Scroll down to travel back through past productions...
SOMETHING, SOMETHING... PUNCHLINE! THE ALMA TAVERN
Following in the wake of another frenzied reception at Edinburgh Fringe 2015, Heretical Productions returned to Bristol with a fresh helping of maniacally off-the-wall and wildly entertaining sketch comedy.
'Something, Something... PUNCHLINE!' was a true return to roots for Heretical Productions, featuring an assortment of doggedly silly sketches which prompted a broad array of humorous reactions, most notably the moment on the final night when Mr. Booker kicked a chair clean across the stage whilst writhing in supposed agony, causing audience, actors and musician alike to burst into uncontrollable laughter.
Once again we thank our friends at The Alma Tavern and Theatre for all their hard work involved in the production. Ticket sales saw record numbers with two out of three nights turning people away at the door!
'Something, Something... PUNCHLINE!' was a true return to roots for Heretical Productions, featuring an assortment of doggedly silly sketches which prompted a broad array of humorous reactions, most notably the moment on the final night when Mr. Booker kicked a chair clean across the stage whilst writhing in supposed agony, causing audience, actors and musician alike to burst into uncontrollable laughter.
Once again we thank our friends at The Alma Tavern and Theatre for all their hard work involved in the production. Ticket sales saw record numbers with two out of three nights turning people away at the door!
THE HEIST EDINBURGH 2015
August 2015 saw Heretical Productions' fourth visit to Edinburgh Fringe, with their latest concoction of devised comedy, with elements of classic horror and thriller:
'Masterful thief Marmaduke Blennerhasset becomes entangled in the affairs of the evil Antonio Superyacht (proud owner of the world's largest superyacht) and must assemble a crack team of badasses to pull off the job of his life...
Delivered through their inimitable blend of slick physicality, eccentric characters and wicked humour, Heretical Productions' exciting new instalment transports you to desolate catacombs, uncovering arcane technologies and ancient relics of human endeavour, all whilst exploring the tumultuous affair between man and trees.'
The eagerly anticipated return to Fringe was met with enormous excitement from Heretics and other fellow Fringe-goers alike. As the run progressed, we experienced more sell-outs than ever before, standing ovations, and one particularly memorable performance in which Mr. Booker played on through a face full of blood, after colliding with Mr. Bridges on an exit!
As always, we were sorry to leave. However we made a lot of new friends, as well as being reunited with some old ones too! With exciting prospects lying on the horizon, Heretical Productions is already putting the pieces together for a brave new re-working of some old classics...
'Masterful thief Marmaduke Blennerhasset becomes entangled in the affairs of the evil Antonio Superyacht (proud owner of the world's largest superyacht) and must assemble a crack team of badasses to pull off the job of his life...
Delivered through their inimitable blend of slick physicality, eccentric characters and wicked humour, Heretical Productions' exciting new instalment transports you to desolate catacombs, uncovering arcane technologies and ancient relics of human endeavour, all whilst exploring the tumultuous affair between man and trees.'
The eagerly anticipated return to Fringe was met with enormous excitement from Heretics and other fellow Fringe-goers alike. As the run progressed, we experienced more sell-outs than ever before, standing ovations, and one particularly memorable performance in which Mr. Booker played on through a face full of blood, after colliding with Mr. Bridges on an exit!
As always, we were sorry to leave. However we made a lot of new friends, as well as being reunited with some old ones too! With exciting prospects lying on the horizon, Heretical Productions is already putting the pieces together for a brave new re-working of some old classics...
THE HEIST THE ALMA TAVERN (Edinburgh Fringe Preview)
Re-emerging from the workshop since it's first outing, The Heist previewed for three nights only at The Alma Tavern in Bristol before its final journey up north!
The final edit has seen an exciting re-working of several elements, including a car chase, infiltration by a crack SAS team and a blistering new sub-plot involving the Order of Cardinal Ninjas.
With Fringe 2015 nearly upon us, a return visit to our friends at the Alma proved a welcome breath of fresh air! We were also fortunate enough to share the space with fellow Fringe-goers Paddle Boat Theatre, who were similarly previewing their enchanting new production 'According To Arthur'.
