If you’ve not come across BLACK RAT PRODUCTIONS then we can highly recommend you check them out, the work they turn out is terrific. They bring together emerging and established talent to produce ‘classic’ theatre with a fresh and contemporary approach.
Established as a quality producer of touring theatre, the company always puts the audience at the centre of the experience. Ranging from children’s theatre and family shows to broad comedy, Black RAT guarantees a great night out at the theatre.
The company has a strong and, more importantly, genuine education policy and offers exciting workshop activities where young people can explore many aspects of theatre and approaches to characterisation and performance.
Their next production touring this Autumn really is a classic, but as you’d expect, they’ve put a brand-new twist on the HG Wells sci-fi novel THE INVISIBLE MAN. When you watch the trailer you’ll also see a bit of a nod to the 1933 film starring Claude Rains. What is incredible about this story is that it was originally published in Pearson’s Weekly (a London based magazine) in 1897, it was then published as a novel the same year.
At the time HG had made a name for himself with The Time Machine and The Island of Doctor Moreau, with The Invisible Man it took his status to another level. The novel is considered influential, and helped establish him as the “father of science fiction“.
The story is, as you would expect, about a man, who becomes invisible. In the original story, Griffin, a scientist who has devoted himself to research into optics. He carries out a procedure on himself and renders himself invisible, but fails in his attempt to reverse it. The character himself has become a bit of an icon, and spawned other movies and productions.
Black Rat however, have taken the tale and brought it right into the heart of Wales.
The scene is set in Wales in1933 when the film The Invisible Man is terrifying cinema audiences worldwide. The very small workforce of the Aberllanpencwm Workingman’s Hall, which doubles up as a bingo hall and cinema, are welcoming audiences, excited for a screening of the newly released film. Due to technical difficulties the cinema employees are forced to tell the tale themselves. Events unfurl and strange things begin to happen. Are these simply coincidences or as a result of the invisible man himself?
The energetic and multi- talented cast of four: Zoe Davies, Jemima Nicholas, Ryan Owen and Sam Jones perform all the roles (over 20!) in the production with hilarious consequences, using physical comedy, song, improvisation, magic and illusion to re-tell the classic story in a new setting.
Black RAT Productions is well known for creating and touring dynamic and entertaining theatre across Wales. Other past successful productions by Richard Tunley and Black RAT team have included: Bouncers, Up ’n’ Under, Neville’s Island, Boeing Boeing, Bedroom Farce, Loot, One Man Two Guvnors and The 39 Steps.
Director Richard Tunley is delighted to take Black RAT back on the road again to entertain the people of Wales with their special brand of fast paced comedy. Richard told us…….
“I can’t wait to share The Invisible Man with audiences across Wales. This time we have a brand-new production which combines comedy, illusion and a new take on a classic story told by an exceptionally talented cast of four. Like many theatre companies, we had to take a break so it will be extra special to be performing to audiences on our autumn tour once again.”
The tour of Wales runs until 12th November visiting 17 venues across the country. Brought to life in Black RAT’s unique physical comedy style, The Invisible Man is written and directed by Richard Tunley with original songs by Kieran Bailey and illusions created by Stefan Pejic. The production is designed by Sean Crowley and Ruby Brown with lighting design by Robin Bainbridge.
Further information is available HERE along with links to the venues Box Office to book tickets. The production has an age suitability of 12+
You can see all the tour date venues here…..
The show has been created especially for Welsh venues and is supported by Arts Council of Wales.
