite team representing a character from Hamlet could die! In order of course.. A lovely blending of sports and drama. Sporting Drama.

5. What’s your favourite bit of Shakespeare In Bits to perform?

Probably MacBeth, because I’ve put so much effort and research into a specific highland accent. Actually became a highland chieftain at one point I was that convincing. I think it’ll work quite well but sure I’ll leave that up to yourselves.

6. Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?

It’s a free country but I would advise against it.

7. Is it hard to bring the comedy out in Shakespeare?

Extremely. I beg of you never to try it for yourselves. Just leave that side of the market to us….mwauhh!!! What? Are you taking that down? Stop writing!

8. You’re trapped on an island, Tempest style, with one other Shakespearean character for company. Who would it be and why? Why???

Juliet… just to see if I could test her love for Romeo.

9. Why should people go to this production? (Please use this question as an opportunity for a cheap gratuitous plug)

Because it’s fun! Altogether now…FUN! Ugh… hate those people. Anyway, tis a thoroughly enjoyable 45 min or so of improv, magical costumes, expensive props, perfect accents and lots of puke! Who wouldn’t enjoy that?!

10. Finally, to be or not to be?

To be… to be entertained!

Eddie Murphy will be appearing in Shakespeare In Bits which runs from tomorrow Friday 23rd – Sunday 25 October in Cleere’s Theatre, Kilkenny. Tickets can be booked on 056 – 7762573 and are 8 Euro. There will be a matinee show on Sunday October 25th at 4pm for the price of 5 Euro. As part of the Rockfall Festival, all proceeds will go to the O’Neill Centre.

The show will then travel to Dublin for performance in the Ha’Penny Bridge Inn on November 5th.

In the second of our interviews with the three players who will be desecrating the sacred texts of William Shakespeare this coming weekend, John Doran gives us his ‘Best Of The Bard’.

1. Describe Shakespeare In Bits in 5 words?

Oh my, where to start?

2.  Which Shakespeare character would you most like to play and why?

Witch Number 1 kind of turns me on…

3. Was Hamlet really crazy or was he taking the piss?

Definitely crazy. Why else would they cast Mel Gibson as him?

4. What are your thoughts on how Shakespeare is taught at schools? How should it be taught?

I think it’d be better if they dressed the children up in little Shakespearean costumes. Cute little childlike psychopathic Macbeths all over the gaff. Awwww….

5. What’s your favourite bit of Shakespeare In Bits to perform?

Kissing Pip… both times.

6. Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?

Bright, clammy and full of life? Sure!

7. Is it hard to bring the comedy out in Shakespeare?

Were we supposed to?

8.  You’re trapped on an island, Tempest style, with only one other Shakespearean character for company. Who would it be and why? Why???

Cle-o-pat-ra! Shhwwwwing!

9. Why should people go see this production? (Please use this question as an opportunity for a cheap, gratuitous plug)

Because I heard that the Mayor really likes Devious Theatre. And since the Mayor likes us, those who disagree are liable to be punished.

10. Finally, to be or not to be?

Come to the show and find out. What a cliffhanger!

The show will then travel to Dublin for performance in the Ha’Penny Bridge Inn on November 5th.

Ahead of next week’s run of Shakespeare In Bits, we’re putting some questions to the trio of thespians who’ll be taking the scalpel to William Shakespeare. First up is Mr. Stephen Colfer.

1. Describe Shakespeare In Bits in 5 words.

It is a good play

2. Which Shakespearean character would you most like to play? And why?

The Dog from Two Gentlemen of Verona. Best comedic part in theatrical history.

3. Was Hamlet really crazy or was he taking the piss?

I’m told in the orginal screenplay it was a parody but Mel Gibson made it appear far more brutal and realistic in the final cut.  Hamlet was the one with the lad on the cross right?

The show will then travel to Dublin for performance in the Ha’Penny Bridge Inn on November 5th.

Lane Productions are coming to the Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny tonight for a two date stop off of their phenomenally successful production of Marie Jones’ Stones In His Pockets.

Starring Simon Delaney and Conor Delaney, the comedy has been a huge success all around the world and has enjoyed runs on Broadway and London’s West End.

The play is set in a rural town in County Kerry that is over-run by a Hollywood film crew. The story focuses on local men Charlie Conlon and Jake Quinn who, like most of the rest of the town, work as extras on the film.

From here the play becomes a tour de force with both actors playing ever other character in the story, much like Marie Jones’ other famous work A Night In November (expect new productions of that if Ireland get into the 2010 World Cup… hmmm… that gives us an idea). Stones In His Pocket has previously played in the Watergate Theatre but not in this incarnation, undoubtedly the most successful run of the show so far.

The show plays in the Watergate Theatre tonight October 15th and tomorrow, the 16th at 8pm nightly. Tickets can be booked on the Watergate Theatre hotline at 056 – 7761674.

We know, we’re mad. We’re in the throes of our Dario Fo season and up to our theatrical necks in rehearsals for Accidental Death of An Anarchist, but never ones to sit about or turn down the opportunity to put on a show, we’ve managed to squeeze another production in, this time for the October Bank Holiday weekend as part of the Rockfall Festival taking place in Kilkenny.

This time the show is Shakespeare In Bits which is described as ‘an irreverent sketch show of Shakespearean proportions’. The show is devised by and starring Stephen Colfer, John Doran and Eddie Murphy, three familiar faces from past Devious Theatre productions who last appeared in Stags and Hens back in July. The show consists of a variety of Shakespeare related sketches, set pieces and some very funny comedy. For any fans of the Bard it’ll have you in stitches. And for anyone who’s not a fan of Mr. Shakespeare, it’s a 50 minute comedic dissection of his work which is a million miles away from how it’s taught in schools.

