28.52°C “I made this show because classical music is dying and I happen to love it.”
That’s how Karen Hall sums up Delusions and Grandeur, her award-winning solo show coming to Three Wise Monkeys as part of this year’s Colchester Fringe Summer Weekender.
A professional cellist and trained clown, Karen Hall combines Bach with comedy, storytelling and theatrical chaos in a performance that’s as likely to make audiences laugh as it is to challenge their expectations of classical music.
“A lot of musicians feel comfortable speaking through their instrument,” she said. “I decided I can have both voices.”
The show features Bach’s Suite No. 1 in G Major alongside original comedy, all shaped by Karen’s background as both a musician and theatre-maker.
Not everyone knows what to make of it.
“Some people think it’s worth a bunch of awards and accolades,” she said. “Some people are offended that I dare to present it in theatres, music halls, comedy clubs, cabaret stages, yoga studios, art galleries and more.”
“I do it anyway.”
Karen lives in Los Angeles and has performed internationally as both a musician and performer. Alongside creating her own work, she teaches for organisations including the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, the Music Center Los Angeles and Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
Delusions and Grandeur will be performed at Three Wise Monkeys on Saturday 25th July and Sunday 26th July as part of the Colchester Fringe Summer Weekender.
Event Details
Venue: Three Wise Monkeys (Top Floor), 60 High Street, Colchester
Saturday 25 July – 6pm
Sunday 26 July – 3pm
Running time: 60 minutes
Age guidance: 8+
Tickets: £12
Please note that there is no lift access to the top floor of Three Wise Monkeys, and under-18s cannot remain in the venue after 9pm due to licensing conditions.
More information and tickets for Delusions and Grandeur and the full Colchester Fringe Summer Weekender programme are available via the official festival website.
You can read the Keep Colchester Cool guide to the weekender here.
