The 16th Pulse Festival kicks of in Ipswich today [26 May] with 49 shows being presented over the next ten days. From work in progress to the best of new touring work, Pulse offers a feast for theatregoers.
Our best advice is to immerse yourself into Pulse and see as much as you can (we’ll be there for all 49 shows!), but if time is tight, here are five picks for the opening weekend. (26-29 May 2016).
The Pretend Men – Police Cops
Winner’s of last year’s Suitcase Prize at Pulse, The Pretend Men return with the full staging of their hit show Police Cops.
Since winning the Suitcase Prize, the trio has gone on to win acclaim at Edinburgh and Brighton Fringe. Expect an hour of silliness, physical theatre, pants and some extreme facial hair!
27 May 19:30 – New Wolsey Theatre
Made In China – Tonight I’m Gonna Be The New Me
Made In China are firm favourites with Pulse audiences, and Tonight I’m Gonna Be The New Me looks set to cement their reputation. Deliberately confrontational, Made In China play with our ideas of who is in control and what is scripted and what improvised.
When our reviewer caught the show in Exeter they described it as ‘surreal and strangely beautiful, like the disorienting moment between when you wake up and just before you remember who and where you are.’
28 May 20:00 -New Wolsey Theatre
Le Gateau Chocolat – Duckie
One of the joys of Pulse is seeing artists take risks and experiment. Le Gateau Chocolat has become a critically acclaimed cabaret star, though previously his work has been centred towards an adult audience.
In Duckie, however, he creates a work for children (of all ages!) in a vivid retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling.
29 May11:00 – New Wolsey Studio
Full Pelt Theatre – The Going Away Days
Both Pulse and The New Wolsey have proved strong breeding grounds for new talent over the years, and this year a graduate of the New Wolsey Youth Theatre, Aidan Napier, returns to Pulse as Artistic Director of Full Pelt Theatre.
Combining theatre and football, the company use a variety of theatrical techniques to tell a story inspired by true events.
29 May 16:00 – New Wolsey Studio
Worklight Theatre – Labels
The final Pulse show of the opening weekend, Labels, is set to be a real treat. Jo Sellman-Leava’smix of comedy, poetry and storytelling has won praise wherever it has toured.
A frank look at the labels society places on us, our Plymouth reviewer described the show as ‘a vibrant, original, and sublimely constructed piece of theatre.’
29 May 18:30- New Wolsey Studio
The Reviews Hub is proud to be the Media Partner for Pulse Festival 2016
