The Showman's Odyssey

Written and performed by Clive Holland. Inspired by the poems of Dan Thompson.

The Showman’s Odyssey …

… the journey of a lifetime!

Inspired by the poems of Dan Thompson

written and performed by

Clive Holland

“Nobody is my name. I’m a wanderer. I’m looking for my home! I’ve lived on the ragged margins of your world for seventy years. Life’s been tough, scary … and amazing. You’ll probably like me and we will have a good laugh, though you wouldn’t want me hanging around your neighbourhood. I’m searching for home, somewhere to lay my bones but more than that … I’m searching for evidence of myself … some kind of evidence that will prove that I was here!”

Born over seventy years ago on the dirty floor of a circus caravan, Nobody has meandered along the less-travelled byways of England ever since; scratching a living telling a tale or two … some of them might even be true. With his home in his suitcase, his life in his tales, his tales in a raree box, and a desire to understand everything, he continues his search. Deep down though, he knows he is coming to the end of his odyssey.

With a fast paced, mildly chaotic, cartoonish, unpredictable mixture of comedy, clowning, story-telling, song, puppetry, even a bit of philosophy thrown in, Nobody, with your help, searches for what it is to be human, what it is to have a home and what it is to be approaching the end of life’s journey. Nobody, who has always been on the move, like a refugee from the circus, takes an oblique and mischievous glimpse at home, homelessness and hope.

This unlikely and adventurous expedition across England, stopping here and there and finding breathtaking stories in unexpected places, is inspired by the poems of Dan Thompson from his collection “Your England”.

This is a co-production between Mischievous Theatre CIC and Dan Thompson Studios.

The performance lasts: 75 minutes

There is also a series of wrap around events, workshops, chats and readings; to find out more and to discuss prices, etc, ring or email Clive.

For Bookers: The performance will be available from the beginning of March 2024 and will remain in repertoire indefinitely.

Reviews of Clive as a performer and writer:

“… your rapport with the audience and ability to reel us in is awe-inspiring. I truly didn’t want it to end but to stay washed in your warmth and stories for much longer … I’d forgotten just how talented you are as writer, actor, director – and last night was a great reminder.”

Ellie Jones, Theatre Director on the first work in progress performance of The Showman’s Odyssey.

“This is volatile, brain-bayonetting, white-heat drama at its very best. The show your friends will judge your judgement by. See it.”

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2015 REVIEW – 12.10.15 written by Clive Holland. The Edinburgh Reporter John Kennedy August 8, 2015

Reviews for The Sagas of Noggin the Nog a co-production between Third Party Productions and Mischievous Theatre. Directed by John Wright

“An expertly acted, beautifully realised stage play with the warm charm of a bedtime story.”

★★★★

The Independent.

“The script is sharp, mixing jokes, storytelling and song in equal measure, while the combination of puppetry and live action works remarkably well. ‘The Sagas Of Noggin The Nog’ is hilarious, sweet family fun that will entertain adults and children alike.”

★★★★★

Three Weeks

 

The Showman's Odyssey

Written and performed by Clive Holland. Inspired by the poems of Dan Thompson.

The Showman’s Odyssey …

… the journey of a lifetime!

Inspired by the poems of Dan Thompson

written and performed by

Clive Holland

“Nobody is my name. I’m a wanderer. I’m looking for my home! I’ve lived on the ragged margins of your world for seventy years. Life’s been tough, scary … and amazing. You’ll probably like me and we will have a good laugh, though you wouldn’t want me hanging around your neighbourhood. I’m searching for home, somewhere to lay my bones but more than that … I’m searching for evidence of myself … some kind of evidence that will prove that I was here!”

Born over seventy years ago on the dirty floor of a circus caravan, Nobody has meandered along the less-travelled byways of England ever since; scratching a living telling a tale or two … some of them might even be true. With his home in his suitcase, his life in his tales, his tales in a raree box, and a desire to understand everything, he continues his search. Deep down though, he knows he is coming to the end of his odyssey.

With a fast paced, mildly chaotic, cartoonish, unpredictable mixture of comedy, clowning, story-telling, song, puppetry, even a bit of philosophy thrown in, Nobody, with your help, searches for what it is to be human, what it is to have a home and what it is to be approaching the end of life’s journey. Nobody, who has always been on the move, like a refugee from the circus, takes an oblique and mischievous glimpse at home, homelessness and hope.

This unlikely and adventurous expedition across England, stopping here and there and finding breathtaking stories in unexpected places, is inspired by the poems of Dan Thompson from his collection “Your England”.

