British theatre company Cheek by Jowl bring two classic plays to the Barbican + See below for exclusive Culture Whisper competition

CHEEK BY JOWL

Since the creation of the company in 1981, Cheek by Jowl have established themselves as one of the most exciting and long running British based theatre companies around. Known for reinvigorating classics, artistic associates Declan Donnellan (director) and Nick Ormerod (set designer) have presented shows in 301 cities in over 40 countries. They are most famous for producing plays in their original language with local performers (most recently Andromaque in French at Bouffes du Nord and Barbican and Boris Godunov by Alexander Pushkin in Russian).

Returning to the UK after an international tour with stops including Paris, Sydney and New York, Cheek By Jowl brings back to the Barbican two classics: Tis Pity She’s A Whore and Ubu Roi.

THE SHOW

Ubu Roi by Alfred Jarry will be staged in the Barbican's the main theatre and performed by ‘a crack ensemble of French actors’ (Guardian). Using strong language and featuring brutal scenes, this absurdist satire about greed and the abuse of power was outlawed in 1896. Performed in French with subtitles, Donnellan and Ormerod have set the action in a modern day Parisian dinner party, which ends up going a little bit bonkers. Cheek by Jowl create shows which are both dark, funny highly visual and equally profound. This is not to be missed. Both shows were sold out in 2013 so book as soon as you can.

COMPETITION

We have paired up with the Barbican and have a pair of tickets for Ubu Roi to give away to one lucky Culture Whisper member. To be in with a chance to win email moya@culturewhisper.com with Ubu Roi in the heading. Winners will be notified by 12th June 2014.

What	Ubu Roi, Barbican
Where	Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS \| MAP
Nearest tube	Barbican (underground)
When	18 Jun 14 – 22 Jun 14, 7.45pm, 3pm
Price	£16-£30
Website	Click here to book via the Barbican

We say

SPECTACULARLY SILLY

With Ubu Roi, Cheek by Jowl successfully resolve something of a theatrical paradox: carefully re-crafting the clichés of comedy to make slapstick rather stylish. This is spectacularly aided by an exquisite attention to stagecraft, through which we glide between the real, the surreal and the simply ludicrous elements of this charmingly peculiar play. The anachronistic script is made to chime harmoniously (and hilariously) with the contemporary setting, bringing out the shock with which Alfred Jarry’s original production was received by chasing unashamed, crude revulsion. It’s childish and downright silly, but never wholly un-relatable. An energetic cast keep you onside and on your toes with a rhythm that swings between calm and dark chaos. You find yourself totally engulfed by this mesmerising hallucination.

Practical

FOR DINNER

There are plenty of places to eat in the centre itself, but try Alba on Whitecross St. for superior contemporary Italian. Tucked away down an unprepossessing side street, this airy restaurant serves Piedmontese staples; always fresh and well-prepared. Vegetarians: make sure you have the Spinach ravioli.

THE BARBICAN

Navigating the Barbican's walkways and levels can be a little difficult at times. To reward yourself for your effort, soak in some gin ‘n' juice at the Centre’s Gin Joint (if you can find it). The Lounge serves pretty good tapas and has even better views of the super-sized pond (Barbican call it a ‘lake’) below.

Ubu Roi, Barbican

Theatre company Cheek by Jowl is one of the most exciting and long-running British based theatre companies