**** "Fresh, intelligent and utterly childish... a must-see" - ThePublicReviews
The final edit has seen an exciting re-working of several elements, including a car chase, infiltration by a crack SAS team and a blistering new sub-plot involving the Order of Cardinal Ninjas.
With Fringe 2015 nearly upon us, a return visit to our friends at the Alma proved a welcome breath of fresh air! We were also fortunate enough to share the space with fellow Fringe-goers Paddle Boat Theatre, who were similarly previewing their enchanting new production 'According To Arthur'.
**** "Fresh, intelligent and utterly childish... a must-see" - ThePublicReviews
A PIE OF DUBIOUS INTENT/SWEENEY TODD: THE PANTO BRISTOL BIERKELLER
For two nights only we teamed up with our friends at Bristol PantoSoc to offer a double bill of sketch comedy, pantomime, and other pie-related humour!
Fresh from the grindstone working on new Edinburgh Fringe material, the Heretics took a few nights off to deliver a jam-packed evening of chaotic sketch comedy, including all-new sketches as well as some old favourites! This show also saw the return of the beloved "saga" sketch, in the form of the wincingly funny "Ballad Of Rusty Johnson". We were also privileged to be amongst the first to ever see-
Sweeney Todd: The Panto!
After 15 years in exile, famed barber Sweeney Todd returns to London in
search of his wife Lucy. Little does he realise that she has been captured by the villainous Judge Turpin. Can Sweeney rescue her from
his grasp? And what is the secret behind the curvaceous Mrs Lovett's pie shop? With a razor sharp wit and apologies to Stephen Sondheim, Sweeney Todd: The Panto is a bloody good time!’
Thanks once again to our friends at the Bristol Bierkeller for keeping us all organised and running smoothly, in particular to Rupert and his team who did a sterling job helping set up the venue on the night and operating the bar!
Fresh from the grindstone working on new Edinburgh Fringe material, the Heretics took a few nights off to deliver a jam-packed evening of chaotic sketch comedy, including all-new sketches as well as some old favourites! This show also saw the return of the beloved "saga" sketch, in the form of the wincingly funny "Ballad Of Rusty Johnson". We were also privileged to be amongst the first to ever see-
Sweeney Todd: The Panto!
After 15 years in exile, famed barber Sweeney Todd returns to London in
search of his wife Lucy. Little does he realise that she has been captured by the villainous Judge Turpin. Can Sweeney rescue her from
his grasp? And what is the secret behind the curvaceous Mrs Lovett's pie shop? With a razor sharp wit and apologies to Stephen Sondheim, Sweeney Todd: The Panto is a bloody good time!’
Thanks once again to our friends at the Bristol Bierkeller for keeping us all organised and running smoothly, in particular to Rupert and his team who did a sterling job helping set up the venue on the night and operating the bar!
THE HEIST THE ALMA TAVERN
The final instalment to the exciting three-part comedy horror saga, Heretical Productions' first outing of The Heist took place at The Alma Tavern on 10th-12th December 2014!
Met with a riotous reception, the new show was a twist on the classic heist movies, throwing the Pope and some cave trolls in for good measure. While it was fair to say that the run-up to this show had been more chaotic even by Heretical standards, the end result still bore the bizarre and wildly energetic trademarks, and was greatly received by our lovely Alma audiences!
In his new role as Producer, Mr. Howgego has started losing hair (which is alarming when you haven't got much in the first place). Meanwhile, Mr. Bridges is starting to look disturbingly healthy...
Met with a riotous reception, the new show was a twist on the classic heist movies, throwing the Pope and some cave trolls in for good measure. While it was fair to say that the run-up to this show had been more chaotic even by Heretical standards, the end result still bore the bizarre and wildly energetic trademarks, and was greatly received by our lovely Alma audiences!
In his new role as Producer, Mr. Howgego has started losing hair (which is alarming when you haven't got much in the first place). Meanwhile, Mr. Bridges is starting to look disturbingly healthy...
TROUSER PARTY THE ALMA TAVERN
Sketch comedy of epically silly proportions; Trouser Party was a return to Heretical roots in the form of a show of all sketches, old and new.
