6.72°C Ben Howard chats with Tim Young of the Crunchy Frog Players about his latest show at The Headgate Theatre, which takes place on Saturday, 21st September. The show promises to be their most outrageous yet, mixing classic sketches with new material to tackle Politics, Religion, Food, Death, and maybe even sex.
Tim, tell us a bit about the Crunchy Frog Players! How did you all decide to enter the wild world of sketch comedy?
I’m a massive Monty Python fan, some would say obsessive, and I’ve always wanted to perform some of their classic sketches on stage. It was a lifetime’s ambition, so that was one huge factor. Another was getting together with my old workmate from our Royal London days, Dave Hughes. We share a sense of humour, and just met up and started writing some comedy sketches together.
It wasn’t our intention at the beginning to perform them ourselves; we thought, in our mistaken delusion, that we could offer them to other people to perform. However, in the end, we realised if they were to ever see the light of day, we’d have to do them ourselves, advised and encouraged by Hazel Humphreys from Wivenhoe Funny Farm.
We called our double act ’Chutzpah & Hubris’. We did a few shows together, including one when we completely died on our bottoms at Colchester Arts Centre. We persisted, however, and then found an ally in the multi-talented local performer, writer, and producer Darren Gooding. Darren is also a Pythonphile, so we immediately hit it off and introduced Dave to the plethora of Python sketches that are out there, just waiting to be seen by a new generation and re-appreciated by us older folk.
Our first sketch show was at The Headgate Theatre in aid of The Mayor of Colchester’s charities, who was Cllr Julie Young, whom I was married to at the time. It was entitled ‘I Wish To Register A Complaint’ and played to a sell-out audience, which raised a tidy sum for Julie’s charities. It was a combination of Python sketches, some of our own, and other classics by the likes of Peter Cook & Dudley Moore and Not the Nine O’clock News.
We were called The Mayor’s Troupe at the time. It was only when Anthony Roberts got involved that he suggested the name ‘The Crunchy Frog Players’ after one of the classic sketches. The success of that show has spawned a series of performances that show no sign of ending.
Rehearsals are such a hoot, and we have a great time with non-stop corpsing and ribbing of each other. We have a core of Crunchy Froggers and have had several guest performers over the years. Once a Crunchy Frogger, Always a Crunchy Frogger.
What sparked the idea for this year’s show focusing on Politics, Religion, Food, and Death? Were there any funny debates about what to include?
There are many sketches we’ve considered doing in the past that we’ve thought were just too over the top or controversial. Most of them were unbroadcastable when written but included some of our favourites. This year, we decided, why not? We have issued a warning that the show is not for the easily offended!
The four themes lead to many of the arguments and conflicts in the world, so we thought, let’s laugh at them, prick the pomposity and awkwardness that surround them and go for it. The running order has been finalised. We’ll either be run out of town or paraded through the city as all-conquering heroes, or maybe something in between. The Colchester Fringe Festival has also booked a version of the show for later in the year, so we must be doing something right. As for what to include? I’m the producer, so I decide. (Believe that, and you’ll believe anything.)
How does this year’s show shake things up compared to your previous performances? Are there any new tricks or surprises up your sleeve?
You will have to come along to find out. We have six brilliant performers and me, and I have to be in it because it was my original idea. There will be gasps of horror, squeals of delight, and the soiling of undergarments – and that’s just by the cast.
I noticed the show is labelled as not for the easily offended. What kind of mischievous mayhem can the audience expect?
I think the word mayhem is awfully well chosen here. There will be some swearing. There will be some blasphemy. There will be some bad taste. There will be some lambasting of the political elite and establishment. Apart from that, it will all be very mainstream and bland.
The show features a stellar local lineup, including Darren Gooding, David Hughes, Nicola Goodchild, Lisa Emily Wakely, Nigel Hildreth, Anthony Roberts, and yourself. How do you all blend your unique styles to create a dynamic performance? Do you have any behind-the-scenes fun or gossip to share?
We blend by throwing things at each other, calling each other names, and shouting abuse while the others are rehearsing. It’s the only way we can be productive. Dr Roberts is particularly subversive and almost uncontrollable. Nigel Hildreth tries to keep us in order with limited success, whereas Lisa and Nicola mainly roll their eyes and look puzzled and perplexed most of the time.
Dave is known for stripping down to his beige y-fronts for no good reason. In contrast, Darren and I spend most of the time quoting from Python sketches that we aren’t actually performing. Somehow, it works.
Your shows often contain surprises. How do you mix the planned and the spontaneous to keep everyone on their toes?
We try to have some structure, but nothing is rigid, and anything could happen. It’s great when audience members know the sketches and what’s coming, but I envy those who attend and see some of these classic sketches for the first time.
We defy theatrical conventions and challenge preconceived ideas like the performers we pay tribute to. If we can shock and delight in equal measure, we’ll be happy.
How does your performance support The Mayor of Colchester’s Charities?
All the proceeds from the ticket sales will go to Mayor Lesley Scott-Boutell’s excellent charities. I’ve known Lesley for years, so I was more than happy to organise this for her, although she has made the very wise decision to be in The Netherlands on an official Mayoral visit while we’re performing.
We have a matinee performance at 3pm and an evening performance at 7.30pm on 21 September at The Headgate Theatre, so book now for an amazing night out and back some worthy causes. All the performers are giving their time and talent free of charge.
Finally, how does being a councillor prepare you for the comedic stage?
There are elements of performance in both roles, of course. Being a Councillor is, mostly, a serious business, and I give it everything in terms of commitment and determination. Sketch comedy is a great release for me, and there are some situations I come across as a Councillor where you need a sense of humour and an appreciation of the ridiculous to deal with.
Here’s how to catch the show on Saturday 21st September. Booking early is always a good idea if you want the best seats in the house. https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/headgatetheatre/e-gbbjde
Headgate Theatre 14 Chapel Street, Colchester, CO2 7AT
Event Times: Matinee Performance: 3pm
Evening Performance: 7.30pm
