Name: Holes, Arcola Theatre
Start: 2014-07-16
End: 2014-08-09
Location: Arcola Theatre

Four comedy stars join forces in a lively comedy about plane crash survivors, which was one of the hottest tickets at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe. Catch it at in the Arcola tent this summer.

The Story...

The play opens on a beautiful circular beach set, with a dazzling round sunlamp simmering ten feet above — three conference organisers and a teenage girl have survived a plane crash and found themselves on a tropical island. That's where the echoes of iconic TV series Lost or William Golding's literary classic Lord of the Flies stop. This modern MTV generation of castaways has no idea how to build fires or forage for food and our heroes are unwilling to let go of their modern comforts, even in the wilderness. Especially when Maydays start to arrive from the very people they have been trying to reach...

The People...

Audiences couldn’t get enough of this show at last year's Edinburgh fringe and it earned a plethora of four and five star reviews and a stream of praise for Tom Basden’s writing. Having proved his comedy salt writing for cult classics such as Peep Show, Fresh Meat and Plebs, Basden has injected his script with the same brand of observational humour. BAFTA actor Mathew Baynton is known for his roles in popular BBC shows The Wrong Mans and Horrible Histories. Elizabeth Berrington is a new addition to the cast since its opening at the Fringe. A comedienne who has made her name in film (The Alan Partridge Movie, In Bruges, Vera Drake), she has also excelled onstage in awkward social comedies, such as Mike Leigh’s unbearably funny Abigail’s Party.

But the undisputed star of the production is Daniel Rigby as the hapless Ian. He won a BAFTA for his performance as Eric Morecambe in the acclaimed television-drama, Eric and Ernie. Though well-known for his turn as the loveable layabout in the BT Home Hub adverts, he is an accomplished stand-up and comic actor, as seen in over two hundred performances for the National’s One Man, Two Guvnors.

Funny and clever, this offbeat summer comedy combines a killer storyline, a gorgeous set and a very talented quartet.

What	Holes, Arcola Theatre
Where	Arcola Theatre, 24 Ashwin Street , London, E8 3DL \| MAP
Nearest tube	Highbury & Islington (underground)
When	16 Jul 14 – 09 Aug 14, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Price	£12-£20
Website	Click here to book via Arcola Theatre

Culture Whisper says

"When it premiered last year the punchy comedy of Holes was built on the disconnect between the brilliantly banal characters and the extraordinary they found themselves in. But now the plane crash scenario is unprecedentedly and uncomfortably topical - and it makes this dark comedy one of the blackest we've seen. Daniel Rigby as Ian defends his inappropriate jokes about terrorist attacks and missing planes but insisting that they are just not funny yet. Such on the nose blunt comedy makes the first half of the show riotous fun, But only if you like your jokes with razor-sharp edges and lashings of cynicism. The four actors were all admirable, managing to switch spectacularly between the subtle and ridiculous. Holes is a corker of a summer show, with switch in mood in the second half so dramatic that it divided opinions here at Culture Whisper."

What the critics say

THE INDEPENDENT

“Basden is one of the UK's most talented young comedy writers. His script speeds along, crammed with delicious details about aeroplane chicken chasseur, Duty Free, corporate bonding and Coldplay... there are lines so lovely you find yourself smiling at them hours later.”

BROADWAY BABY

“Never has a plane crash induced so much hilarity... Of particular note was the brash, enthusiastic Ian (Daniel Rigby) whose performance was sympathetic, uproarious and horrific in equal measures.”

Practical

THE ARCOLA THEATRE

A short walk from both Dalston Junction and Dalston Kingsland stations, the Arcola Theatre is housed in a converted paint factory. All exposed brickwork and atmospheric lighting, it’s a unique little off-West End venue, boasting a funky bar for pre-show drinks. The theatre programmes a wide variety of work and has previously hosted acclaimed theatre-makers of the likes of Sean Holmes, Max Stafford-Clark, Frank McGuinness, Sam Shepard and Kathryn Hunter. It's expansion into the neighbouring Arcola Tent brings and exciting extension of the theatre on offer, plus it boasts a bar and loos in what resembles a circus big top; but, beware, the tent is not air-conditioned, so can be stiflingly hot on sunny evenings. The bar staff are generous with water, but its still a sticky experience.

WHERE TO EAT

If you're visiting the Arcola at the weekend, take advantage of the summer residency of foodie pop-up Street Feast in next door Dalston Yard. This buzzing collection of different food vans, from Bob's Lobster to Anna Mae's Mac 'n' Cheese, has something for everyone, plus a great selection of bars. Though it turns into quite the hip party spot later in the evening, Street Feast is open from 5 and is a great spot for an early alfresco supper.