Boasting a host of weird and wonderful ideas Trouser Party introduced a ream of bizarre characters and madcap tales. The usual live piano accompaniment was this time augmented by the presence of Mr. Booker with his bass guitar, and an ancient 1980s Yamaha keytar kindly donated by friends of Mr. Howgego. There was a sketch about portaloos, a murderous Geography teacher and some pandas. And a nice little song about beards.
Many thanks to our friends at the Alma Tavern for their fantastic work keeping our show rolling and getting the word out. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Boasting a host of weird and wonderful ideas Trouser Party introduced a ream of bizarre characters and madcap tales. The usual live piano accompaniment was this time augmented by the presence of Mr. Booker with his bass guitar, and an ancient 1980s Yamaha keytar kindly donated by friends of Mr. Howgego. There was a sketch about portaloos, a murderous Geography teacher and some pandas. And a nice little song about beards.
Many thanks to our friends at the Alma Tavern for their fantastic work keeping our show rolling and getting the word out. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
HERESY IN BRISTOL: DARKNESS RISING & ABOMINATIONS BRISTOL BIERKELLER
For one night only the Bierkeller resounded with the sounds of hungry wolves, predatory vampires and .... whisks. Defying all good sense, we performed a double bill of silliness for a packed out Bristol Bierkeller.
An incredibly fun evening (for both audience and performers alike), the Bierkeller proved to be the perfect setting for this particular band of reprobates. Though very tired and incredibly moist after doing both full shows it proved to be an excellent idea; the Heretics will return soon with new material, as well as appearances with The Unnamed at the Bristol Improv Festival.
An incredibly fun evening (for both audience and performers alike), the Bierkeller proved to be the perfect setting for this particular band of reprobates. Though very tired and incredibly moist after doing both full shows it proved to be an excellent idea; the Heretics will return soon with new material, as well as appearances with The Unnamed at the Bristol Improv Festival.
ABOMINATIONS EDINBURGH FRINGE 2013
Following from the success of Darkness Rising we continued to develop longer running material for the second of our one act plays. Abominations would keep to the dark and twisted style of comedy horror that Darkness Rising had established, but delving into the machinations of evil scientists and their terrible creations.
The writing and editing process was merciless, working harder than ever to create the perfect balance of crackling boisterousness and cinematic flair pushed us to new highs. A particular highlight was midnight rehearsals on the roof of a boat, shouting down through the skylight to Alex at the piano below. Scenes were cut and jokes endlessly critiqued (including an extremely long set-up to use the acronym B.U.M.S. which fell to the cutting room floor) but some of our favourite characters and set pieces emerged as the dust settled.
This further success sowed the seeds for the future. Two awesome one act shows was great, but everyone loves a good trilogy...
The writing and editing process was merciless, working harder than ever to create the perfect balance of crackling boisterousness and cinematic flair pushed us to new highs. A particular highlight was midnight rehearsals on the roof of a boat, shouting down through the skylight to Alex at the piano below. Scenes were cut and jokes endlessly critiqued (including an extremely long set-up to use the acronym B.U.M.S. which fell to the cutting room floor) but some of our favourite characters and set pieces emerged as the dust settled.
This further success sowed the seeds for the future. Two awesome one act shows was great, but everyone loves a good trilogy...
ABOMINATIONS PREVIEW KING'S STANLEY VILLAGE HALL
After locking ourselves away into rehearsal it was time to return to King's Stanley with the eagerly awaited, brand new show "Abominations". Moving from the themes of religion and ritual to science and wolves, the new show still kept one foot firmly planted in the blend of Comedy and Horror, affectionately nicknamed "Corror".
Barring a catastrophic lighting disaster prior to the show, which required of Mr. Munns The Younger all of his considerable expertise and underworld techie connections (many thanks to Chinnick Theatre Services!), this first airing of the new Edinburgh material went very smoothly. Mr. Booker remembered all of his lines, and Alistair remembered to bring the camera.
Additionally, Mr. Howgego kept his hindquarters firmly planted behind the piano for the duration of the event, owing to the fact that Mr. Bridges had stolen his belt.
Barring a catastrophic lighting disaster prior to the show, which required of Mr. Munns The Younger all of his considerable expertise and underworld techie connections (many thanks to Chinnick Theatre Services!), this first airing of the new Edinburgh material went very smoothly. Mr. Booker remembered all of his lines, and Alistair remembered to bring the camera.
