Meet Lewis. He’s a Redcoat. Living the dream and living it large in Bognor Regis. He likes to smile and show you a good time. But what happens when you’re having an ‘off day’? And you tell Barney the Dinosaur to p*ss off (in front of a load of kids)?
Redcoat, the highly popular debut show by theatre-maker and entertainer Lewis Jobson, heads out for its first tour across the North East, Yorkshire and Scotland this autumn. Written and performed by Lewis Jobson and directed and co-created by Melanie Rashbrooke, Redcoat is a fun, life-affirming show about being happy and a little bit about being sad.
Loosely inspired by Lewis’ real-life experience as a Butlin’s Redcoat (holiday camp entertainer), this one-man show is a whirlwind of comedy, theatre, dance and karaoke! It’s a coming-of-adult story about discovering the person you really want to be.
Audiences can expect classic holiday tunes, hilarious real-life holiday camp stories, beach parties, dance routines, balloon modelling, karaoke sing-a-longs and that extra special bit of Redcoat sparkle.
Redcoat is a collaboration between North East based theatre and creative arts company The Six Twenty and local Geordie performer Lewis Jobson. Redcoat was a Live Theatre (Newcastle) bursary winner in 2020 and enjoyed a sell-out run at the venue in 2021 as part of their Back To Live reopening season.
As Redcoat’s writer and performer Lewis Jobson says: “After our sell-out premiere at Live Theatre in 2021, we can’t wait to take Redcoat finally out on the road! Set in Bognor Regis in 2012, Redcoat is about leaving home to get your first proper job, making new friends, gagging over ‘The Slushie Guy’, missing Greggs’ stotties, partying too much and going out into the big bad world of children’s entertainment and trying not to lose it in front of a load of kids (and their grownups). Have you ever had to tell a four-year-old that they can’t have a photo with Barney the Dinosaur? Thought not!”
Graeme Thompson, Live Theatre’s Executive Producer, adds: “This show is an unashamedly upbeat injection of wonderfulness that will transport you back to heady summer holidays. It’s a flashdance down memory lane with the perfect mix of humour and sun-blushed nostalgia. Lewis transports you back to some of the best, but horrendously awkward moments of your life. And always with a smile!”
Redcoat is created and presented by North East based arts company The Six Twenty who make fun, social, creative projects that bring people together for a great time out. As Melanie Rashbrooke, Redcoat’s Director and The Six Twenty’s Artistic Director, explains:
“Redcoat is the ideal theatrical experience for people who enjoy a social night out. Featuring Redcoat Lewis’s trademark charisma and cheeky exuberance, this is the show we really need right now. Audiences can expect to be part of the action – encouraged to sing, dance, drink a slushie, make new friends and try their hand at balloon modelling!At The Six Twenty, we are known for creating shows that are inspired by music, comedy and pub gig culture. This isn’t ‘sit down shut up’ theatre, it’s theatre for a good night out. We want our audiences to feel relaxed and as much a part of the night as what they see on stage. We do this in a friendly and relaxed way. You can get involved as much or as little as you want to. There’s no forced participation here!”
Working with local communities, The Six Twenty’s shows are often inspired by real people’s stories and lived experiences.
Redcoat visits Hull Truck Theatre on Thursday 27 October at 8pm. Tickets can be booked by calling the box office on 01482 323638 or online at www.hulltruck.co.uk/whats-on/drama/redcoat
Call out to community groups and audiences:
As part of the show, Redcoat Lewis and The Six Twenty will be chatting with audiences and community groups about their memorable experiences of holidaying in the UK. From classic holiday camp stories, to fish and chips at the seaside, to that souvenir keyring with *that* photo. People will be able to share their stories and souvenirs before and after the show.
Participants and community groups are invited to contact The Six Twenty’s Creative Producer Emma Biggins to find out more and how to take part. Emma can be contacted at emma@thesixtwenty.com
Although Redcoat is about the real-life experiences of a children’s entertainer, this one’s definitely not for young people! Due to strong language and adult themes, Redcoat is for anyone 14yrs+. The show is 75 minutes with no interval.
Join the conversation: #Redcoat @thesixtwenty