Past Theatre Projects

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Directed by Gareth Johnson

Written by Gareth Johnson, Brian Murray, Dario Knight, Pete Benson & Andy Shaw

The sixth compendium of pages from the Unbound Sketchbook, including  an introduction to comedy double-act 'Pasties & Cake', a look at what happens when the world's grittiest detective takes a driving test, and a visit from extra-terrestrial repossession experts. 

"Brilliant to have you back."

"Another great evening of hilarious material and brilliant characters."

Devised & Directed by Gareth Johnson

A brand new full-length fairy tale improvsed on the spot based on audience suggestions. Tales included weird elves, noble knights, and flying fairies.
Commissioned as part of Waterside Festival's 'September Saturdays' programme. 

"Really impressive. Amazing to see you build a whole story around one idea. Brilliant."

"That's not how an orc dances!"

(We're sorry about that, we shall have a word with our orcs...)

Performed by Gareth Johnson, Emily Pugh & Andrew Faber

From stories by Dario Knight & Gareth Johnson

Four short stories inspired by the waterways, including a litter-picking water spirit, a ghostly encounter under a bridge, the exploits of a group of gangster ducks, and a very clever fish called Dave...
Commissioned as part of Waterside Festival's 'September Saturdays' programme. 

"Great fun - thank you very much."

"Lovely, just lovely."

Performed by Erika Sanderson
From a story by Dario Knight

Everyone talks about the old woman who lives on Dark Lane. Some say she's a witch, but nobody knows for sure. Nobody, that is, except for Polly, who's about to discover there's more than one way of resisting a witch's curse...
Commissioned by (and performed at) Bucks Archives.

"Amazing!"
"Really brought the history to life."

Written & Directed by Dario Knight

London, 1984. Joyce Burrows returns to the theatre where she made her name to perform her one-woman show. A series of visitors to her dressing room lead her to recall her long life and career, but there's one story Joyce is determined not to revisit. Nonetheless, it's time for it to be told...

"Stunning - this deserves to run in the West End."

"The best show Unbound's ever done."
"A better way to welcome an audience back to the theatre there could not be."

Produced & Directed by
Dario Knight & Gareth Johnson
Broadcast live from the Limelight Theatre, this special event told the story of one of Unbound's best-loved characters. Featuring rare glimpses into the archive and a table read of a brand new episode of our sleuthing sitcom.

"Amazing as always."

"Another great evening - certainly lifted the lockdown blues for a few hours!"

Produced & Directed by
Gareth Johnson & Dario Knight
Broadcast live from the Limelight Theatre, this epic theatrical live stream included rehearsed readings of classic Unbound productions and brand new material, plus showcases of improv.  The show raised over £1200 for Queens Park Arts Centre.

"Thank you for all you have done. This is the spirit that will ensure that Queens Park Arts Centre and the Limelight Theatre will survive lockdowns and all. Well done Unbound."

Directed by Shaun Nolan

Written by Edward Albee

Three women: the first encroached by senility and reflecting on her long life, another appointed to be her caretaker, and a third send to help put her legal problems in order. 

Soon recollections of the past begin to spark heated confrontations, as triumphs and regrets intermingle in Albee's classic exploration of memory and identity.

"Very impressed. Excellent acting, beautiful set, great production." 

Directed by Andrew Faber 

Written by Oscar Wilde

Wilde's classic comedy of manners, in which friends Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncreiff find themselves tangled in a knot of dual identities, marriage proposals, formidable aunts and hasty Christenings. This special rehearsed reading was presented in the style of a radio recording - complete with live foley! 

"Excellent. Well produced and performed by all. Great choice for a reading." 

Directed by Hannah Rogers
Written by Dario Knight & Gareth Johnson
Once upon a time there was a mirror which reflected all the evils of the world and turned people’s hearts to ice. The glass was smashed long, long ago – but now the fiendish Snow Queen and her dim-witted accomplices have a plan to put the pieces back together…

"A wonderful show - brilliantly funny, amazing sets and a wonderful message." 

Directed by Gareth Johnson
Written by Dario Knight & Gareth Johnson
Nefarious villain Dr Sprout wants to transform everyone's Christmas dinner into nothing but sprouts! Only one hero can save the day. Fire up the fairy lights - Captain Christmas is on her way!
Commissioned by Aylesbury Town Council for their 'Festive Family Fun' event at Friars Square Shopping Centre

"The script, scenery, costumes, delivery and acting were all spot on! Fantastic show that was enjoyed by our visitors – thank you!" 

