The Early Early Late Show
– Very, very funny at an early, early time

THE FORGE AT THE COURT THEATRE proudly presents a return season of THE EARLY EARLY LATE SHOW – a showcase of THE COURT JESTERS’ unique brand of fast-paced, furiously funny improvised comedy in a family-friendly format and time.

“The Jesters have been enjoying record attendances at SCARED SCRIPTLESS,” says Artistic Director (and founding Court Jester) Ross Gumbley, “THE EARLY EARLY LATE SHOW is a great way to display their skills to a brand-new audience – one that might not be able to come to on a Friday at 10pm or worried about the content a ‘late-night’ show may have. This is family-friendly entertainment that introduces the uniquely interactive experience that is improvised theatre.”

The current season of THE EARLY EARLY LATE SHOW is currently scheduled to run from April 30 until May 6, with performances at 8pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. All tickets are the “low, low price” of $15.

THE EARLY EARLY LATE SHOW evolved in 2006 when a touring show withdrew unexpectedly. Gumbley recalls during a discussion of the problem, “Someone asked ‘How do we create a show out of nothing at the last minute?’ That’s when we realised that that’s what the Jesters do every week.” THE EARLY EARLY LATE SHOW was conceived, cast, staged and promptly sold out.

On the heels of this success The Jesters have become key drawcards in The Forge, creating shows like RADIO HA HA, CHATTERBOX, PULP WILLIAM (which will tour the country and participate in the NZ International Comedy Festival 2009), SCRIPTLESS UNCUT and A VERY MERRY SCRIPTLESS to critical and audience acclaim. While quick to praise these shows, Gumbley likes the return to “no frills” improvised theatre. “Improvisation is at its best when it is at its simplest – using an audience suggestion (or volunteer) to conjure something out of thin air. It’s theatrical magic.”

THE EARLY EARLY LATE SHOW opens on April 30 and runs for a strictly limited season.

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