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Mongrel Thumb, in association with Falmouth University presents

The Dead Monkey

by Nick Darke

"Darke and dangerous marital torment – a comic treat"
★ ★ ★ ★ The Observer

A true masterpiece of tragicomedy 
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ London Life

a surreal dark comedy.... this impressive revival
★ ★ ★ ★ The Public Reviews 

Strong physical performances, a fun evening... perfectly pitched...
British Theatre Guide

Sparkling diaolgue, bizarre dark humour – it is brilliant performed and stage and is hilarious
Ham and High

Hear what audiences are saying:

 

"crisp energy....  committed, powerful performances from all the cast"
WhatsOnStage

__ Welcome to California

Dolores has a unique gift. Hank's youth is dead. Oranges, Macedonian curly tailed pigs, vet bills, bible sales and a creeping sense of violence.

Bleakly comic and darkly original, The Dead Monkey examines the sphincter of modern life through the lens of a grimy American marriage, where the relentless march of time has taken its toll on two people with a monkey metaphorically and literally on their shoulder.

Born and raised in North Cornwall, Nick Darke was one of Britain's most prolific and celebrated playwrights, collaborating regularly with the RSC, the National Theatre and Kneehigh. His plays are performed and translated throughout the world.

Ten years since his death in 2005, and almost thirty years since it was first staged by the RSC, Mongrel Thumb are proud to present Hannah Price's revival of Darke's masterpiece The Dead Monkey to London audiences.
 

     


Post Show Q&A 

On Thursday 18th June there will be a Q & A following the show. Joining director Hannah Price to discuss The Dead Monkey and the theatre of Nick Darke will be:

Roger Michell - Director of the original 1986 RSC production of The Dead Monkey and acclaimed director of such films as Venus, Le Weekend, Changing Lanes and Notting Hill. 

Jane Darke - Painter, writer, filmmaker and wife of Nick Darke. 

Sarah Jane - Nick Darke Archive specialist at Falmouth University, home to the annual Nick Darke Award for emerging writers. 

Admission to the Q & A is free to all ticket holders.

"MONGREL THUMB, IN ASSOCIATION WITH FALMOUTH UNIVERSITY PRESENTS” 


A note from our sponsors:

Falmouth University is home to the Nick Darke Award – a stage, screen and radio writing award that recognises Nick Darke’s contribution in these disciplines, with an annual prize of £6,000. This year, on the 10th anniversary of his death, Falmouth is celebrating Nick's achievements through engagement with the world in which he worked. The award will be open for submissions towards the end of 2015. www.falmouth.ac.uk/nickdarkeaward