Directed & Hosted by Gareth Johnson & Neil Goulder
Our third 'Epic Tales' improv evening once again broke the record for an improv audience, and saw our talented team reach new heights with their spontaneous storytelling, including some challenging new long-form formats - including the chilling tales of Dr Synistra...

"Great show! Very entertaining. Really enjoyed the short and long form approaches. Now have jaw ache - too much laughter!"

Directed by Dario Knight, Gareth Johnson & Neil Goulder
Written by SH Cooper, Michael Damanda, CM Scandreth & Gareth Johnson
It's Hallows Eve. The veil that parts our world from the next is beginning to fray. Spirits from the other side are stepping foot into our reality, and they've got some stories to tell...
A night of unsettling short stories, spooky improvisation and a brand new short play.

"Fantastic way to spend Halloween. Nice to hear some new writing."

Directed by Dario Knight, Erika Sanderson, Gareth Johnson, Beatrice Benedek & Hannah Rogers
A special celebratory show featuring speeches, scenes, sketches and songs from Unbound's extensive catalogue of productions. Featuring a cast of 26 actors performing pieces from more that 30 different projects - a truly epic way to celebrate the company's fifth birthday.

"A remarkable evening... many happy returns and here's to many many many more." 

Written & Directed by Dario Knight
To celebrate the return of the Waterside Festival, Muddles and Merryweather have decided to cook a very special cake.
What could possibly go wrong...?
Performed at Aylesbury Canal Basin as part of the 2019 Waterside Festival.

"Hilarious! A brilliant performance." 

Directed by Gareth Johnson
Written by Dario Knight & Gareth Johnson
A whirlwind tour through one of the most exciting, fascinating and downright bonkers periods of English history. Meet the monarchs who defined a nation and learn some truly barmy facts about their reigns.
Commissioned by Aylesbury Town Council for their 'Tudor Fayre' event at Bucks County Museum.

"Brilliant, simply brilliant. A script that was spot on, brilliantly acted, engaging, entertaining and informative!" 

Directed by Gareth Johnson
Written by Gareth Johnson, Brian Murray, Dario Knight & Pete Benson
The first tour from our comedy team, comprising a compendium of comic characters drawn from their first five sketch shows.
Performed at venues in Exeter, Aylesbury, Hemel Hempstead, High Wycombe, Tring, Thame and Watford.

"An entertaining hour of sketches with lots of laugh-out-loud moments [Four Stars]" Camilla Joyce 

'Percy & Camille' written by Jo Pratt, directed by Beatrice Benedek
'Corydon Ovium' written by Sandy Jack & Jennifer Dommeck, directed by Jennifer Dommeck
This special showcase highlighted local talent, with two fantastic new plays penned, directed and performed by local theatre makers. 

"Some of the best theatre I've seen in a very long time." 

Directed by Gareth Johnson
Written by Gareth Johnson, Brian Murray, Dario Knight & Jamie Drew
The Unbound Sketchbook return with their fifth night of all-new sketches. Step inside a self-help group for over-the-top thespians, find out what happens if the rules of fishing are applied to land animals, and discover why you really should Mind the Gap on the London Underground...

"Excellent writing, excellent acting, and overall wonderful night out." 

Directed by Erika Sanderson
Written by Robert Louis Stevenson
Adapted by Dario Knight
Jim Hawkins befriends a mysterious old sailor and finds himself flung into a whirlwind adventure on the high seas, bound for an island full of pirate treasure.
Performed in Vale Park as part of Aylesbury Town Council's 'Aylesbury-on-Sea' event.

"Your entire team were totally brilliant. our skill, knowledge professionalism and creativity helped to create a brilliant free day for local families." 

Hosted by Dez Kay

The culmination of Queens Park Arts Centre's innaugural 500 Words Challenge.

We appeared in the Grand Marquee at WhizzFizzFest to read out the top six stories, and to announce the two overall winners!
Part of the 2019 WhizzFizzFest. 

Directed by Gareth Johnson

Written by Gareth Johnson & Dario Knight

A rip-roaring race through British history from the dark ages to the present day, taking in Roman Britain, the court of King Henry VIII, England under Oliver Cromwell and a jaunt through Victorian London.
Commissioned as part of the 2019 WhizzFizzFest, and was performed at The King's Head Inn.

"My kids loved it! Perfect mix of facts and jokes (for all ages!)" 

Directed by Hannah Rogers

Written by Bernard Shaw

Sir Colenso Ridgeon has developed a revolutionary new treatment for tuberculosis. However, his resources are limited and soon he must choose whom he shall save and whom he shall let die - a decision complicated by matters of the heart...