This is a co-production between Mischievous Theatre CIC and Dan Thompson Studios.

The performance lasts: 75 minutes

There is also a series of wrap around events, workshops, chats and readings; to find out more and to discuss prices, etc, ring or email Clive.

For Bookers: The performance will be available from the beginning of October 2023 and will remain in repertoire indefinitely.

Reviews of Clive as a performer and writer:

“… your rapport with the audience and ability to reel us in is awe-inspiring. I truly didn’t want it to end but to stay washed in your warmth and stories for much longer … I’d forgotten just how talented you are as writer, actor, director – and last night was a great reminder.”

Ellie Jones, Theatre Director on the first work in progress performance of The Showman’s Odyssey.

“This is volatile, brain-bayonetting, white-heat drama at its very best. The show your friends will judge your judgement by. See it.”

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2015 REVIEW – 12.10.15 written by Clive Holland. The Edinburgh Reporter John Kennedy August 8, 2015

Reviews for The Sagas of Noggin the Nog a co-production between Third Party Productions and Mischievous Theatre. Directed by John Wright

“An expertly acted, beautifully realised stage play with the warm charm of a bedtime story.”

★★★★

The Independent.

“The script is sharp, mixing jokes, storytelling and song in equal measure, while the combination of puppetry and live action works remarkably well. ‘The Sagas Of Noggin The Nog’ is hilarious, sweet family fun that will entertain adults and children alike.”

★★★★★

Three Weeks

 

The Showman's Odyssey

Written and performed by Clive Holland. Inspired by the poems of Dan Thompson.

The Showman’s Odyssey …

… the journey of a lifetime!

Inspired by the poems of Dan Thompson

written and performed by

Clive Holland

“Nobody is my name. I’m a wanderer. I’m looking for my home! I’ve lived on the ragged margins of your world for seventy years. Life’s been tough, scary … and amazing. You’ll probably like me and we will have a good laugh, though you wouldn’t want me hanging around your neighbourhood. I’m searching for home, somewhere to lay my bones but more than that … I’m searching for evidence of myself … some kind of evidence that will prove that I was here!”

Born over seventy years ago on the dirty floor of a circus caravan, Nobody has meandered along the less-travelled byways of England ever since; scratching a living telling a tale or two … some of them might even be true. With his home in his suitcase, his life in his tales, his tales in a raree box, and a desire to understand everything, he continues his search. Deep down though, he knows he is coming to the end of his odyssey.

With a fast paced, mildly chaotic, cartoonish, unpredictable mixture of comedy, clowning, story-telling, song, puppetry, even a bit of philosophy thrown in, Nobody, with your help, searches for what it is to be human, what it is to have a home and what it is to be approaching the end of life’s journey. Nobody, who has always been on the move, like a refugee from the circus, takes an oblique and mischievous glimpse at home, homelessness and hope.

This unlikely and adventurous expedition across England, stopping here and there and finding breathtaking stories in unexpected places, is inspired by the poems of Dan Thompson from his collection “Your England”.

This is a co-production between Mischievous Theatre CIC and Dan Thompson Studios.

The performance lasts: 75 minutes

There is also a series of wrap around events, workshops, chats and readings; to find out more and to discuss prices, etc, ring or email Clive.

For Bookers: The performance will be available from the beginning of October 2023 and will remain in repertoire indefinitely.

Reviews of Clive as a performer and writer:

“… your rapport with the audience and ability to reel us in is awe-inspiring. I truly didn’t want it to end but to stay washed in your warmth and stories for much longer … I’d forgotten just how talented you are as writer, actor, director – and last night was a great reminder.”

Ellie Jones, Theatre Director on the first work in progress performance of The Showman’s Odyssey.

“This is volatile, brain-bayonetting, white-heat drama at its very best. The show your friends will judge your judgement by. See it.”

Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2015 REVIEW – 12.10.15 written by Clive Holland. The Edinburgh Reporter John Kennedy August 8, 2015

Reviews for The Sagas of Noggin the Nog a co-production between Third Party Productions and Mischievous Theatre. Directed by John Wright

“An expertly acted, beautifully realised stage play with the warm charm of a bedtime story.”

★★★★

The Independent.

“The script is sharp, mixing jokes, storytelling and song in equal measure, while the combination of puppetry and live action works remarkably well. ‘The Sagas Of Noggin The Nog’ is hilarious, sweet family fun that will entertain adults and children alike.”

★★★★★

Three Weeks