Past Theatre Projects (2020-2023)

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Performed by Gareth Johnson

From a story by Dario Knight

The Bard of Aylesbury performs a new story that travels back to 19th Century Oxford, where Charles Dickens is determined to return home in time for Christmas Day, for when midnight approaches, he has ghosts to confront...

Commissioned and performed as part of Aylesbury Town Council's Christmas Storytelling event. 

"This was an amazing event. I was so very moved by the Bard's performance and the words he spoke."

Performed by Mary Hall & Hannah Rogers

From stories by Dario Knight

Two new seasonal stories to kick-start the festive season, including an ice skating adventure for Old Ma Mallard and her Aylesbury Ducks, and a look at what the Spirit of Christmas Present gets up to the other 364 days of the year...

Written and directed by Gareth Johnson

Our seasonal superhero returns with a brand-new festive adventure. Mayor Mulberry is planning a grand celebration to thank Captain Christmas for protecting Aylesbury from yuletide doom, but the mysteriously hypnotic Carol has other ideas...

Commissioned and performed as part of Aylesbury Town Council's 'Christmas on the Cobbles' event.

"Very glad that Captain Christmas is back!"

"I'll never listen to 'Silent Night' in the same way again!"

Directed by Dario Knight

Written by Gareth Johnson, Brian Murray, and Dario Knight

A live podcast recording featuring the very best pages from the Unbound Sketchbook's mighty book of comedy sketches, including a self-aware checkout, a diabolical evil genius with a staffing problem, and a trip to the museum of Greek literature...

"A great reminder of just how many hilarious sketches the Sketchbook have performed over the years."

Performed by Mary Hall & Hannah Rogers

From stories by Dario Knight

Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Queens Park Arts Centre's Limelight Theatre, these two new theatrical tales included the story of how Eric the Skull made his stage debut in 'Hamlet'.

Performed as part of the QPAC Artisan Craft Fair 2023.

"Really imaginatively written and read."

Written and Directed by Dario Knight

Gertrude & Dorothy ride again! This time, they're headed to the airwaves, as the crime-fighting duo visit the village of Lower Lumbar, where the recently-appointed Mayor Winstanley has been sent a portents of his impending demise...

Commissioned and performed as part of the Audio Drama Hub Podfest 2023.

"Thanks to you all. I laughed hard at the performance. Great to see the whole team again."

Directed by Gareth Johnson

Written by Dario Knight

Two brand new illustrated stories inspired by local history, including the tale of Old Ma Mallard and her feathered fire fighters, and a chronicle of the life of Lady Mary Grey - reimagined as the Chequers escapologist!

Commissioned and performed as part of the Buckinghamshire History Festival 2023.

"Charming. Completely charming."

Written and Directed by Dario Knight

Professor Arkwright has spent his life exploring how people can be fooled. As retirement beckons, he summons three former students to his office to toast his long career.

But what have they done with their education in the ethics of deception? The conjurer, the mentalist, and the psychic. Who are they fooling? And why is Arkwright so keen to unite them before his career reaches its end?

"Superb production, with elements of Hitchkockian suspense!"

Directed by Dario Knight

Written by Dario Knight & Gareth Johnson

Professor Chronomier returns for a third Aylesbury Town Council walking play. When Astrid calls for help with a temporal disruption, the Professor answers the call. Only, she's not the woman that Astrid remembers...

Commissioned by Aylesbury Town Council.

"Absolutely fab!"

"Great performances all round."

"This walking play, set in and around the beautiful St Mary’s church, was a great piece of science fiction, funny and well acted."

Performed by Jacki Dann & Mary Hall
From stories by Dario Knight

Two brand-new stories performed as part of Queens Park Arts Centre's Autumn 2023 Open Day. 

Tales included a brand-new fable about how the artistic muses brought colour into the world, and an arty adventure for Old Ma Mallard's flock on the Grand Union Canal!

"Super stories brilliantly told."

Written and Directed by Dario Knight

A celebration of two inspirational women - horticulturalist and garden designer Gertrude Jekyll, and record-breaking racing driver Dorothy Levitt - who find themselves thrown together in a comical crime caper involving buried treasure and a bizarre murder...

Performed at Waddesdon Manor, Headstone Manor, and Queens Park Arts Centre

"Fascinating and funny in equal measure."

Directed by Gareth Johnson
Written by Gareth Johnson & Dario Knight

Unbound's comical chronicle of English history continues with a selection of sketches charting the history of the Plantagenet dynasty - from the warring reign of Henry II to the deposition of Richard II.

Commissioned by Dunstable Town Council for their Ashton Square Day event. 

"That was brilliant. I've never heard the history before, it was really well done"

"Hilarious. Can't believe you covered that much in half an hour."