"Very thought-provoking, and still relevent today." 

Directed by Dario Knight

Written by Dario Knight & Gareth Johnson

Commissioned by Aylesbury Town Council and performed at Bucks County Museum, this interactive, immersive play followed Professor Chronomier as she and her companion Astrid encountered a cavalcade of comical historical characters in their quest to find their lost time machine. 

“The acting was brilliant, lead characters just amazing – not seen anything as good as this done elsewhere in this way.”

Directed by Gareth Johnson
The Unbound Sketchbook's fourth live podcast recording included a brand new script entitled 'Wildsden Butterfly Sanctuary', plus a very special tribute to Sketchbook founding member, Matthew Doherty, who passed away in early 2019. The tribute included reprises of his best-loved sketches and a special episode of Inspector Murder Inspects...

"What an amazing tribute to Matthew he would have love to know that it had happened and who was involved too!" 

Directed by Dario Knight
Written by William Shakespeare
The old world is changing. Wars will be fought that could topple empires, and the Triple Pillar of the world and his serpent of Old Nile have such a very great distance to fall...
Performed at the Limelight Theatre, Bucks County Museum, St Mary's Church and The King's Head. Made possible thanks to the generous support of Aylesbury Town Council.

"You don’t have to go to the West End for great theatre, sometimes it’s on your doorstep."

Hosted & Directed by Gareth Johnson
The Unbound Sketchbook team's first show of 2019 once again broke the audience record for an improv show at the Limelight Theatre. Audience suggestions saw the team telling tales about stolen works of art, capturing aardvarks and how to toast a muffin in a volcano.

"It was absolutely brilliant guys, I've never been to one before and I've not laughed as hard in a long time!! Loved it!!"

Adapted & Directed by Dario Knight
Based on the works of William Shakespeare
A riotous evening of speeches and scenes taken from Shakespeare's Henry IV, interspersed with songs from the Bard's plays. This 45-minute show told the story of two great English kings and one of Shakespeare's most lovable rogues. Performed at The Old Millwrights Arms in Aylesbury.

"Really enjoyed this...it worked so well, as though a troupe of mummers had wandered into the pub, which I guess they had! Loved it!”

Directed by Dario Knight
Written by Moliere
Argan is ill. Very ill. Quite unfathomably ill. No remedy seems to cure him - but that's not going to stop him trying them. As his medical bills mount up Argan hatches a plan to marry his daughter off to a wealthy - but dimwitted - young doctor. It's a sickening plan - one that needs a cure...

" It was a terrific production, huge energy. Deserves a repeat."
“Absolutely hilarious! Well done everyone!”

Directed by Lara Pipistrelle
Written by Dario Knight
Dark forces are stirring in Albion. Morgana La Fey is out to steal the throne from King Arthur, who is warned by a prophecy that there's a traitor in Camelot. Will Arthur find the conspirator? Will Morgana's scheme succeed? And what will it take for Arthur's daughter Anwyn to prove she’s a worthy Knight of the Round Table?

"The professionals couldn't out-do you"
“Covers all sorts of emotions, full of action, and best of all full of jokes.”

Directed by Brian Murray
Written by Gareth Johnson, Brian Murray and Dario Knight
More pages from the Unbound Sketchbook - attracting a record-breaking audience and featuring a self-aware self-service checkout, an unusual take on climate change, and a performance review for the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse...

"Your best one yet."
"A fabulous show! Highly recommend seeing this group of talented performers, many of whom are involved in writing their own material - they are very funny!"

Directed by Dario Knight
Commissioned by Bucks County Council as part of their 'Great War Showcase', this 45-minute show featured readings of war poetry and biographies of local men who served in the First World War, and was performed at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone in Milton Keynes

Directed by Hannah Rogers, Gareth Johnson, Beatrice Benedek and Lara Pipistrelle
Written by Michael Dines, Eddie Robson, Joe Laredo and Lara Pipistrelle & Matte Black
Our first drama festival included six one-act plays staged by our talented team of local theatre makers, including work from established playwrights and two of the three winning entries of our 2017 Playwriting Competition.

"Brilliant performances and excellent direction."
"I was so so so impressed!"

Directed by Shaun Nolan
Written by Scott McPherson
Bessie is dedicated to caring for her bedridden father, but when she herself receives a devastating diagnosis she must face she must turn to her estranged sister for help… 

"Fantastic production! Congratulations to you, Shaun and all the cast."