Shakespeare In Bits was previously performed by Devious Theatre as part of the Shakespeare In The House festival which took place in Rothe House this past June. This is a new version of the production with some brand new sketches, scenes, cast members and musical interludes.

This marks the third year that Devious Theatre have participated in the Rockfall Festival and as before, proceeds raised from the show will go to the O’Neill Centre (Enable Ireland) based in Kilkenny. Tickets are 8 Euro and will be available shortly from Cleere’s Theatre on 056 – 7762573. The show opens on Friday October 23rd for three nights only. There will also be a matinee performance of the show on Sunday October 25th at 4pm. This performance will be at a reduced rate of 5 Euro.

The show is being taken on the road for one night only and will be staged at the Ha’Penny Bridge in Dublin on Thursday November 5th. We’ll have some more details on the Dublin outing for the show shortly and we’ll be contacting our friends too to make sure your tickets will be available for the Bank Holiday weekend.

Keep an eye here on DeviousTheatre.com over the next fortnight as we’ll be bringing you some updates on Shakespeare in Bits, some rehearsal photos and more in the build up to the opening night on Friday October 23rd. If you’re not doing so already, keep up to pace with Twitter where we’ll be providing some live updates and shots on show nights as well.

The dust has settled on what was a long weekend for us here at DTC, the 2009 PPI Radio Awards taking our attention on Friday night in Kilkenny and Devious Theatre (and KCLR96FM) taking the Bronze Award in Best Drama for our presentation of The War Of The Worlds last October.

For our first journey into the world of radio drama, picking up the recognition of a PPI award is a fantastic boost for us and a continued success for the radio station as they had picked up an award in the same category last year.

The awards themselves were held at the five-star Lyrath Estate Hotel here in Kilkenny and the event on a whole had five-star stamped all over it. Myself and John arrived to the champagne reception at 7pm, the first ones in the door by the looks of things which, when you’re done up to the nines, puts you in the frame of mind where you’re going “eh… are we sure this is black tie?” with Niamh (above, middle) joining us shortly afterwards.

From champagne to an incredible meal, to the awards ceremony itself and beyond, it turned into a late and great night for ourselves and the station. We did the rounds (or certainly I did anyway), chatting with some of the neighbours in Beat FM, Radio Kerry and other stations though I don’t think we managed to catch up with any of the other drama heads in the room. Our own category on the night featured entries from ourselves through KCLR96FM, Radio Kerry, i102-104, WLR FM (winners of best local station) and Newstalk who, if memory serves me correct, scooped the Best Drama prize in the windup, along with several other awards and the prestigious title of Full Service Station Of The Year, though wisecracks were later heard about why Texaco and Maxol missed out when they’re only up the road.

I would imagine the awards, for those in the industry, are very much like those for your own industry in that everyone in the room knows everyone else in the room etc., something I think we’d be more at home with at the Irish Web Awards this coming Saturday in Dublin (we’re also in the running for an award there), but as KCLR’s CEO put it on Friday night, “hopefully it’s the start of a long and prosperous relationship” for ourselves and the station and, should we pull our radio drama socks up shortly, we might find ourselves in the running again next year.

From ourselves, our thanks to John Purcell, John Dash, Edwina Grace, John Keane, John Walsh, Sue, Aisling, Tomm, Martin and everyone else at the station who have supported us over the last twelve months, pushed through the application for WOTW and continue to allow us take to the airwaves to promote our schedule of theatre during the year. It’s for moments like Friday night that you can never underestimate the power and community of local radio.

Listen or download WOTW below

Well, here’s a blast from the past. As we’re on a lull (video-wise that is) between productions, today is a fine chance for us to get some footage from Cannibal! The Musical! up online, the staging of which took place back in 2007 as our first major Watergate production.

John uploaded the footage this afternoon, prompting me as director (co-director alongside Kevin Mooney) to share a few words. From viewing the clip of course you’ll see that when Devious Theatre do blood, we really do blood. The actors you’ll see above are John Morton (shirt, as Shannon Wilson Bell) and Dave Thompson (jacket, as Alferd Packer). At this point in the production, I (as Israel Swan) had already been shot, killed and eaten by fellow my fellow miners, providing a source of food for our troupé who had traveled through the mountains in search of gold, only to wind up lost in the dead of winter.

Packer leaves the camp, returning to find that Bell has gone completely mad and killed everyone else, cooking up their feet, hands, hearts, flesh to make a fine feast fit for any cannibal.

Hilarity, of course, ensues.

The music that you hear backing the scenes was performed by our own orchestra, conducted by Kevin Reade, the first and only time we’ve used a live orchestra for any of our productions. It was also the first and only time that we’ve had a cast in the region of 25 actors, which included some doubling up as well.

On a whole, Cannibal was a real ground-breaking production for us. Even though it was only two years back this August, it seems almost like a lifetime ago when put alongside the amount of work that we’ve done since then between a Trainspotting, Smitten, War of The Worlds, Shakespeare In Bits, Stags and Hens and more besides. But however long ago it seems, the show still stands as one of my more memorable and much-loved theatrical moments in all the years I’ve been involved in theatre, particularly as I’d spent almost seven years trying to get the production to the stage in the first place.

As a committee member for Devious, I’ve worked as a producer on every production to date, and taken to the stage in each as well. Producing the show would have been one thing but to be able to co-direct the production, especially as our first major production, was a real treat (and an incredible learning curve), but it’s also something that we’re able to afford others in the group with Kevin (Heart Shaped Vinyl, Stags and Hens), John (Trainspotting, Accidental Death of An Anarchist), Niamh (Trainspotting), Colm (Smitten) – the chance to take the reins on a production and step into a directors role.

This might be the only clip we decide to release from Cannibal (though I’m sure we’ve a few spare DVDs knocking around somewhere) so we hope you enjoy it.