Vive Le Cricket!

Tag: comedy

  • Merci beaucoup, everyone

    (Photo: N Malkoutzis)

    Et voilà, it was over. After six months of sweat and five shows in Paris, London and Richmond, Rex has tucked his bat under his arm and retreated to the pavilion.

    Innings closed. For the moment. Time for Rex to tuck into his tea – or his two-hour lunch – and reflect not just on the show but on what lies ahead, both for him and for French cricket.

    Rex will be padding up again and we will keep you informed as to where and when.

    We will have a play script plus bonus writing and background in the coming months – the MCC has already booked their copy – as well as other merch. These will obviously make outstanding Christmas presents for the cricket-loving member of your family.

    We are also looking at other formats for the show.

    The first thing to do, though, is to thank everyone who parted with their cash and came to one of the shows.

    Whether you are family, friends, interested third-party it takes a little leap of faith to buy a ticket, especially in these economically-challenged times.

    It has been especially touching to hear of the distances travelled to get to the gigs at the Camden Fringe.

    We had people down from Leeds, Nottingham and Norfolk and all the way from Land’s End in Cornwall.

    One came over from Dublin although the biggest gold star, I’m afraid, goes to one man who flew in from New York and came to two shows. Magnifique.

    It’s incredibly humbling that anyone buys a ticket to see you on stage let alone to be able to hang the ‘SOLD OUT’ sign as we did on Wednesday at Canal Cafe. Apologies to those we had to turn away.

    So, many, many thanks to all of you.

    Thanks also to everyone who has helped us along the way, notably family and the three different venues, The Highlander in Paris, Canal Cafe in Little Venice and Old Deer Park in Richmond.

    Each venue was different in size and mood but each also brought its own freshness to the show.

    (Canal Cafe Photo: N Malkoutzis)

    Thanks also to the MJC in Corbel-Essonnes who allowed us to rehearse on their main stage.

    In the meantime, the wheels are turning in French cricket with the federation now struck off by the French government and handed a 12-month suspension by the International Cricket Council.

    The game is in a difficult place at the moment but there is a desire to play cricket in France and see the game develop.

    Rex’s simple suggestion is that cricket clubs partner with the local pétanque club: as he has discovered there is much that connects these two fine sports.

    Stay tuned for further updates and thanks again for your support.

    (Photo: N Reeves)

  • Vive le Cricket! previews in Paris

    Vive le Cricket! will make its debut on stage in Paris on July 30, just four days before it premiers in London at the Camden Fringe Festival.

    Parisians will get first chance to see the play, which is predominantly in English, downstairs at The Highlander at 8 Rue de Nevers, close to St Michel and Pont Neuf metro stations.

    The audience is limited to 50 although the public should be aware that there may not be seating for all. The play is 55 minutes long. Entry is free but because of the limited space please reserve your tickets here.

    The performance begins at 19h30 although the downstairs bar will be open from 19h00. If you arrive early the upstairs bar will be open from 17h00. the downstairs bar will remain open until 22h00.

    Vive le Cricket! is a one-man show which follows the fortunes of Rex, an Englishman in Paris who commentates on cricket for French television, as he attempts to convert France to the summer game.

    In the course of his odyssey, he picks at the roots of the game in France and the missed opportunities for it to flourish while encountering a number of other characters, most of whom don’t seem to share his love for the game.

    It even touches on the current scandal going on within the French game.

    “I am thrilled to be kicking off in Paris, it is the spiritual home of the show,” said Barney Spender who plays Rex and co-created the show with NG Bristow.

    “The Highlander is a terrific pub and the cellar makes for a wonderful wee auditorium. I was lucky enough to be involved with a poetry night there in January and it was terrific.

    “Judging by the people who have said they are coming there will be plenty of journalists and commentators in the room looking to compare notes. But you don’t have to be in the trade or even a cricket fan to enjoy this one.”

    Spender plays Rex – and all the other characters – in his return to the stage after a 38-year absence during which, among other things, he commentated on cricket in French!

    TICKETS