Punchline

by Andrew Kay

It’s the end of the day and the end of an era. Comedian Terry has arrived at the club where once he was the headline act but now is reduced to introducing exotic dancers and bands. In a career where the world of comedy was dominated by men and racism and misogyny were the norm Terry talks about his experiences working alongside some of the greats – Les Dawson, Tommy Cooper, Ken Dodd and Larry Grayson, and how alongside those stars his career never reached the heights that theirs did. As time moved on his style of comedy was rapidly eclipsed by the new Alternative Comedy scene.

As Terry prepares to go on stage he talks about comedy, his life on the road and on stage. Gradually Terry reveals not only how his career has changed but also his private life in a tragic-comic tale of clubland life and domestic abuse.

Punchline is an entirely new work by Andrew Kay whose previous play I Will Survive won the drama competition at the Word On Worthing literary festival and his second play Morning Glory opened at The Two Brewers in London, had a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe and was revived at Theatre Royal Brighton’s studio format season for two sell out performances and great reviews.

Punchline stars Coronation Street legend Brian Capron, whose career on stage and TV has seen him in hit series Grange Hill, Where The Heart Is, EastEnders and playing the iconic role of serial killer Richard Hillman in Coronation Street.

Punchline is directed by Rupert Charmak whose short feature I Am Super is currently doing the festivals rounds and recently privately screened the film to a sellout audience at Soho House, Brighton. Rupert is a writer, director, actor and fight choreographer for film and TV. He recently finished working on ITV’s Grace, starring John Simm, where he was assisting the producers. He trained as an actor at Mountview Academy and has been working as a performer for over 10 years.

Punchline is produced by Brighton entrepreneur Steve Barrey aka The Liquorice Dragon and brought to audiences by Liquorice Dragon Productions.