Directed by Beatrice Benedek
Written by Bertolt Brecht
Translated by Judith Malina
Where does your loyalty lie? Who are you faithful to? Which voice will you follow? The voice of the Many? The Few? Or the One? A story of love, torment, righteousness and ultimate sacrifice. Antigone.

"Great first performance everyone."
"Well done. You were amazing!"

Directed by Gareth Johnson
Written by Gareth Johnson, Brian Murray, Dario Knight, Matthew Doherty & Pete Benson
Our comedy team headed out on the road with their mighty book of sketches, stopping off at Wycombe Arts Centre to perform a selection of the best sketches from their repertoire, including much-loved characters like Professor Chaos and Inspector Murder.

"Great night, thanks!"
"Thank you for such an entertaining evening."

Directed by Beatrice Benedek
Written by Harold Pinter
Kate and Deeley have a visitor. Anna was once a friend of Kate’s – although she’s not, perhaps, quite how Kate remembers her. But then again, how far can you really trust your memory?

"It’s ages since I saw a Pinter play and to see it locally at a reasonable price was wonderful. The direction and acting was wonderful and I look forward to future productions."
This production was revived at Wycombe Arts Centre in November 2018.

Directed by Erika Sanderson
Written by Kenneth Grahame
Adapted by Dario Knight
This special outdoor production debuted at Aylesbury Town Council's 'Aylesbury On Sea' event. A rollocking thirty-minute re-telling of the timeless tale of the Riverbank in which Ratty, Badger and Mole try to stop Mr Toad's obsession with motorcars ending in disaster!

"My sincere thanks for your amazing contribution to the success of this year’s event. Everything was perfect and it’s a pleasure to work with you all."

Directed by Dario Knight
Our third live podcast recording went down a storm with the audience. The Unbound Sketchbook team recorded another installment for 'Everything Wrong With Politics' and the final two thrilling episodes of 'Inspector Murder Inspects...', in which the Inspector finally comes face to face with his nemesis - the dastardly Travers Steve O'Justice...

Directed & Hosted by Gareth Johnson
Unbound Sketchbook's first improv event. Using story-focused improvisation games to create brand new characters and scenes based on audience suggestions, the team took a trip to ancient Egypt, discovered a cure for the common cold and created a brand new blockbuster: E.T. vs Jaws. 

The show also drew the biggest audience for an improv show to date!

"What an evening! I did expect fun and laughter, but truly, my sides hurt through laughing so much - thank you!"

Directed by Dario Knight
Written by William Shakespeare
Viola finds herself shipwrecked on the shores of a strange world known as Illyria, where a bittersweet web of mistaken identity, wicked humour and tangled love awaits her...
Performed at the Limelight Theatre, Bucks County Museum and in Market Square. Made possible thanks to the generous support of Aylesbury Town Council.

"I must've seen more than a dozen productions of Twelfth Night and that was one of the absolute best, well done."

Directed by Dario Knight
Written by Gareth Johnson, Brian Murray, Dario Knight, Pete Benson and Matthew Doherty
Unbound Sketchbook's third sketch show. This time around there's a look inside a top-secret meeting of the Fairy Council, a Barbershop Quartet going for a job interview, and the truth about War & Peace.

"Brilliant performance by everyone! Thoroughly enjoyed it!"
"Wonderful sketch show. So funny! Very talented writers and actors! So very proud of you all!"

Directed by Dario Knight
Following on the heels of Unbound's first podcast evening, a second night of recording took place in early 2018. Two further episodes of 'Inspector Murder Inspects...' were recorded, as well as some improv games a selection of the team's very best sketches.

Written & Directed by Dario Knight
When Fairy Celestia grants Geppetto’s wish for a son, his treasured puppet Pinocchio magically springs to life! But there’s danger afoot as Mangiafuoco – ringmaster of the Traveling Toy Circus – plots to steal the little wooden boy away to become his new headline act!

"Absolutely fantastic. My children loved it and will be talking about it for a long time to come. Thanks to all the cast & crew for such a brilliant night."
“Best panto yet by a long, long way.”

Directed by Dario Knight
Building on the success of their sketch shows, Unbound Sketchbook recorded two brand new podcasts live at the Limelight Theatre. The shows included two episodes of sleuthing sitcom 'Inspector Murder Inspects...' and the panel game 'Everything Wrong with Politics'.

Directed & Hosted by David Pustansky
The second improv night of 2017, featuring a host of familiar faces alongside a few new members of the cast. Another night of quick-fire 'Whose Line...?' games, physical comedy, on-the-spot scenes and audience participation.