Performed by Mary Hall, Emily Pugh & Gareth Johnson
From stories by Dario Knight & Gareth Johnson

Brand new stories performed as part of Buckinghamshire Culture's annual Open Weekend. Including a tale of a water spirit, and the latest adventure featuring Old Ma Mallard's flock!

"A privilege to sit and listen to."

Directed by Dario Knight
Written by William Shakespeare

When former lovers Beatrice and Benedick are reunited in Messina, a merry war begins... 

The first Buckinghamshire Shakespeare Festival visited Queens Park Arts Centre, Wycombe Museum, Nag's Head (Great Missenden), Buckingham Library, Waddesdon Manor, Sunneyhill Barn (Rowsham) & The King's Head (Aylesbury)

"Another amazing production. Each space they perform in brings a new and fab dimension to it, but the acting is constant. Brilliant!"

Written and Directed by Dario Knight
Adapted from the novel by Lewis Carrol

Jump down the rabbit hole and discover Wonderland in this immersive adaptation of a children's classic.

Commissioned by Aylesbury Town Council for WhizzFizzFest.

"So big and bright and colourful. We enjoyed it so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Directed by Dario Knight
Created by Dario Knight & Gareth Johnson

Our sleuthing audio sitcom returned to the stage, with live readings of the series' very first episodes: '...A Missing Person' and '...A Threatening Letter'.

"Brilliantly entertaining. The accents, the faces, the energy and the crazy storylines. Great to enjoy a really good laugh. And such a bargain for couple of chapters of the excellent Inspector Murder."

Directed by Gareth Johnson

Written by Dario Knight & Gareth Johnson

Another historical dynasty comes under the eye of Unbound, as four Norman monarchs, one would-be king and a mighty empress are feature in this rip-roaring sketch show with a distinctly filmic theme...

Commissioned by Dunstable Town Council for their Classic Motor Rally event.

"Really enjoyed the performance! Thank you for a brilliant show."

Directed by Gareth Johnson (Unbound) & Neil Goulder (AdLibretto)

A special double-bill of improvised tales. 

Our Unbound Storytellers created a brand-new fairytale - 'Conanette the Barbarian' - and AdLibretto improvised a musical inspired by an audience member's childood dream to be a lollypop lady. 

"So, so clever and slickly performed."

Directed by Gareth Johnson
Written by Dario Knight & Gareth Johnson

In  celebration of coronation weekend, we embark on a rapid recce through  the Windsor dynasty, exploring six monarchs whose reigns spanned more  than a century - from Edward VII to Charles III.

Commissioned by Harrow Council for Headstone Manor & Musuem.

"Amazed  at how you managed to fit so much into such a short show. Loved hearing  plenty of facts among the (gloriously funny) silliness!"

Directed by Gareth Johnson
Written by Gareth Johnson, Brian Murray & Dario Knight

The Unbound Sketchbook team are donning their camouflage gear and heading out on tour... in stealth mode! Prepare for sneaky sketches including a disasterous underworld deal, a poultry interrogation, and an overacting librarian...

"What brilliant fun. Some clever and original sketches."
"It was great fun, and a real laugh."

Directed by Gareth Johnson
Written by Gareth Johnson & Dario Knight

From William the Conquerer all the way to Elizabeth II, Aylesbury has welcomed all manner of monarchs across the centuries. Discover their stories along with tales of Henry VI, Henry VIII, Queen Victoria, Edward VII, and... King Louis XVIII of France!

Commissioned by Aylesbury Town Council for their 'Historical Fayre' event.

"Amazing and quite rightly drew such a great crowd for each performance."

Written and Directed by Dario Knight
 

Claire Jameson is directing a revival of little-known musical ‘Jolly Joyce’, and rehearsals aren’t going well… The actors are mixing work and pleasure; the stage manager’s not happy with the venue; and a surprise guest in the rehearsal room stirs up some unwelcome history.
 

"This was the first of your productions we've seen and it most certainly won't be the last. A thoroughly enjoyable performance of a thought-provoking play!"

Directed by Gareth Johnson

Featuring Stories by Dario Knight

Having spent two years traveling around Buckinghamshire collecting stories, the Unbound Storytellers returned home to QPAC with an evening of their favourite tales, alongside some improvisted yarns. 

"Some really beautiful stories, enthrallingly told."

"A perfect mix of written material and improvisation."

Directed by Andrew Faber
Written by Oscar Wilde
 

A rehearsed reading of Oscar Wilde's witty exploration of societal and political scandal, in which promisiong MP Robert Chiltern's marriage and career are threatened by a secret from his past. 

"Very funny with perfect comic timing."

"A joy to watch."

Directed by Dario Knight
Created by Dario Knight & Gareth Johnson

A live performance of Inspector Murder's first festive adventure, in which Laura, Luc and Constance seek the bring a bit of seasonal cheer to their disillusioned employer...

