You are set to stand trial at Trinity Theatre show
How would you like to have your accusations hashed out in front of an audience? Take your chance with the improvisational show ‘This is Your Trial’, in which a team of comedians play judge, prosecutor and defender, while someone squirms…
Office spoon-stealer or domestic shusher? Arguing out ‘crimes’ like these is one of the joys of life and offices, which has made ‘This is Your Trial’ a ten-year-old and still wildly successful comedic and cathartic formula.
Producer David Allison has worked with hundreds of comedians doing over 500 ‘trials’, as well as creating a child-friendly version for CBBC: ‘Monster Court’.
“Typically, about a third of the audience will hand in an ‘accusation sheet’ before the show, and we will pick 4-5,” he explained. “We have the ability to choose the ones which sound… specific, or curious.
“If it’s ‘my husband snores’, we wouldn’t bother with that. Taking the last biscuit in the office – is that a crime?” The defence counsel could argue that person is a hero, he joked.
Then the comedians set to work, improvising their cross-examinations of the accused, accuser, and any ‘expert witnesses’ to hand.
“Comedians love doing the show,” he said. “The set-up is adversarial, but they’re working together, improvising. They get absurd at times – ‘crimes against fashion!’”
A law graduate himself, David said: “Solicitors love it. I have done them for a big construction company, and for a zoo.
“It has never failed for a corporate booking.”
In fact, he is so confident of the corporate and co-worker dynamics of ‘This is Your Trial’ that he is offering local companies up to 10 free tickets to the show. If interested they can contact him at: dave@thisisyourlaugh.co.uk
‘This is Your Trial’ is on at Trinity Theatre on Thursday, June 9, 8pm. Starring Trevor Lock (Star Stories), Daliso Chaponda (Britain’s Got Talent and QI), and Vix Leyton (The Comedy Arcade).
On Stage & Screen
Trinity Theatre presents improvisational production ‘This is Your Trial’ this Thursday (June 9) at 8pm [see main feature, above].
A group of ‘Impro Chums’ assembled by comedy circuit star Paul Merton is coming to The Assembly Hall this Friday [June 10]. See Paul, Richard Vranch, Suki Webster, Mike McShane and accompanist Kirsty Newton live at 7:30pm. The age guide is 14 and older, due to possible swearing and adult themes.
Ralph Fiennes plays Robert Moses, master of the New York map, going ‘Straight Line Crazy’ (12A) in this David Hare play, filmed live at the Bridge Theatre in London. E.M. Forster Theatre (Tonbridge School) on Thursday, June 9 at 7pm.
Groombridge Amateur Dramatic Society presents ‘Mark Twain: Live’, dramatising the life and writings of one of America’s most famous authors, in a one-man show by Joe Mendell. Groombridge Village Hall, Saturday, June 11 at 7:30pm. Entry is free, but they are taking donations in aid of Ukraine via the British Red Cross.
The Tunbridge Wells Poetry Festival continues, with an Eco Poetry night at Trinity Theatre this Tuesday [June 14] at 8:15. Environmental poet Jane Lovell, winner of the Ginkgo poetry prize 2020, joins Poets for the Planet in leading this open mic event, creating a forum for responses to climate and ecological emergency.
Dreams do come true even for aristos, it seems. The Dowager Countess of Grantham inherits a villa in the South of France, and the family troops off to inspect it… ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era’ (PG) at Trinity Theatre on Saturday (June 11) at 2pm.
Going Live
The ‘Imaginary Landscapes’ event serves up poetry and harp music at St John the Baptist (Penshurst) tonight [Wednesday, June 8] at 7:30pm. Poet Chris Tutton will improvise to music by harpist, Anne Denholm, who served as Official Harpist to HRH The Prince of Wales from 2015-2019. Part of the Tunbridge Wells Poetry Festival.
