Holes Production ready for prime time
- RMTC Blogger
- Jun 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 12
The Royal Manor Theatre on Portland is showing a renowned play from the wonderful mind of Tom Basden.
Tom Basden is a highly acclaimed English actor, writer, and comedian known for his sharp wit and distinctive comedic voice across various mediums. Having honed his craft as a vice-president of the Cambridge Footlights, he co-created and starred in the hugely successful ITV2 sitcom Plebs, which earned him BAFTA nominations and awards for Best Scripted Comedy. Beyond Plebs, his notable works include the critically praised BBC comedy series Here We Go, which he both writes and stars in, and his significant role as Matt in Ricky Gervais's Netflix series After Life. Basden is also a talented playwright, with works like "Party," "Holes," and his adaptation of Dario Fo's "Accidental Death of an Anarchist" showcasing his theatrical range. His writing style often blends observational humor with a dry, sometimes bleak, comedic sensibility, frequently exploring the absurdity of human situations and the subtle quirks of character. He excels at crafting dialogue that feels authentic and allows for organic humor, often balancing deeply emotional moments with unexpected comedic beats, a quality evident in his recent co-written film, The Ballad of Wallis Island.
The Royal Manor Theatre's Amateur production of Holes has wowed everyone who has been involved and has seen it, with its creative use of light and sound to create a truly unique theatre going experience.
Right, listen up, because if you're anything like me – perpetually juggling existential dread with the urgent need for a decent laugh – then Tom Basden's "Holes" is precisely the tonic you've been craving. This isn't your auntie's gentle drawing-room comedy; this is a razor-sharp, absurd, and outrageously funny black comedy from the pen of one of Britain's most acclaimed TV writers. Think Plebs, think Here We Go – now imagine that brilliance applied to a truly apocalyptic scenario.
Basden, a man whose comedic mind operates on a different, far more twisted plane, plunges us into the immediate aftermath of Flight BA043's rather unfortunate landing on a remote island. Four survivors. That's it. Gus, Marie, Ian, and a teenage girl named Erin, who are, in true Basden fashion, less concerned with actual survival and more with their petty squabbles and the lingering scent of their pre-apocalypse lives. Because, as it turns out, the plane crash was merely the appetiser to the main course: a global nuclear catastrophe. The world, as they knew it, has been wiped clean.
And this, my dears, is where the genius of "Holes" truly shines. It's an exploration of human nature at its most ridiculous, a testament to our enduring capacity for self-centredness, even when faced with the absolute end of days. You'll witness their desperate attempts to maintain the mundane, their absurd clinging to consumerism and social hierarchies when all that's left is sand and existential despair. It's fast-paced, thought-provoking comedy that will leave you howling, but also perhaps, just a little bit terrified.
This isn't just a play; it's a social commentary delivered with surgical comedic precision, an unmissable theatrical event for anyone who appreciates truly smart, dark humour. Basden dissects our flaws with glee, showcasing how our quirks persist even when the world is quite literally crumbling. If you're after a night of unforgettable live theatre, something genuinely fresh and exhilarating that tackles apocalyptic themes with a gloriously absurd twist, then "Holes" is your ticket. Prepare to laugh, to wince, and to ponder the ridiculousness of it all. Alright, pull up a chair and let's talk about something truly special, something that will cut through the dreary everyday like a perfectly timed punchline. The Royal Manor Theatre on Portland, UK, is about to unleash a theatrical gem, a proper dose of comedic genius by one of Britain's sharpest minds. From June 19th to 21st, prepare yourselves for Tom Basden's "Holes."
If you're after a night of absurd, hilarious, and fast-paced comedy, this is your ticket. Basden, the very chap behind some of our most acclaimed TV comedies (think Plebs and Here We Go), delivers a razor-sharp, black comedy that skewers modern life with a precision that will make you wince and guffaw in equal measure.
Imagine this: Flight BA043 crashes on a seemingly deserted island. Four survivors – three office drones and a bewildered teenager – wait. Surely, someone will find them. Planes don't just vanish, do they? But as the grim reality sets in, a horrifying truth emerges: the entire world has been wiped out by a nuclear catastrophe. And so, the real fun begins.
Under the direction of Neil Highley, and featuring the talents of Lisa Dade, Erin Canham, Rick Parussel, and Stephen Marshall, this production of "Holes" promises a darkly comedic exploration of humanity's stubborn refusal to abandon its petty squabbles and self-centered tendencies, even when faced with the literal end of days. Watch as these characters grapple with the absurdities of their new reality, clinging to mundane routines amidst the apocalypse. It’s a masterclass in exposing the flaws of humanity with a truly wicked sense of humour.
With Liz Canham expertly managing the stage and Charlotte Chesters conjuring the perfect atmosphere with her lighting, every element is geared towards delivering a top-tier theatrical experience. And of course, the indispensable Ian Butterworth ensures everything runs like a well-oiled, post-apocalyptic machine.
This isn't just a play; it's a thought-provoking experience that will leave you both gasping for breath from laughter and pondering the very essence of human nature. If you're in search of things to do in Dorset, craving innovative new theatre, or simply want to support local arts and culture on Portland, then you absolutely must buy tickets to Basden's "Holes." It's a comedic and poignant commentary on our consumerist, technology-obsessed world, proving that even at the end, we're still fundamentally, hilariously, ourselves. Don't miss this opportunity to witness a truly brilliant British comedy brought to life right here on your doorstep.
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