Over the past 12 years Pip Utton has become internationally recognised as one of the leading performers and writers of solo drama. He has performed in over 20 countries receiving rave reviews and winning many awards for both the writing and the performances, recently winning the UNESCO award for Best Solo Performer. Dorset audiences may remember Pip’s spellbinding characterisations of Adolf Hitler and Charlie Chaplin a couple of years ago, and following a highly successful run at Edinburgh this summer Pip returns to the Artsreach circuit with two more electrifying character makeovers: Quasimodo (The Hunchback of Notre Dame) and Charles Dickens.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
On Friday Pip tells Victor Hugo’s classic ‘Beauty and the Beast’ story through the mangled words of ‘the Hunchback’, Quasimodo, at Broadwindsor Comrades Hall. High on the roof of his beloved Notre Dame, alone except for the still body of Esmeralda he rails against the citizens of Paris and the cruelties of the age. His unrequited love for the young gypsy and devotion to his ‘father’, the priest who raised him, his rejection by all because of his appearance reflect and challenge today’s obsession with image and perfect beauty. If beauty is only skin deep then perhaps so is ugliness. The Stage described Pip’s ‘Hunchback’ as “a must-see show… as psychological as it is emotional. This play achieves beauty in its simplicity and a plea for unconditional acceptance for every human being on earth.” (For ages 16+)
Pip Utton is The Hunchback of Notre Dame at:Broadwindsor Comrades Hall Fri 11 November 7:30pm 01308 868582
Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens, the greatest English novelist walks on to the stage, clutches his chest, staggers, slips from his sister-in-law’s arms and falls down dead. Seconds later he leaps up, entertaining the audience by describing his final moments and relating what he believes were the happiest years of his life, the last twelve. Dickens toured the UK and USA publicly performing his famous works and making much money. Separated from his wife he found secret love in the arms of a much younger woman. Pip is mesmerising as Dickens, unveiling to the audience that the writer wasn’t the grave, serious man of myth but a man full of energy, passion and fire, a man who was a catalyst in the social revolution that began during his lifetime… ··(For ages 14+)
“A masterful performance. This new play does not need any theatrical devices to highlight its relevance to modern society. The name of the show says it all, Pip Utton IS Charles Dickens” Edinburghguide.com
Pip Utton is Charles Dickens at: Bradford Peverell Village Hall Sat 12 November, 7:30pm 01305 268156