Additionally, Mr. Howgego kept his hindquarters firmly planted behind the piano for the duration of the event, owing to the fact that Mr. Bridges had stolen his belt.
CENTRE STAGE UNIVERSITY OF BEDFORDSHIRE
On Wednesday May 1st at 5.00pm the Heretics made their live televisual début!
Raising awareness and funds for Rethink Mental Illness we performed a variety of sketches and talked about our creative process.
Click here to watch the show.
What is Centre Stage?
"Promoting talent from across the country, ‘Centre Stage’ is interested in all aspects of performance: music, comedy, acting and more. With live guest appearances from singer Jade Helliwell and 5* Edinburgh festival comedy group Heretical Productions. Also features from the Royal Shakespeare Companies cast of Hamlet and As You Like It, rapper Sandy Minto, DJ Luke Allen and much much more.
Our aim is to raise money for the ‘Rethink Mental Illness’ charity which is England's biggest programme to challenge mental health stigma and discrimination. The show will be filmed in a state of the art professional working television studio at the University of Bedfordshire in Luton and shown live on 1 May. The production will not only be shown live across the five campuses but it will also be streamed across the internet as it happens."
- Centre Stage
Raising awareness and funds for Rethink Mental Illness we performed a variety of sketches and talked about our creative process.
Click here to watch the show.
What is Centre Stage?
"Promoting talent from across the country, ‘Centre Stage’ is interested in all aspects of performance: music, comedy, acting and more. With live guest appearances from singer Jade Helliwell and 5* Edinburgh festival comedy group Heretical Productions. Also features from the Royal Shakespeare Companies cast of Hamlet and As You Like It, rapper Sandy Minto, DJ Luke Allen and much much more.
Our aim is to raise money for the ‘Rethink Mental Illness’ charity which is England's biggest programme to challenge mental health stigma and discrimination. The show will be filmed in a state of the art professional working television studio at the University of Bedfordshire in Luton and shown live on 1 May. The production will not only be shown live across the five campuses but it will also be streamed across the internet as it happens."
- Centre Stage
RETURN TO STROUD: CARROT CAKE THE SUB ROOMS, STROUD
Sadly at the beginning of November 2012 one of our number lost a family member. Christine Booker passed away peacefully in Gloucester Royal Intensive Care Unit.
Following this it was decided to bring Darkness Rising, accompanied by new sketches, back to Stroud and donate half of the proceeds from the show to the intensive care unit at Gloucester Royal.
The show was a huge success, raising a great deal for Gloucester Royal and packing out the Sub Rooms for another very well received show.
Following this it was decided to bring Darkness Rising, accompanied by new sketches, back to Stroud and donate half of the proceeds from the show to the intensive care unit at Gloucester Royal.
The show was a huge success, raising a great deal for Gloucester Royal and packing out the Sub Rooms for another very well received show.
CARROT CAKE OXFORD
The Heretics returned to Oxford for a one-night-only airing of the 5-star, sell-out show Darkness Rising, as well as a selection of sketches, old and new!
The show was a roaring success; packing out the Harris Lecture Theatre and making the Heretics a lot of new friends.
This first slice of Carrot Cake contained some new sketches which will undoubtedly enter the Heretical cannon ('Binmens' surely) as well as re-edited classics such as the 'Weird Interview'. It should also be noted that Mr Bridges' balance was a bit off and so during rehearsals he kicked Mr Booker in the head. Twice.
The show was a roaring success; packing out the Harris Lecture Theatre and making the Heretics a lot of new friends.
This first slice of Carrot Cake contained some new sketches which will undoubtedly enter the Heretical cannon ('Binmens' surely) as well as re-edited classics such as the 'Weird Interview'. It should also be noted that Mr Bridges' balance was a bit off and so during rehearsals he kicked Mr Booker in the head. Twice.
DARKNESS RISING EDINBURGH FRINGE 2012
Darkness Rising was the very first ‘full narrative’ show from Heretical Productions (having a plot which started at the beginning of the show, finished at the end, and had the entire story between them – a play if you will!) and a resounding success.
Previews in Stroud, Bristol and King’s Stanley allowed us to improve and revise the show throughout the year before taking it to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2012.
