A Series of Increasingly Impossible Acts, Tricycle Theatre

Below is our preview, which explains the background of the show. Click here to read our A Series of Increasingly Impossible Acts review. 

The Secret Theatre experience, London
When Secret Theatre Company say that every show is different, they don't just mean the nuances of acting. For each show a cast member’s name is picked out of a hat to determine the night’s protagonist, who is then given a series of increasingly impossible acts to accomplish.
Breaking boundaries on stage
The ten-strong cast spent eight weeks in rehearsal “generating material” for the show. This includes complex dance routines, wrestling, singing, improvisation and even covering themselves in baked beans. The impossible feats include eating a whole lemon, walking through walls, telekinesis and much else. As cast member Matti Houghton puts it, “The idea is you’re watching somebody and part of your brain says ‘I know that you cannot do that.’ But then there is also another part of your brain, which is the hopeful part, that goes ‘Maybe! Maybe this could happen!’” It is a show where the appointed hero triumphs against the odds and celebrates human endeavour.
The cast
The full cast is returning for the show’s revival at the Tricycle. Matti Houghton had worked extensively with the RSC. Leo Bill has worked at the National, and starred in blockbusters such as Alice in Wonderland, Mr Turner and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Cara Horgan, likewise, appeared in The Libertine and My Week with Marilyn. They have all been part of the Secret Theatre Company for at least two years now, under the direction of Sean Holmes, artistic director of the Lyric Hammersmith.
Secret Theatre Company shows
Secret Theatre have 6 shows that make up their season (A Series of Increasingly Impossible Acts is number 5.) They showcase the work of new playwrights, designers and actors. Sean Holmes himself described his vision for the company as a hope “that even if you hate it, you can’t ignore it. That even if you love it, it scares you. That you will believe it’s an honest attempt to change. To delight. To question.”