Shockheaded Peter

shock-headed

SHOCKHEADED PETER  by Julian Crouch, Phelim McDermott & The Tiger Lillies

 Nov 30 – Dec 17

This “Junk Opera” (a term used to describe the work of The Tiger Lillies, an English trio of cabaret-style musicians) is based upon the German cautionary-tales book for children: Struwwelpeter (1845) by Heinrich Hoffmann. The music is an intoxicating blend of Eastern European gypsy with French-style cabaret, and a sprinkling of melodic heart-rending ballad. The lyrics – in a very darkly comic manner – demonstrate what happens to little children who misbehave. The presentation style is one of puppetry, pantomime, story telling, and orchestrated mayhem. Local band, The Party On High Street – who have so brilliantly accompanied past musicals at Theatre Inconnu (including Alice by Tom Waits) – will be back to provide eclectic musicianship for a host of glorious local voices. It’s the season when the “man in red” is “gonna find out who’s naughty or nice” so let Shockheaded Peter set you on the right path.

“It’s like a demented, itinerant troupe from another time has mysteriously surfaced in Victoria. This one will appeal to young folk 10 and older as well as adults. If you find traditional Christmas entertainments saccharine and wholesome, Shockheaded Peter may be just the palate cleanser you’re looking for.”  Times Colonist

“If the idea of one more “holiday special” makes you unhinged… then the macabre, bizarre, perverse stylings of Theatre Inconnu’s Shockheaded are for you. Prepare to cackle gleefully… Tim Gosley’s puppet creations are a wonder… Judging from audience reaction on opening night, Theatre Inconnu has, once again, hit a profound chord with programming that appeals to the twisted side of human nature.”  Janis Lacouve I Have My Own Life to Live

“The puppets are amazingly horrific and watching the actors’ faces as they maneuvered them around the stage was more entertaining than the way children were killed off.” Nexus

 “This is funny… daring and inventive and bizarre… an ambitious production… the uber-intimacy makes it work all the more well…. The cast is having a ball and the material is just so damn bizarre… Only Theatre Inconnu would put something this different on stage. God bless them everyone.”  CBC On the Island

“Shockheaded Peter, currently playing at Theatre Inconnu in Fernwood is the perfect antidote for anyone getting overwhelmed with the sugar-sweet holiday cheer… There wasn’t a single weak link in the ensemble, and same goes for the band… and I honestly can’t remember the last time I laughed that hard at a play before. Who knew watching something so macabre could be so fun?” CVV Magazine

Staring: Melissa Blank, Wendy Cornock, Cam Culham, Rosemary Jeffery, Bindon Kinghorn.
Director: Clayton Jevne
Assistant Director: Darlene Arseneault
Musical Direction by Donna Williams and Brin Porter
Costume Designer: Ian Case
Set Designer: Clayton Jevne
Puppet Creator: Timothy Gosley
Stage Manager: Sylvia Lindstrom

Preview: Nov 30-8pm
8pm shows: Dec 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17
2pm shows: Dec 3, 10, 17

Reservations and Ticket Sales

Through TICKET ROCKET:  ticketrocket.co or   250-590-6291 (a $2.50 surcharge will be added).
Directly through THEATRE INCONNU: Phone (250) 360-0234  or  by  Email.


Complimentary tickets, special needs seating, and subscribers: need to reserve directly through Theatre Inconnu.

Ticket prices: $14 regular, $10 seniors (60+) /students/unwaged
Nov 30 – Preview is $7
Tuesday Dec 6 is Pay-What-You-Wish admission

The show is 90 minutes long, including one 15-minute intermission.
Wear a Halloween costume and get a free beverage and cookie from our concession.

We are wheelchair accessible.

Theatre Inconnu is located at 1923 Fernwood Road (across the street from the Belfry Theatre)

4-shock-pete-mother-and-mc-w Rosemarry Jeffery and Bindon Kinghorn