Cardiff-based band Holding Absence bring their second album, ‘the Greatest Mistake of My Life’ to The Forum this Sunday (June 12) at 7:30pm, in tribute to their own pasts. What does not seem to be a mistake is their rendition of the song of the same name, recorded in the 1930s by Gracie Field, and again in the 1950s by band member Lucas Woodfield’s great uncle. Supported by Superlove and Glass Heart. Age 16 and older unless accompanied by an adult.
Up-and-coming Kent and East Sussex bands take to The Forum’s stage as part of the Stable Showcase Summer Session 2022, on throughout the season. Age 16 and older unless accompanied by an adult. Monday night’s (June 13) bands at 7:30pm are Canterbury’s indie pop/ alternative band Danama, moshing Medway boy band Sheena, London/ Kent borders indie rock/ alt rock band Something In The Lake, and Kent-based alt garage rock band with a steampunk twist Theillusivefish.
The next night (June 14, 7:30), The Stable Showcase will welcome the the Bowie/ Nirvana/ 1970s Glam Rock/ Punk Rock-influenced Disco Drug Store from Maidstone and Faversham, Brighton-based alt rock trio MY-HI, Option B and indie alt folk/rock The Somber Disco.
Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra finishes his two-night run at The Assembly Hall tonight [June 9] at 7:30pm.
Tea-time jazz and swing at Trinity Theatre on Sunday (12 June) at 2pm, featuring singer Lelia di Domenico and Café Society. No tickets or reservations. Tables are first-come-first-served. Fresh scones and tea for sale at the bar.
Celebrate the era of indie at The Forum this Friday (June 10) at 7:30pm, with The Total Stone Roses and Oaysis. Age 16 and older unless accompanied by an adult.
Blues guitarist Roger Hubbard plays Live at The Hive (Cranbrook) this Sunday (June 12), at 1-4pm. Free entry. Sharing platters and drinks from the licensed bar available to purchase.
Family Fun
Tunbridge Wells Operatic and Dramatic Society (TWODS) starts its five-night run of the musical ‘Shrek’ this Tuesday [June 14] at The Assembly Hall. Based on the blockbuster 2001 film, the musical features many singalong-ers, including ‘I’m a Believer’, along with all-new songs. Showtimes at 7pm (matinées at 2pm on 15 and 18 June).
Story Time for preschoolers on Fridays at Trinity 9:30-10-15, with free squash and biscuits for children, thanks to Kent County Council’s ‘Reconnect’ fund. Performed by Out of the Bag Theatre.
Rev up your weekend with the Big 7 Scooter Rally at The Hop Farm., featuring vintage scooters, parts markets, live music, food and drink. Camping available at the Hop Farm, but no children permitted in the main venue and theatre-based ‘darkside’ bar after 10pm.
The ‘Bob’s Burgers Movie’ (PG) is on at the Odeon, following the Belcher family as they face a summer of ruined business thanks to a gigantic sinkhole in front of the Bob’s Burgers entrance.
If you missed Grosvenor & Hilbert Park’s last moth identification and crafts events, get your young naturalists to The Hub this Saturday (June 11) at 10:30-12 to see Dr Ian Beavis identify the moths caught overnight in the Park. Crafts include making seed bombs to encourage pollinators. Free event, suitable for all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
Tonbridge Lions Club presents its Community Fête and Fun Dog Show at Tonbridge Castle this Sunday [June 12] from noon. Featuring music, tombolas, a coconut shy, “Soak your Dad in the stocks”, tin pan alley and stalls. Tunbridge Wells’ own Sunset Twirlers Majorettes will perform in the main area. Food, drink, ice creams and cream teas available. The Dog Show starts in the Castle Walk area, with entries £2 per class.
Stagecoach Performing Arts’ summer show ‘RISE UP’ is on at The Assembly Hall celebrating its students’ song, dance and drama, ‘rising back up after the disruption of the last couple of years’. Featuring students aged 6-18, the show is suitable for the whole family. Saturday, June 11 at 7pm.
