We are very pleased to announce news of our latest show, which will see Toby and Aitor reunited on stage for the first time since 2019. The creative team includes Spymonkey’s long-standing designer Lucy Bradridge, writer Carl Grose (who last worked with Spymonkey on Oedipussy in 2012), director Joyce Henderson, and actor Jacoba Williams.
Spymonkey’s tragically funny attempt to pull off Aristophanes’ classic comedy, written by Carl Grose & Spymonkey, The Frogs will open at the Royal & Derngate in January 2024. The production is the result of a long term development process between the company and Royal & Derngate (other collaborations have included Oedipussy and The Complete Deaths), and part of the theatre’s ongoing commitment to ensemble-led theatre.
Spymonkey’s Toby Park and Aitor Basauri are at the end of the road. The other Spymonkeys have taken themselves off to a better place, and they’re about to call it a day. To their rescue rides mega-rich philanthropist Patty Getty and her theatrically ambitious niece Pamela with an offer they can’t refuse! But does this beleaguered comedy duo have what it takes to perform the classic Greek comedy The Frogs at Patty’s legendary amphitheatre in Hollywood?
Shot through with Spymonkey’s uniquely surreal comedy, The Frogs is a delirious trip through Greek theatre, a monster-filled Underworld and classic vaudeville double acts. Promising more existential angst than Clash of the Titans and more bronzed oiled torsos than Waiting For Godot and a jumping chorus of tap-dancing frogs!
Building on the connections that Spymonkey have made in the local community over the 15 years they’ve been working in Northampton, we are hoping to connect with local tap dancers to become the chorus of frogs as well as working with local theatre-makers and freelancers. The production also intends to keep its carbon footprint as low as possible and source as many props and costumes as possible from within the local area, and where practical, collect them on a bike.Spymonkey’s The Frogs is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
During rehearsals we will be working with Access Dramaturge Simon Startin to develop a BSL-integrated version of the show which will have two performances during the two week run in Northampton.
A Royal & Derngate, Northampton and Spymonkey co-production
SPYMONKEY’S THE FROGS
Aristophanes’ classic comedy re-imagined by Carl Grose & Spymonkey
Performed by Aitor Basauri, Toby Park & Jacoba Williams
Directed by Joyce Henderson
Design by Lucy Bradridge
Original music by Toby Park
Access Dramaturgy by Simon Startin
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Consultancy by Sharon White
For ages 12+
Tickets: from £15*
Tickets: Box Office 01604 624811 / www.royalandderngate.co.uk
Press Night: Wednesday 24 January at 7pm
Dates: Friday 19 January to Saturday 3 February 2024
Times: Evenings 7.30pm (except Wed 24 January 7pm)
Matinees: Thursdays and Saturdays 2.30pm (excluding Sat 20 January)
No performances on Sundays
ACCESS PERFORMANCES
Audio Described and Touch Tour
Thursday 1 February 7pm
BSL Sign Interpreted:
Tuesday 30 January 7.30pm
Friday 2 February 7.30pm (including BSL interpreted Post-Show Talk)
Captioned:
Tuesday 25 January 2.30pm
Spymonkey’s The Frogs is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.