★★★★ "Outrageously funny" The Times
★★★★ "Witty, romantic and politically fresh" The Guardian
★★★★ "A rollicking good time" WhatsOnStage
★★★★★ "This is one of the best things I have seen in years" Plays To See
★★★★ "A very funny piece of inclusive theatre" Reviews Hub
★★★★ "It is startlingly rare to see inclusive casting done this well" Theatre Weekly
★★★★ "A sincere, hearty, and refreshing story" North West End
★★★★ "Delightfully naughty" Liam O'Dell
"Spectacular performances" British Theatre Guide
Written by Samson Hawkins
Directed by Nadia Fall
“If I were an animal there would be legislation to protect my home, but because I’m just a bloody human they can do whatever the f**k they like.”
Townies have decided they want a lie in, so they’re building a new high-speed railway. Issue is, it’s going right through Barbara Honeybone’s house, and she ‘ent having none of it. Barbara’s grandson Peter works for the townies and it’s his job to convince the village that having a two-tonne bullet hurtling through the cabbage patches will actually be for the best.
Then there’s Harry, Barbara’s younger grandson, he ‘ent that bothered about trains, he’s only got eyes for Debbie Mahoney. But the only thing Barbara hates more than townies is the Mahoneys.
Welcome to Syresham, South Northamptonshire. It’s not quite the Cotswolds, not quite one of those posh villages Americans have in movies, but it does have Syresham’s Got Talent, the headline event of the village fair. There’ll be songs, dancing, magic, drag, a bit of wrestling, and Kevin’s doing a meat raffle (vegetarian option: two tins of Strongbow).
VILLAGE IDIOT is an audacious comedy, where family feuds kick off around a country fair that all you townies are invited to.
We hope it’s a bit like the other plays you’ve seen here, but less s**t.
Ramps On The Moon is the pioneering initiative committed to putting deaf and disabled artists and audiences at the centre of their work.
Presented by Theatre Royal Stratford East, Nottingham Playhouse and Ramps On The Moon.
CONTENT ADVISORY NOTES
This production contains flashing lights, loud music and sound effects, haze, fire, a shotgun (fired offstage), the smoking of herbal cigarettes, blood and realistic magic tricks.
Contains very strong language and discusses themes and uses language some may find upsetting relating to class, race, ethnicity, appearance, sexuality, sex, gender identity and disability.
Village Idiot uses outrageous comedy to tell the story. It will certainly shock some people. It will certainly offend some people. Some will be upset by the very strong language, which includes swearing, jokes and comments about class, race, body weight and appearance, sexuality, sex, gender identity, transgender people and disability. Stratford East doesn't endorse the offensive terminology used by some of the characters. We believe one of the roles of theatre is to hold a mirror up to the world we live in; to begin a dialogue and challenge perceptions. For us, Village Idiot ultimately carries a message of inclusivity, arguing that when we learn to accept each other's differences and celebrate our individuality, the world is a richer place.
We’re aware that it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea and if you’d like to talk to a member of staff before booking, please contact our friendly Box Office team on 020 8534 0310, or email tickets@stratfordeast.com.
Running Time:
2hr 20min (including an interval)
Concessions
Available for under 17s
£15 tickets for Young Royalty and Local Royalty members for the following performances: 13-18 Apr & 20-21 Apr. Click here to find out more about our Royalty Scheme.
Click here for details about companion/carer tickets
Schools Rates
Newham schools: £12 per person
All other schools: £14 per person
Group Bookings
If you buy nine standard rate tickets then you get the 10th free. Group bookings (of nine or more tickets) can only be booked over the phone or in person.
Booking Enquiries
Our online booking system doesn’t allow customers to leave isolated seats. We do this in order to prevent gaps in the auditorium.
Currently seats are on sale from Row B in the stalls, and it is possible that Row A will go on sale at a later date, so please be aware that purchasing seats in Row B does not guarantee that you will be in the front row.
Please note that our boxes have a slightly restricted view. Seats marked with an ‘i’ on the seating plan have a restricted view.
If you require any help with your booking then please contact our Box Office by emailing tickets@stratfordeast.com or calling 020 8534 0310.
Our ticket prices increase as the theatre fills. We always recommend booking early to secure the best seats at the best price.
