Why Self-Made Shows Like ‘The Fosse Forest Ballet’ Are Worth Your Time
Now, this is a cause I can get behind. When COVID-19 hit, countless people lost their jobs and the public was deprived of theatrical content. In an effort to utilize his creativity and raise funds for the theatre community, UK theatre actor David Muscat wrote and fully funded a comedic, 37-minute pilot to showcase to the public. For a minimal donation of £3.49 ($4.66 USD), you can not only feel great about your contribution to a worthy cause but also have a few good laughs from the witty, theatrical TV sitcom: The Fosse Forest Ballet.
This sitcom is part mockumentary and part improvisational comedy about a small group of London actors striving to make their debut in a brand new production called The Fosse Forest Ballet. Toward the beginning of the pilot, three actors receive news about their newest audition from their wacky talent agent James (Philip Joel) and we follow them through the multilevel process. You know, I didn’t know exactly what to expect when I was getting ready to watch The Fosse Forest Ballet but was pleasantly surprised to find out that I loved it so much.
The writing is witty y’all and the actors crushed the comedic timing. That timing is something that can really make or break a show. Have you ever seen a play or sketch that had potential but failed because the pacing was off? A tragedy. Luckily, that is not the case here. There’s a scene where the actress Steph (Zoe Birkett) is asking if Cats is the show they’ll be auditioning for in which the talent agent responds, “Oh love, we had a memorial service for that show when the film came out. That show is now lost to us.” I burst out laughing, I really did. If you’ve seen the movie adaptation of that show, you’ll understand. Another line that killed me is when another actor Tom (Tosh Wanogho-Maud) responds to Steph wanting to be referred to as an actress by saying “I thought the politically correct thing was that we’re all actors and not categorized by gender-specific terms.” That one got me too.
I love the dynamic between the three actors Steph, Tom, and Bob (David Muscat) and the many comedic hats actor Philip Joel wears. I have to say though, I think Tom’s my favorite because his facial expressions and reactions absolutely wreck me. But really, all the characters are fantastic and comedic in their own way. At one point, Bob dives into a monologue about life as a struggling actor and I couldn’t help thinking how true that must be this year in the era of COVID.
When I was reading a little bit about the production, I was impressed to find out that The Fosse Forrest Ballet was part improvisational comedy. I studied theatre in high school and college and I was an absolute nightmare when it came to improv. Never was my strong suit, unfortunately. So I’m a tad envious of those who can trust their instincts and do it well. Theatre was my second love and I have to applaud everyone involved in this production who made it as enjoyable as it is. One of the purposes of this pilot was to provide a proof of concept and I truly hope we get more episodes to splurge on, especially after that good ol’ cliffhanger.
This pandemic took a lot away from us. But I think something beautiful that has come from all of this is how people have responded in the face of such uncertainty. The Fosse Forrest Ballet is no snazzy, high-value production — and that is most certainly okay — but is in fact a loveable, self-made show that stemmed from artists’ desires to create and help their community. There were times during this year (well, personally many times) where we could all desperately use some happiness and a good laugh or two and this show gave me that. Hopefully, it can give you these things, too.
Head to www.thefosseforestballet.com to donate and watch now. Any and all proceeds will be donated and divided between the two charities Acting for Others and Theatres Trust.
