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Ally Sloper's Half-Holiday was the name of a weekly comic strip which first appeared on 3 May 1884. Every age has its famous comic and cartoon characters. Present generations, growing up with Alf Garnet and Andy Capp may not yet have heard of Ally Sloper, however, from 1884 until the 1920s, the red-nosed social climber who poked fun at the English people and their customs was a household name and national favourite.
Ally Sloper takes us into the realms of the first comic strip character - forget the Beano and Dandy. This comic strip started it all. Here is a man who became an institution, a national hero. People actually believed that he existed, they even wrote to him and joined his club. There were medals presented in his name.
He represented the hopes and aspirations of a whole new class of people, brought about by the industrial revolution. The aristocracy was under threat with the present class dilemmas. The Victorian Alf Garnet takes us right back to basics. With the current public debate on the
House of Lords and the Royal Family's role in today's society,
this show takes us to the heart of the discussion.
Chris Harris now recreates Ally in a performance with scenes set in Ascot, Lords and on the battlefields of the Empire. A hilarious glimpse of the past where Harris proves himself a modern master of stand-up comedy, beguiling his audience with his infectious good humour and charm. A family show suitable for children aged 11 and over. The show is co-written and directed by Chris Denys.
This show works well where a community has something special to celebrate. The hall can be decked out and the audience can be encouraged to dress up in the style of a Victorian Music Hall.
"A determined assault on the funnybone...an unrelenting string of gags...Harris has become a master."
The Guardian
"One man laugh machine"
South China Post
"Harris reduces his audience to helpless jellies of mirth."
The Stage
"If you are not amused by this then your sense of humour needs a transplant."
Alan King, Bath Theatre Royal