We're delving into the inner workings of the improvised show that promises to captivate audiences with its dramatic storylines and razor-sharp wit. We sat down with Cristina & Carys from Catapult Theatre, the team responsible for bringing Clapham's most glamorous and sometimes scandalous characters to life.
What inspired you to create this show? Why this story?
We were initially inspired by the hilarious larger-than-life personality of the housewives! As big fans of the show, we wanted to see if we could play with the format of the Real Housewives franchise, while giving it a very London and Catapult Theatre London spin.
We also knew that we’d like to do an improv show. With this framing, we thought it would be an interesting way to play on the scripted/unscripted nature of reality tv!
Historically, art forms that are well loved by women have been seen as frivolous and lowbrow, and we wanted to celebrate them instead of treating them like they should be a “guilty” pleasure.
What inspired you to create this show? Why this story?
We were initially inspired by the hilarious larger-than-life personality of the housewives! As big fans of the show, we wanted to see if we could play with the format of the Real Housewives franchise, while giving it a very London and Catapult Theatre London spin.
We also knew that we’d like to do an improv show. With this framing, we thought it would be an interesting way to play on the scripted/unscripted nature of reality tv!
Historically, art forms that are well loved by women have been seen as frivolous and lowbrow, and we wanted to celebrate them instead of treating them like they should be a “guilty” pleasure.
Who should see this show & why?
Everyone! Anyone who is a Real Housewives fan will love this show. And for potential audience members who don’t know the franchise, come along for a riotously good time - we guarantee you’ll leave crying with laughter.
Have there been any obstacles in the creation?
Like any small theatre company, we’re always trying to find the best way to put on a show on a budget. Sourcing audition space and rehearsal space is always a challenge in Central London! Our producer, Carys Wynn, has done an absolutely fantastic job in finding the best spaces in London for us, all while keeping us on budget.
And - not so much an obstacle, but rather the best problem to have - we saw so much talent from our auditionees! It was truly a struggle to cast for five slots, knowing that there were so many people who could have made this show shine.
Everyone! Anyone who is a Real Housewives fan will love this show. And for potential audience members who don’t know the franchise, come along for a riotously good time - we guarantee you’ll leave crying with laughter.
Have there been any obstacles in the creation?
Like any small theatre company, we’re always trying to find the best way to put on a show on a budget. Sourcing audition space and rehearsal space is always a challenge in Central London! Our producer, Carys Wynn, has done an absolutely fantastic job in finding the best spaces in London for us, all while keeping us on budget.
And - not so much an obstacle, but rather the best problem to have - we saw so much talent from our auditionees! It was truly a struggle to cast for five slots, knowing that there were so many people who could have made this show shine.
What attracted you to stage this production at The Bread & Roses Theatre?
Well, we couldn’t have The Real Improvised Housewives of Clapham outside of Clapham! We’re so excited to be at the Bread & Roses Theatre, where we’ve wanted to stage a production for a few years. We’re excited to get stuck into the B&R community!
What have been the highlights of the process?
So many! From the initial idea to auditions and beyond, this process has been nothing but laughter and joy. We can’t wait to share it!
What do you think the future of British fringe theatre looks like and how does TRHC fit into it?
British Fringe Theatre is the backbone of everything exciting and new and fresh. Every great idea, performer, creative can find an audience in the fringe scene, and it’s equally a great place to try new ideas out or to bring more polished joy to people’s lives. I think the future will see fringe theatre continue to be accessible, community-led, and focused on bringing joyous, thought-provoking work to untraditional or smaller spaces.
Well, we couldn’t have The Real Improvised Housewives of Clapham outside of Clapham! We’re so excited to be at the Bread & Roses Theatre, where we’ve wanted to stage a production for a few years. We’re excited to get stuck into the B&R community!
What have been the highlights of the process?
So many! From the initial idea to auditions and beyond, this process has been nothing but laughter and joy. We can’t wait to share it!
What do you think the future of British fringe theatre looks like and how does TRHC fit into it?
British Fringe Theatre is the backbone of everything exciting and new and fresh. Every great idea, performer, creative can find an audience in the fringe scene, and it’s equally a great place to try new ideas out or to bring more polished joy to people’s lives. I think the future will see fringe theatre continue to be accessible, community-led, and focused on bringing joyous, thought-provoking work to untraditional or smaller spaces.
What do audiences have to look forward to?
Dramatic storylines, scathing confessionals, and absolute hilarity from our housewives - a great night out!
What's next?
We’re hoping to put a tour together for the show in the future, bringing our housewives to different communities across the UK. More generally for Catapult Theatre London, we hope to keep brining a bit of frivolity with purpose into our audiences’ lives!
Catch The Real (Improvised) Housewives of Clapham, 11 - 15 June 2024 https://app.lineupnow.com/event/the-real-improvised-housewives-of-clapham
Dramatic storylines, scathing confessionals, and absolute hilarity from our housewives - a great night out!
What's next?
We’re hoping to put a tour together for the show in the future, bringing our housewives to different communities across the UK. More generally for Catapult Theatre London, we hope to keep brining a bit of frivolity with purpose into our audiences’ lives!
Catch The Real (Improvised) Housewives of Clapham, 11 - 15 June 2024 https://app.lineupnow.com/event/the-real-improvised-housewives-of-clapham
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