Directed by Beatrice Benedek
Written by Henrik Ibsen
“I've existed to perform for you” - Nora finally understands the illusion she's been living in for eight years – and realising that the person you lived with is a stranger to you can trigger the most unthinkable action...

"Congratulations on such a beautiful production."

Directed by Gareth Johnson
Written by Gareth Johnson, Brian Murray, Dario Knight and Matthew Doherty
A cavalcade of brand-new comedy sketches courtesy of ‘The Unbound Sketchbook’. Favourite characters Inspector Murder and Professor Chaos return, alongside new sketches including visits to a humane Hitman and the World’s Greatest Uncle, and dinner with Immanuel Kant.

"Thoroughly enjoyed this! Good job everyone."
"A great show! Really enjoyed it.

Directed by Dario Knight
Written by Caryl Churchill
Two plays from one of the country’s leading playwrights, rarely performed together. These two searing short plays examine the nature vs nurture debate, explore the relationship between father and son, and speculate on just how catastrophic the politics of fear can be.

"Two challenging plays really well delivered - thought provoking indeed!"

Directed by Dario Knight
Written by William Shakespeare
A sinister prophecy foretold on a battle-scarred heath leads Lord and Lady Macbeth to commit a terrible crime. Power and privilege awaits them, but blood will have blood – and what is done cannot be undone… 

Made possible thanks to the generous support of Aylesbury Town Council.

"A wonderfully full-blooded and imaginative interpretation; beautifully choreographed and acted"
"An excellent and very moving production"

Directed & Hosted by David Pustansky
Featuring a larger cast than ever, our third improv evening drew its biggest audience yet. Once again, performers took part in a series of improvisation workshops leading up to the night itself.

Directed by David Pustansky
Written by Dario Knight
Something is amiss in Wonderland – time has stopped, the Queen of Hearts is embarking on her latest evil scheme, and there’s a beast lurking in the shadows… Can Alice discover who broke the Great Clock of Wonderland? Will she stop the evil Queen (without losing her head)? And just why is a raven like a writing desk?

"A well-written fun show, with a friendly welcoming staff and cast. All things considered a great evenings entertainment."

Directed by Matthew Doherty
Written by Gareth Johnson, Brian Murray, Dario Knight and Matthew Doherty
The debut production from Unbound’s comedy contingent – ‘The Unbound Sketchbook’. A riotous night of brand new sketches and stand-up comedy including a Postcode Lottery gameshow, the fiendish plans of Professor Chaos and the sleuthing skills of Inspector Murder – plus stand-up comedy from Tarquin and Mysterio.

Directed & Hosted by David Pustansky
Following on from our first Improv event, this second show featured more rapid-fire games and devised scenes based on audience suggestions, and included some returning performers in the cast alongside new improvisers from our weekly drama class.

Directed by Dario Knight
Written by William Shakespeare
A one-night-only production celebrating 400 years since Shakespeare. A selection of the Bard's speeches, scenes, sonnets and songs, brought together to explore his work in comedies, tragedies, histories and romances. Made possible thanks to the generous support of Aylesbury Town Council.

"Congratulations to all the cast and crew; you did a great job - lovely performances!"
"The rude mechanicals scene was to die for. I laughed myself silly."

Directed by Erika Sanderson
Written by Dario Knight
Leaving behind the quiet town of Folly, plucky young Rosalind sets out to save her impoverished family by venturing through the Forbidden Forest and into the Castle of the Fallen Prince – wherein lives the fearsome Beast of Folly. Trouble lurks at every turn – but heroes and villains aren’t always as they appear…

"Exactly what a proper pantomime should be."
"I felt like a child again, shouting out and singing along."

Curated by Margaret Morgan-Owen

This special celebration of storytelling included a day of writing workshops, author talks and an address from professional storyteller Chip Colquhoun. Aspiring local writer who had entered our ‘Short Story Competition’ had the chance to read their work, before the winning entry was announced. 

Directed by Dario Knight
Written by Harold Pinter
Hindsight can be a devastating thing - imagine living your entire life again, knowing precisely what was about to happen each day. When the bad times rose to meet you - wouldn't your heart break all over again? Jerry and Emma’s affair is over. Now it’s time to see how it unfolded – starting at the end...

"A fantastic show."
"It was superb."

Directed & Hosted by David Pustansky
Our first Improv Comedy evening took place in the spring of 2015 and featured a talented cast of performers, who took part in a series of workshops leading up to the performance. A night of 'Whose Line Is It Anyway? style games and challenges.