The Swell Mob interview - British Comedy Guide (original) (raw)
2018 Edinburgh Fringe
Immersive theatre show The Swell Mob is inviting Edinburgh audiences to submerge themselves in the delights of a decaying 1830s world. We find out more from Henry Maynard...
Tell us about this baccalaurean debauchery you are bringing to the Fringe?
The Swell Mob is an interactive experience that can't be repeated. Each day will be different. There will be things presented and things you have to find. Dancing, singing, gambling, and cheating through the 1800s. Perch at the bar with a porter or gin but know that nowhere is out of reach of the Swell Mob.
There are things to do as well as watch, and the more of the Swell Mob currency you can get hold of then you might be able to buy some more fun. Keep an eye out for our flyers as you're out and about in Edinburgh as some will come with bigger rewards once you get to the show.
How does one go about recreating a 19th century tap-room?
The set helps but a lot of the work is done by the cast in character research brought into rehearsals. Real 1800s achievements and misdeeds have been looked into and brought into the characters you'll find in the show. The more you interact with them, the more you'll discover about them and the world you're immersed in.
When is a mob 'swell', as opposed to anarchic and thuggish?
The Swell Mob take a pride in their appearance, they look much like any other well heeled, respectable member of society at the swankiest of parties. The difference however would only be apparent upon opening their bags and emptying their pockets to find all the best silver and bejewelled items spirited away into them. They talk a charming talk and walk a refined walk. They also swindle a darn good swindle.
What exactly is a gonophs and fogle-hunter? Should we leave our valuables at home?
A Gonoph is a pickpocket, also known as a Buzman. But one can't expect a young'un to be instantly expert at flimping a pocketwatch unnoticed. They start out pinching fogles (handkerchiefs, expensive, silk ones) once they can hunt a folge and take it with ease, they can upgrade to bigger quarry. All your own valuables will be perfectly safe, but keep a keen eye on your Flabbergast currency, it has a real value to the characters you meet and you can of course spend it to experience more of the world. If you run low, you can try to earn some more, or gamble it perhaps.
What comedians are you looking forward to seeing at the Fringe?
There are so many to choose from and I'm sure I'll find ones I love that I don't yet know about. I'm always on the lookout for quirky acts that fit the cabaret scene. The Establishment are always great and we are lucky to have them programming out late night Cabaret, The Rotating Roster, so I'm sure to find new acts I'll want to see the full shows of after they do a spot with us.
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