Badapple Theatre 'doorstep theatre' of Laurel & Charlie

April 28 to May 10, 2009

Laurel and Charlie (UK Tour)
Badapple Theatre Company
Green Hammerton, York, UK

Badapple Release: Silent comedy legends tread the boards once more Silent comedy legends, Stan Laurel and Charlie Chaplin, are treading the boards once more in a new touring comedy from Yorkshire’s Badapple Theatre Company.

Few people know that back in 1910 two young touring actors- Laurel and Chaplin- toured the music halls of England together before setting sail for the USA and becoming two of the most famous faces in Hollywood history. This unusual true story has inspired writer/ director Kate Bramley (formerly of Hull Truck Theatre) to create the hit show ‘Laurel and Charlie’, that sees the two comedians reunited after nearly 100 years.

The national tour of ‘Laurel and Charlie’ follows two successful outings already for this piece as part of Badapple Theatre’s ‘doorstep theatre’ programme. Writer, Kate Bramley says, “We call it doorstep theatre. This is a chance for local people to come out and enjoy professional theatre right on their doorstep... to come and have a drink and a laugh among friends close to home.

But the shows are just as well suited to theatre audiences across the country and we’re delighted this show is touring for a record 3rd time due to popular demand!” The two comic actors find themselves trapped in a run-down boarding house, penned in by their rent-hungry landlord. With their show cancelled and no money to pay the rent they turn to ever more hilarious means to escape!

The more obliging ‘Laurel’ is played by Colin Moncrieff, a regular actor with the company, who was described as “having an uncanny resemblance to Stan Laurel both in looks and comedic style” (Northern Echo newspaper).

‘Charlie’ is played by Mat Urey, fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe hit ‘The Butler did it’ who makes his company debut with this show.

‘Laurel and Charlie’ tours:
TUE 28 APR PREVIEW Etton Village Hall, Etton, Nr Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire

WED 29 APR The Met, Market St, Bury

FRI 1 MAY Rotherham Arts Centre, Walker Place, Rotherham

SAT 2 MAY Spotlight Theatre, West Street, Bridlington

3 MAY Laurel and Hardy Convention, Winter Pavillions, Morecambe - PRIVATE EVENT, MEMBERS ONLY TUE

5 MAY Bishop Greaves Theatre, Bishop Grosseteste College, Lincoln

WED 6 MAY Madge Bayes Hall, Hyde Festival Theatre, Hyde, Stockport

THU 7 MAY Seven Arts Space, 31 Harrogate Road, Leeds

9 MAY Brigg Angel Suite, Exchange Place, Brigg

SUN 10 MAY Blackfriars Arts Centre, Spain Lane, Boston

Information from Badapple Theatre and the local theatres on the tour. Contact the Badapple Theatre for more information