15 February 2023
Newsdesk
Sequin-clad cabaret stars Bourgeois & Maurice will perform a special one-off performance created especially for the intimate candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse: Unplugged and Unhinged. Combining ultra-pop melodies with ultra-dark sensibilities, Bourgeois & Maurice will present a stripped back, acoustic performance in London’s only indoor candlelit theatre on 20 March. With their manicured fingers firmly on society’s anxiously beating pulse, Bourgeois & Maurice have established themselves as one of the UK’s most subversive double acts, described as ‘modern day music hall stars’ (Guardian). Unplugged and Unhinged marks Bourgeois & Maurice’s performance debut at Shakespeare’s Globe, while they have also written songs for Titus Andronicus, playing at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse until 15 April.
Top comedians from Avalon, the UK's leading comedy agent, will perform Edinburgh Festival previews in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse throughout Spring. Kicking off on 27 March are Rob Auton and Ania Magliano. Rob has written seven five star rated Edinburgh fringe shows, and performed his unique brand of comedy on The Russell Howard Hour (Sky One) and a viral set on Rob Delaney’s Stand Up Central (Comedy Central). Rob made his acting debut on ITV’s Cold Feet in 2018, with other credits including The End of The F***ing World (Netflix/Channel 4), and Miracle Workers (TBS). Rob is the creator of The Rob Auton Daily Podcast, winner of the 2020 British Podcast Award for Best Daily Podcast. Ania’s debut hour of comedy, Absolutely No Worries if Not, won Best New Show at Leicester Comedy Festival 2022, and went on to sell out at the Soho Theatre and the Edinburgh Fringe, where it was listed on the Guardian’s round-up of 10 unmissable comedy shows.
Luke Kempner and Pierre Novellie will perform on 24 April. Luke is one of the UK’s hottest new impressionists for the millennial comedy generation. His contemporary take on pop culture mimicry has attained over 3 million views online for his viral sketch videos Alternative Love Island and Alternative Game of Thrones. Luke is part of the new cast of Spitting Image (BritBox). Pierre has recently featured on The Mash Report (BBC2), Stand Up Central (Comedy Central), The Now Show (Radio 4) and co-hosts the hit podcast BudPod alongside Phil Wang. An acclaimed live act, Pierre has recently released his first filmed special Quiet Ones.
Chloe Petts and Ahir Shah will perform on 22 May. Chloe performed her debut show Transience to sold-out audiences at the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Soho Theatre. An alumna of the prestigious Pleasance Comedy Reserve, and shortlisted for the BBC Comedy Award, Chloe supported Ed Gamble on his 2022 tour Electric across the country. Chloe is a co-founder of queer comedy collective The Lol Word, and has been a regular on The Frank Skinner Show (Absolute Radio), World Cup Breakfast (Sky Sports) and Good Morning Euros (Sky Sports) for the UEFA Women’s Euros. Ahir is a double Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Show winner, known for his sharp, intellectual brand of stand-up. Ahir has appeared on Live At The Apollo, The Now Show, Have I Got News For You and Mock the Week.
On 13 March, Shabaka Hutchings, one of the most influential, innovative, and creative musicians of his generation, presents Shabaka: to pause, to reflect, a live performance created specifically for the unrivalled intimacy of the candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. Shabaka will welcome two exceptional harpists, Alina Bzhezhinska, and Miriam Adefris, to accompany his extraordinary musical talent. Shabaka’s work transcends genres and cultural influences; whilst undeniably a pioneering voice in British Jazz, Shabaka has also performed classical concertos with world-leading orchestras; led several hugely influential bands (including Sons of Kemet, and The Comet is Coming); and recently released a critically lauded solo album, Afrikan Culture.
Award-winning poet and playwright Inua Ellams brings his chaotic, audience-led poetry event Search Party to the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse on 15 May. Prompted by audience suggestions, Inua will search through his extensive archive of work and perform a reactive and spontaneous selection, making each show unique and special. Born in Nigeria, Ellams is a poet, playwright & performer, graphic artist & designer. His playwriting credits include Barber Shop Chronicles and Three Sisters.
