THERE?S something new going on in the world of comedy ? a new kind of alternative is rearing its head and proving hugely successful.
The warmth, wit and gentle humour of the late Joyce Grenfell is captivating audiences at theatres all over the country, performed by a new young comedienne, Maria Gibbs, and presented by Pirouette Productions.
The shows are the brainchild of one of the country?s leading theatre producers, Derek Grant, who says, ?We undertook lengthy negotiations to get the rights to the songs and sketches. It was just a hunch I had that has paid off. It?s selling really well. So far 50 venues have booked the show and tickets are moving fast. A lot more venues are already interested in our next run of dates in spring 2003.?
Maria Gibbs is a talented actress who last year completed a national tour in the title role of Derek Grant?s ?Pinocchio? for Applause Productions. She?s thrilled to get this opportunity after years honing her craft at holiday centres and the like.
With a few TV appearances under her belt she needed her big break. ?Now I?ve got it!? she says enthusiastically. ?For some years I?ve been reading everything there is to read about Joyce Grenfell. I?ve got all the videos, CDs and tapes and have learned most of her best sketches and songs.?
People are saying that Maria not only looks like Joyce, but sounds exactly like her too. She also has the talent to put over the material really well, getting the laughs along with the pathos.
Alternative comedy? Well yes. If the norm nowadays is the hard, often cruel ?in yer face? style, then the warmth, wit and gentle humour of Joyce Grenfell is very much an alternative and a real antidote to these troubled times.
Go along and see for yourself. ?Old Girls? Reunion?, ?Stately as a Galleon?, ?Nursery School? and many more are all there, Oh, and by the way George! Don?t do that!
The Best of Joyce Grenfell is at the Wharf, Tavistock on November 23 at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £12.50 available from the box office on 01822 611166.