The original idea for Darkness Rising struck while performing Deemed Unsafe in Edinburgh the previous year. Realising that with a slightly dark and strange sense of humour, along with a particular adoration for old Hammer Horror films this brand of comedy horror (corror) would suit us perfectly.
Soon bizarre characters started to emerge, with Vlad the Vampire being the very first firm element of the show. That’s right; before there was even a narrative or lead character there was a lonely vampire. What can we say; we just like to see Alistair cry.
Research was a happy affair, with watching as many Hammer Horror films as possible being the order of the day, and it was soon agreed that there needed to be some suitably bizarre twists and turns in the steadily emerging plot. To work them out took some serious thought – there were timelines and diagrams of the plot in an effort to ensure each twist and turn was perfectly orchestrated. And funny.
The end result delighted Heretics and audiences alike, and has been an important development in Heretical history; expanding on a much grander scriptwriting style and seeing the addition of Jess and Mark as operators.
Previews in Stroud, Bristol and King’s Stanley allowed us to improve and revise the show throughout the year before taking it to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2012.
The original idea for Darkness Rising struck while performing Deemed Unsafe in Edinburgh the previous year. Realising that with a slightly dark and strange sense of humour, along with a particular adoration for old Hammer Horror films this brand of comedy horror (corror) would suit us perfectly.
Soon bizarre characters started to emerge, with Vlad the Vampire being the very first firm element of the show. That’s right; before there was even a narrative or lead character there was a lonely vampire. What can we say; we just like to see Alistair cry.
Research was a happy affair, with watching as many Hammer Horror films as possible being the order of the day, and it was soon agreed that there needed to be some suitably bizarre twists and turns in the steadily emerging plot. To work them out took some serious thought – there were timelines and diagrams of the plot in an effort to ensure each twist and turn was perfectly orchestrated. And funny.
The end result delighted Heretics and audiences alike, and has been an important development in Heretical history; expanding on a much grander scriptwriting style and seeing the addition of Jess and Mark as operators.
"Silly. Imaginative. Hilarious. Three ways to describe the brilliant progressive sketch-theatre of the talented comedic foursome behind ‘Darkness Rising’."
* * * * * - THREE WEEKS
“This team threatens to be one of the best sketch shows around.”
* * * * & 'Highly Recommended Show' - FRINGE REVIEW
"The more surreal elements are handled brilliantly ... each confused chuckle is sure to be followed by a proper guffaw ten or twenty minutes later. Excellent stage fights and manoeuvres pepper the action and demonstrate the skill of the four actors."
* * * * - BROADWAY BABY
* * * * * - THREE WEEKS
“This team threatens to be one of the best sketch shows around.”
* * * * & 'Highly Recommended Show' - FRINGE REVIEW
"The more surreal elements are handled brilliantly ... each confused chuckle is sure to be followed by a proper guffaw ten or twenty minutes later. Excellent stage fights and manoeuvres pepper the action and demonstrate the skill of the four actors."
* * * * - BROADWAY BABY
DARKNESS RISING PREVIEW KING'S STANLEY VILLAGE HALL
With lines perfected and "jokes" honed, the final pre-Edinburgh iteration of Darkness Rising was performed to an army of staunch Heretical supporters as well as some new faces, and for the second year in a row more seats were required as the now smoothly-oiled Heresy machine stirred into life...
DARKNESS RISING PREVIEW THE LITTLE BLACK BOX, BRISTOL
Having made the transition from embryo to infancy, Darkness Rising was taken to the stage for the second time in the Clifton. Playing to a packed house, and with the "storyline" now fully developed, the show premiered to an excited audience of Bristolians.
THE WOODEN PALACE OF LIES III THE CO-HOUSE STROUD
The very first airing of Darkness Rising material. A 'PrePreview' really as the show was still actually only half written. In its alpha stage if you like.
A sounding board to stand up what was a bold, narrative led diversion from the usual sketch comedy work, this show was a lot of fun. The first act actually consisted of some amazing stand alone sketches. Alistair was nearly nude. This was thankfully decided against.
A sounding board to stand up what was a bold, narrative led diversion from the usual sketch comedy work, this show was a lot of fun. The first act actually consisted of some amazing stand alone sketches. Alistair was nearly nude. This was thankfully decided against.
