MULTI-talented John Monie, the writer and star of Bath’s annual pantomime and a frequent performer in improv shows, tackles one of the greatest figures of pantomime and comedy history, Joseph Grimaldi, in a new play which has its world premiere at the Bath Comedy Festival from 14th to 20th April.

SLAPSTICK! hauls its audiences into the chaos of Regency theatre for one of the most entertaining and unpredictable shows of their lives – Joseph Grimaldi, the famous pantomime clown, is ready to stage his final performance, telling the story of his extraordinary career. Mayhem ensues when the cast and set are waylaid by highwaymen en route to the theatre. Grimaldi, a panic-stricken stage manager and two hungover musicians, too afraid of the audience to cancel the show, carry on regardless …

This laugh-out-loud play was written by Sue Curtis, in collaboration with Jon Monie, and designed by Jess Curtis. Jools Scott is the composer of the haunting and unforgettable score.

The story is brought to life by a team of Bath’s wittiest theatrical talent, led by Jon Monie, with Nik Howden, of the Natural Theatre and Instant Wit, as the stage manager, and Jools Scott and Harry Miller, as the onstage musicians.

Performed in the magnificent original Theatre Royal, at 12 Old Orchard Street, the production will immerse the audience in the period atmosphere. Using a mixture of mime, melodrama, song, puppetry and illusions, SLAPSTICK! is about theatre, about the relationships of actor and crew, audience and
players, comedy itself and the tragedy from which it is created.

The performances, part of the Bath Comedy Festival, are on Sunday 14th April at 7.30pm, and Monday 15th, Friday 19th and Saturday 20th at 2.30 and 7.30.