SHOWS
Barbershopera: Apocalypse No!
Barbershop’s funniest quartet present their third a cappella comedy musical – and this time they’re going apocalyptic. God summons four dastardly horsemen to unleash total destruction on the world, but unfortunately Beth turns up instead of Death. Cue mistaken identity, four-part harmony and at least one hobby-horse.
Premieres at the Edinburgh Fringe 2010 (Pleasance Dome, 4-29 August 10.55pm). Tickets on sale now – details at FestivalHighlights.com. London previews 28/29 July at New Diorama Theatre.
Barbershopera – The Barber Of Shavingham
Barbershop’s funniest quartet premiered their second show at the 2009 Edinburgh fringe, and went on to win the Best Lyrics Musical Theatre Matters Award, for the second consecutive year. The show played London’s West End for a five-week run, ahead of a UK tour.
This award-winning musical comedy tells the unlikely story of a Catalan matador who inherits a Norfolk barbershop. A delightfully madcap show packed with laughs, tears and stampeding cows – all in four-part harmony.
Will our young hero manage to enchant the locals with his continental flair? How will he fare against local favourite Trevor Sorbet in a high-stakes coiffeurs’ cut-off? Can he win the heart of the beautiful town crier? And will he ever leave Norfolk again?
The co-writing team of Rob Castell and Tom Sadler and director Sarah Tipple have come together again to create another madcap but beautifully harmonious show for the 2009 fringe. They perform with returning ‘barbershopper’ Lara Stubbs, whilst Pete Sorel-Cameron makes his debut with the company. Director Sarah Tipple’s other recent work includes Bay (Young Vic); Mad Funny Just (Theatre503); and The Wrong Man (Pleasance Islington and Edinburgh & on tour).
Winner – Best Actor (Rob Castell), Best Actress (Lara Stubbs) – International Musicals Festival, South Korea (2010).
By Rob Castell and Tom Sadler
Directed by Sarah Tipple – Designed by Molly Einchcomb – Lighting by Robin Fisher
Performed by Rob Castell, Tom Sadler, Lara Stubbs and Pete Sorel-Cameron
Barbershopera! – Our first show
The original Barbershopera show premiered at Edinburgh fringe 2008, winning rave reviews and the Musical Theatre Matters awards for Most Promising New Musical and Best Lyrics. In a Christmas version it subsequently played at Theatre503 in London and will again at Theatre Royal Plymouth in December 2010. The show also toured in spring 2009.
The Eurovision Barbershop Contest approaches. Our manly quartet fancy their chances – until their tenor does a runner. He must be replaced and fast, but the only option is a warbling female opera singer. Will our heroes overcome the obstacles of romantic intrigue, gender warfare and their evil Swiss rivals to triumph in Ljubljana?
‘A feast of frenetic ridiculousness and technically superb singing.’ ***** The Scotsman (full review here)
‘Sublimely silly yet smilingly sophisticated.’ **** Metro (full review here)
‘Musical theatre at its very best.’ **** Fest (full review here)
‘Castell and Sadler’s music is packed with fiendishly tongue-twisting lyrics and cleverly references. There’s even a spot of female impersonation – all slickly and energetically served up in Sarah Tipple’s production.’ The Times (full review here)