The first edition of Arts at the Arms took place at The Cardigan Arms, Leeds on the 12th December 2019. The programme was as follows:
LIFE IS SKETCHY-
Written by Chris O’Connor and Joe Cuthbert ‘Life Is Sketchy’ is award-winning sketch comedy, looking at the ridiculous nature of modern life. Bringing their words to life were three talented actors (and extremely funny people) James Barrett (who also performed his stand-up), Paul Fox (also starring in There Stands The Glass) and Claire-Marie Seddon (currently MD of Wrongsemble’s Christmas show- Hansel & Gretel).
Twitter: @LifeisSketchy17 @cpoconnor87 @joecuth88 @ClaireMarie333
STANDING IN THE CORNER THINKING ABOUT SENSIBLE CHOICES-
Written by playwright Jonathan Hall and performed by Steve Bellamy ‘Standing in the Corner...’ is a fun and festive monologue concerning the existence (or non-existence) of one Father Christmas. Jonathan Hall is a well established playwright based in Shipley and a driving force in the West Yorkshire creative scene, setting up Leeds Pub Theatre, co-founding Leeds Creatives Utd and running White Stone Writer’s Retreat. Steve Bellamy is writer and actor, with his own theatre company Certainty of Chance.
Twitter: @Pub_Theatre @UtdCreatives @CertaintyChance
STAND-UP/ JAMES BARRETT-
Actor and stand-up comic James Barrett brought a big personality and energetic persona to both as he graced the stage. He was one of the actors bringing to life ‘Life Is Sketchy’ before picking up the mic to perform his own stand-up routine.
THE BASTARD-
Written and performed by actor James Underwood ‘The Bastard’ is a monologue taking you to the interior of a rough and ready boxing club to talk about fathers, sons, and inappropriate nicknames. James is one half of the team behind Arts at the Arms, and is also in pre-production for his first short-film, A Logical Proposition, which he has written and will also star.
Twitter: @jameswunderwood
NOW SERVING-
Written by Amy Charles ‘Now Serving’ is a funny and personal monologue tracking a night out behind the scenes of a busy bar. Amy has just completed filming of her short film ‘Last Orders’ with Fly Girl Films based on her experiences as a bartender which she also explores in ‘Now Serving’. It is performed by actor Rachel Watson who is also part of Make, DO Theatre a physical theatre ensemble whose aim is to effect positive social and cultural change.
Twitter: @amyecharles @rachel_watson @MakeDoTheatre
STAND-UP/CAROLYN EDEN-
Renaissance woman Carolyn Eden is an actor, broadcaster and comedian. She focussed on the latter, performing her witty stand-up for your amusement.
Twitter: @CarolynEden
THERE STANDS THE GLASS-
Written by Chris O’Connor, this two man play covers questions of choice and addiction. Chris is one half of the team behind Arts at the Arms and is an award winning playwright, with his most recent production ‘The Parting Glass’ a powerful meditation on men’s mental health produced by Red Ladder. It is performed by actor Paul Fox, who you may recognise from your television screens most recently in BBC Three’s Ladhood or CBBC’s Jamie Johnson. Stevie Ward you might recognise from Super League, as a star for Leeds Rhinos. This is Stevie’s theatre debut, but not his acting debut, having made an appearance as himself in Erinsborough on ‘Neighbours’.
Twitter: @cpoconnor87 @PaulWillyfox @Ste_Ward
TECH-DESK/JONATHAN CHADWICK
PHOTOGRAPHY/DR MARTIN HENDRY @martinsaidthis
DESIGN & BRANDING/SARAH UNDERWOOD @sarahlg88