DEEMED UNSAFE EDINBURGH FRINGE 2011
It was time. Sketches had been honed, cider had been drunk, and Heretical Productions was about to celebrate its fourth birthday. After three grueling weeks of solid rehearsals, including a brief return to the Wooden Palace to test-run the final product on stalwart supporters, teeth were gritted against the cold and the Heretics took to the North (the real North. Not just the bit of England that gets called the North. Like properly North where they wear kilts).
Deemed Unsafe was a great success, and a huge step up for us. While still only newcomers to the Fringe scene, a cult following ensured some great shows (despite the rain!) and had everyone quickly planning a return...
Deemed Unsafe was a great success, and a huge step up for us. While still only newcomers to the Fringe scene, a cult following ensured some great shows (despite the rain!) and had everyone quickly planning a return...
"Incredibly energetic, they combine original ideas with humour to create a show that is thoroughly entertaining."
* * * - THREE WEEKS
* * * - THREE WEEKS
APPROVED BY DOCTORS KING'S STANLEY VILLAGE HALL
An early trial of some of the selected material for Deemed Unsafe, and the long awaited return of Common Sense Man. Performed in King's Stanley Hall, Approved By Doctors was a quiet but measurable hit. 'Man Who Steps On Frogs' will never flaunt his evil so readily again.
A DIFFERENT KETTLE OF LEOPARDS THE SPACE, STROUD
Another show in The Space in Stroud, 'Leopards' trialled some of the more bizarre sketches such as 'Sherlock' and 'The Nick Clegg Song'.
Easily the most politically aware show due to everyone being very angry with Nick Clegg. For lying. He made promises he wasn't going to keep and the Heretics were so incensed they ended up having a portion of the show for him. The song was really rather good though, as were the accompanying synchronized dance moves.
Easily the most politically aware show due to everyone being very angry with Nick Clegg. For lying. He made promises he wasn't going to keep and the Heretics were so incensed they ended up having a portion of the show for him. The song was really rather good though, as were the accompanying synchronized dance moves.
DURHAM!
The Northern adventure!
Taking a delectable selection of Heresy, the boys headed off to the mysterious north. A cracking show in association with the marvelous chaps at ShellShock.
Taking a delectable selection of Heresy, the boys headed off to the mysterious north. A cracking show in association with the marvelous chaps at ShellShock.
THE WOODEN PALACE OF LIES II: TITO'S REVENGE THE CO-HOUSE, STROUD
The first Wooden Palace of Lies show should have included a beautiful little scene about Tito; the gentleman's gentleman. In the heat of the moment (and in the transcribing of running orders...) he was forgotten. To make up for it an entire show was named after him.
Sorry Tito.
Sorry Tito.
COMEDY AND CABARET EVENING OXFORD BROOKES STUDENT UNION
After the success of a second Christmas extravaganza, we bravely adventured away from the hills and valleys of Stroud and burst onto the vibrant Oxford comedy scene. Sharing a show with Oxford Brookes' very own Fortune Cookies, it was a fun-filled evening of comedy, cabaret, student bars and off-key descant harmonies from Jack.
THE TROUT OF DAMNATION THE SPACE, STROUD
There were epic fights. There were robots. There was a school for monsters. Playing to a packed out venue in Stroud, the Heretics' second Christmas show was heralded as their "best yet", and together with a 6-piece band also saw the greatest combined numbers on stage of a Heretics show to date.
THE WOODEN PALACE OF LIES THE CO-HOUSE, STROUD
In a Heretical first, The Wooden Palace began with an innovative multimedia opening sequence (involving a projector of all things - jazzy eh?), and featured a short script written by Alistair - 'Deus Ex Machina'. This show also saw the first airing of what would become the much-loved (by the Heretics if no one else) and oft-quoted "Broken Robots" sketch.
A comfortable and cosy venue, the Wooden Palace would be host to many rehearsals and several more experimental/development shows. There is a tea urn and sofas, which may explain why it suits The Heretics so well.
A comfortable and cosy venue, the Wooden Palace would be host to many rehearsals and several more experimental/development shows. There is a tea urn and sofas, which may explain why it suits The Heretics so well.
THE WEASEL HAS LANDED THE SUB ROOMS, STROUD
The boys hit the big time. Big venue. Big show. Big audience.
