Nowt so queer as folk

NATALIE BANYARD spoke to Bristol's Riddlestick Theatre about its inventive, laughter-filled new folk musical, Barleycorn

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NSPIRED by English folk songs, 1970s folk horror films, and the good old British pub, acclaimed Bristol theatre company Riddlestick Theatre presents its weird and wonderful new show, Barleycorn.

Set in the fictional South West village of Hopley Drew, Riddlestick invites you to grab a pint and settle in for some mayhem and merriment at The Wardrobe Theatre from August 5 to 9.

Join the locals in The Barleycorn Inn for their annual Harvest Show - which is taking place in the pub, because everywhere else is flooded. Some say that the nonstop rain is due to a mysterious curse, but others say the show must go on, soggy crops or not. With live music, plays-within-plays, Morris dancing, singalongs, games and even a raffle, there's no letup in this fun-filled production. With hints of The Wicker Man and nods to Hot Fuzz, this is a show for anyone who's ever lived in, visited or even just passed through a slightly peculiar English village.

Playing with past and present, fiddling with fact and fiction, and toying with traditional forms of tale-telling, Riddlestick Theatre is a travelling troupe of actor-musicians who aim to make audiences laugh, think and tap their toes with its inventive shows.

The company formed in 2016 after the team graduated from the University of Bristol. Co-artistic directors Kate Stokes and Thomas Manson, who also co-wrote and perform in Barleycorn, say audiences are in for a rambunctious treat.

"Audiences can expect a raucous musical comedy full of strangeness, silliness and serious intrigue," Kate tells me. "Making this show, we were very inspired by folk horror films, 'wyrd' Seventies TV, and traditional folk customs and songs. It is jam-packed with kooky characters, wild physical comedy, whimsical wordplay and enchanting tunes. Fans of Grand Designs are also in for a fun surprise..."