In this new one man show, Dik Downey's mid-life crisis smashes headlong into Don Quixote's crazed delusions. While Quixote chases impossible dreams, Dik, armed with a rogue’s gallery of puppets and desperate clowning, embarks on surreal, comic misadventures, accompanied by his wisecracking sidekick, Sancho Panza, and his decrepit horse, Rocinante.
While Dik fights to retell this huge novel to a contemporary audience and make the best show he has ever made, we see something else: a performer’s refusal to yield to the passing of time. As Quixote chases his impossible dreams of glory, Dik faces his own dwindling relevance and his mortality.
Written and devised by Emma Williams, Dik Downey and Chris Collier, this international co-production blends laugh-out-loud moments with mad reflections on the joys and indignities of growing old and fighting against the inevitable.
Absolutely bonkers, totally loveable. Downey asks what a life amounts to, and this appealingly silly and moving show is the answer.
**** The Stage
The puppets are beautiful, the design is great, and the performance and writing are brilliant. It is an absolute gem of a show.
***** A Younger Theatre
Epic revelry
**** Corr Blimey
A brilliant achievement ... he has the audience eating out of his hand within the first five minutes and is greeted at the end with a rapturous standing ovation.
Total Theatre (don’t do stars)
As special as it is silly - Frankly amazing
***** One 4 Review
one of the best shows of the year. It’s so funny that your face will hurt.
Bristol 24/7 (don’t do stars)
A dastardly inventive and playful hour of clowning and storytelling, with a surprisingly touching finale… phenomenally engrossing, entertaining and enjoyable. Whip-smart, laugh-a-minute fun.
**** Binge Fringe
slapstick comedy, and touching vulnerability… outstanding
**** The Scotsman
I laugh pretty much from start to finish (even while feeling a tinge of sadness at the iniquities of old age)
Bouquets and Brickbats (don’t do stars)
A deeply digested, joyfully reassembled version of Cervantes’ epic ... A masterclass in physical storytelling, clowning, and theatrical economy.
North West End (don’t do stars)
dares to dream the impossible dream, and puts on a brilliant show
**** Starburst Magazine
Plus
***** Wee Review
***** Theatre weekly
***** One 4 Review
**** The List
***** Theatre Verdict
Dramaturge/Director: Emma Williams
Performer: Dik Downey
Composer: Simon Preston
Choreographer: Aneta Skut
Puppets & Costumes: Dik Downey
Rocinante Fabrication: Izzy Bristow
Production Manager & Sound designer: Chris Collier
Producer: Ali Robertson
TRAILER: 1’30”
Click on the buttons above to download the Programme and Technical Rider which includes LX plot.