PAST PRODUCTIONS | impromptuproductions

REEFER MADNESS

The hit musical that took the Bristol Bierkeller by storm, Reefer Madness is a musical satire full of drugs, sex and murder. An entirely self-funded show, performances received rave reviews and a sell out performance on the final night. Directed by Edouard Gallais, with Gavin Dale as Musical Director.

"Reefer Madness ***** : During the heavy and oppressive exam period we find ourselves entrenched in, one is in a constant and desperate search of escape. For just over 90 minutes, Edouard Gallais’ rendition of "Reefer Madness" provides exactly that. From resurrection and cannibalism to marijuana-induced orgies, this brilliant satirical musical about the “Greatest Threat to Mankind” – Cannabis – will have you laughing and crying in equal measure. It will then leave you singing, dancing, and wondering what on earth you’ve just witnessed. With a fantastic band and an ensemble cast who leave fear and inhibition at the Stage Door, you would have to be mad to miss it."

"This show is proof that necessity is the mother of invention. What we lacked in sound equipment, we made up for with chorus backup, what we lacked in zombie makeup we made up for with homemade fake blood. What we did NOT lack was energy."

1983

The music of 1983 is Gavin’s own creation, which has been recorded as a demo and put into a concert-style performance in Bristol Victoria Rooms in November 2014. The script, by Edouard, was added later on for a showcase performance at the London Fringe LOST Theatre as part of the Musical Box Festival in April 2015, as well as a three-night full length run at the Bristol Winston Theatre in June 2015.

1983 is a suggested prequel to George Orwell’s 1984, introducing a world in which Big Brother accesses power and progressively falls into tyranny whilst his younger brother, Eddie, steps up to lead the opposition. This action-packed and still timely musical combines emotional rock ballads, large ensemble numbers and challenging lead characters.

The musical is currently being revised for further performances. In its various adaptations, the cast has been as small as 8 performers on the smaller fringe stage and as large as 26 in Bristol. 1983 alumni include Marco Andreas (movement co-ordinator), Merryl, Harriet and Harry (cast), now acting in Reefer Madness’ creative team.