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Sea Words
by Olly Gullycomedy, theatre
A camp, chaotic and hilarious seaside variety show exploring the challenges of addressing mental health in close family relationships
about the production
Chris and Christine are a seasoned seaside double-act. But when Christine mysteriously refuses to perform, Chris' chaotic solo-effort takes both dangerously out of their depth. Written and performed by award-winning theatremaker Olly Gully (Hear Myself Think, Dietrich: Natural Duty) and directed by Sophie Mercell (Told by an Idiot), this camp and irreverent new play takes a darkly-comic cannonball into the heart of the untameable deep. Nominated for a 2023 OffFest Award, and winner of the inaugural Keep it Fringe Award. “A dynamic & thoughtful exploration of failure” Scotsman “Gully is virtuosic” Three Weeks
about the artist
Olly Gully FRSA is a playwright and theatremaker, whose award-winning collaborative work has been performed internationally, including in London, New York, across the UK, Europe and Australia. His practice focuses on inventive, expansive theatre that playfully combines text, visuals, sound and movement with the rigour of high quality storytelling. Recent credits include Sea Words (Summerhall), Dietrich: Natural Duty (UK & International Tour) and Hear Myself Think, an international audio series he created in 2021 which has since reached hundreds of listeners in over 35 countries, and was this year nominated for a National Diversity Award.
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stage dimensions
width: 4 metres
height: 3 metres
depth: 3 metres
PA access (Standard Jack Cable)
1x mic stand
Show can be performed with front general wash. Basic lighting rig preferable but not essential.
Provided by company:
Laptop with QLab
All props
Collapsible stage curtain
Audiences with experience of death/grief/depression & with 1st/2nd hand experience of addiction
Seaside communities familiar with the end-of-pier tradition
Younger, culturally-engaged fans of new writing
Older fans of classic comedy
LGBTQIA+ & allies
Audiences seeking unashamedly queer representation onstage
"Gully performs the role of Chris with so much camp exciting energy throughout. He doesn’t drop his energy for a single moment and creates a magical air in the room. His performance is done with such passion and he carries himself with such confidence and vibrance."
“A truly virtuosic one-man show… I would urge you to get your tickets booked in ASAP - everybody who sees this will tell someone else to go as well.”
“A tidal wave of entertainment”
BSL & AD available on request (with advanced notice)
2hr playwriting/creative writing workshop on discovering your artistic voice (+£60)
Olly is an experienced workshop leader, and has led sessions in schools, community arts groups, and mental health organisations.
£500 plus travel & accommodation
Negotiable according to venue requirement/capacity
Risk assessment available on request