Moving from the smaller, more intimate back rooms out to the 200-odd seater main hall in the Stroud Sub Rooms was a bold move - but it paid off. Yet another sell out and more fun than throwing a bag of jam donuts in a blender and drinking the resulting love juice. The presence of an exciting lighting rig enabled Joe to add a new dimension to the performance, which has since played an integral role to shows. Together with the full and proper birth of Common Sense Man, The Pun Police, and enough space to accommodate some of Alex's musical friends on stage, 'Weasel' took Heretical Productions to a new level.
This was also the first show to see a move away from the 60/40 split of sketches to improv and be an entirely scripted show. While still being a huge part of material development to this day the move to scripted shows allowed more of the bizarre characters and weird ideas the Heretics love to have the time to come to full fruition.
Moving from the smaller, more intimate back rooms out to the 200-odd seater main hall in the Stroud Sub Rooms was a bold move - but it paid off. Yet another sell out and more fun than throwing a bag of jam donuts in a blender and drinking the resulting love juice. The presence of an exciting lighting rig enabled Joe to add a new dimension to the performance, which has since played an integral role to shows. Together with the full and proper birth of Common Sense Man, The Pun Police, and enough space to accommodate some of Alex's musical friends on stage, 'Weasel' took Heretical Productions to a new level.
This was also the first show to see a move away from the 60/40 split of sketches to improv and be an entirely scripted show. While still being a huge part of material development to this day the move to scripted shows allowed more of the bizarre characters and weird ideas the Heretics love to have the time to come to full fruition.
HOT MONKEY THE SUB ROOMS, STROUD
Returning to the Sub Rooms Cafe, Hot Monkey was a cracker of a show. Bringing to the stage for the first time what are now considered classic Heresy; inluding Dr Brainsvapper, James Bond and The BNP Song.
Another sellout, Heretical Productions were starting to gain momentum.
Another sellout, Heretical Productions were starting to gain momentum.
ENTROPY THE SUB ROOMS, STROUD
The Heretics quickly decided to capitalise on the success of One Night Stand. Realising that not only could they make each laugh, but that other people often joined in, a move to the Sub Rooms Cafe in Stroud was made.
Again a mix of pre-scripted sketches and improv, this show saw such gems as ‘Fiji’ and ‘The Finisher.’
Entropy sold out, the Heretics had a ball and the people called for more...
Again a mix of pre-scripted sketches and improv, this show saw such gems as ‘Fiji’ and ‘The Finisher.’
Entropy sold out, the Heretics had a ball and the people called for more...
ONE NIGHT STAND S.H.S. MAIN HALL
This was the very first show performed as 'Heretical Productions.'
Most of what constitutes Heretical Productions fell very naturally into place right here: Mr Howgego accompanying on his musical tinkle box, Mr Munns the younger making everyone look fabulous, and waistcoats all round to differentiate from the common rabble (that’s right, this was mid 2000s; Heretics were suited and booted long before it was trendy).
A mixture of pre-scripted sketches and improv, One Night Stand was such a resounding success that it... well, it wasn’t a one night stand at all really.
Most of what constitutes Heretical Productions fell very naturally into place right here: Mr Howgego accompanying on his musical tinkle box, Mr Munns the younger making everyone look fabulous, and waistcoats all round to differentiate from the common rabble (that’s right, this was mid 2000s; Heretics were suited and booted long before it was trendy).
A mixture of pre-scripted sketches and improv, One Night Stand was such a resounding success that it... well, it wasn’t a one night stand at all really.
In the beginning...
Shrouded now in the mists of time...
Already firm friends/lab partners/training buddies and having performed together numerous times Heretical Productions was formed in the wake of the collective realisation that leaping about on stage together was a great deal of fun.
Early works together included:
Already firm friends/lab partners/training buddies and having performed together numerous times Heretical Productions was formed in the wake of the collective realisation that leaping about on stage together was a great deal of fun.
Early works together included:
- An epic production of The Hobbit; a cast of 50+, a 20m wide hand built stage and genuine plans to use an actual rowing boat.
- A sublime open air run of The Rivals; full period costume and ridiculous accents ahoy.
- The Monty Python Marathon – performing every single episode of Monty Python’s Flying Circus back to back.