"It was a great night. Hilarious to see the facial expressions to go with what is usually an audio program!"

Written and Directed by Gareth Johnson
 

The Wicked Witch of the West is determined to seize control of all the magic in Oz. Glinda the Good Witch of the North brings Dorothy Gale to help, but even the two of them may not be strong enough. They're going to need help from the greatest sorcerer ever known - the mighty and powerful Wizard of Oz.
 

"This was a fabulous show, with a fantastic cast ana real family feel. We  are so grateful we were able to go. Definitely a new annual tradition for us!"

Directed by Dario Knight
Created by Dario Knight & Gareth Johnson
 

As part of the very first Audio Drama Hub Podfest, our sleuthing sitcom returned to the stage for the first time since 2018. The cast performed a live reading of Series 1, Episode 3: '...A Robbery', in which the Inspector and Laura hunt for a stolen tiara...
 

"Thanks for a fantastic performance"
"Fantastic, do check it out!"

Directed by Gareth Johnson
Written by Gareth Johnson & Dario Knight
 

Aylesbury's seasonal superhero returns with a new villain to face. When a series of burglaries shakes the town, and the Christmas lights switch-on is threatened, there's only one hero who can stop the Cracker Jacker.
Commissioned by Aylesbury Town Council for their 'Christmas on the Cobbles' event.
 

"Captain Christmas should switch on the town's lights next year!"

Performed by Andrew Faber, Emily Pugh & Gareth Johnson
From stories by Dario Knight
 

Three brand new stories inspired by local history, including some shameless royalflirting, a Windsor chair wager, and some very crafty squirrels...
Commissioned as part of the 2022 Buckinghamshire History Festival.
 

"So entertaining. I never knew about Henry VIII's connection with Aylesbury - fascinating and fun!"

Directed by Andrew Faber

Written by Dario Knight

London, 2004. Jenny Miller returns to the theatre where she first found her voice as a writer. She's on a retreat to make a start on her latest script; but sometimes opening up your imagination lets out far more than you intended...     

"Brilliantly clever script, beautifully performed"

"Amazing show. Really well directed and staged"

"The best show you've ever done"

Directed by Brian Murray

Written by Gareth Johnson, Brian Murray, Dario Knight, Mary Hall & John Hall

The Unbound Sketchbook's seventh show included the return of fiendish supervillain Professor Chaos, a new partner for Aylesbury's grittiest detective, a very important lesson in stealth, and a familiar magical nanny...

"Uttery brillaint mix of ideas and characters. Still smiling!"

Directed by Gareth Johnson

The third conference of the Unbound Storytellers produced a whole new collection of improvised tales, spanning quickfire games and spontaneous scenes.

"Hilarious! Never been to an improv show before, but we'll definitely be coming back for more!"

Directed by Andrew Faber

Written by Gareth Johnson & Dario Knight

There’s  trouble afoot in Sherwood Forest. The villainous Sheriff of Nottingham and his dim-witted  accomplice Guy of Gisborne have come up with a plan to get rid of outlaw  Robin Hood once and for all.  Unfortunately for them, Maid Marian has other ideas… 

Performed at Queens Park Arts Centre, Waddesdon Manor & Headstone Museum

"An absolute riot of a show; beautifully silly and full of joy."

Directed by Dario Knight

Written by William Shakespeare

The most famous Shakespeare play of them all brought vividly to life in a brand new touring production.

Performed at Queens Park Arts Centre, The King's Head (Aylesbury), The Nag's Head (Missenden), Wycombe Arts Centre, Waddesdon Manor & Sunneyhill Barn (Rowsham)

"A Hamlet who could be at the Globe... so expressive"

"Not a moment wasted; brilliant cast, brilliant edits, brilliant direction"

Directed by Erika Sanderson

Written by Dario Knight

A swashbuckling half-hour adventure with France's finest swordsmen, the plucky d'Artagnan, and the dastardly Milady de Winter, who seeks to start a war with England... 

Commissioned by Aylesbury Town Council for their 'Aylesbury on Sea' event at Vale Park.

"A really lovely show for such a special day, thank you one and all!"

Directed by Gareth Johnson

Written by Gareth Johnson & Dario Knight

This whistle-stop tour through Greek mythology is full of magnificent beasts, mighty heroes and dastardly villains - a fast-paced sketch show inspired by truly epic tales. 

Commissioned as part of WhizzFizzFest 2022.

"Hilarious! Brilliantly silly but full of proper myths."

Performed by Gareth Johnson, Emily Pugh & Andrew Faber

From a story by Dario Knight

A brand-new interactive story about the Grand Union Canal's Aquatic Football Tournament, where Old Ma Mallard suspects there's foul play afoot.

Commissioned as part of WhizzFizzFest 2022.

"A lovely story, my children enjoyed it very much."

Directed by Gareth Johnson   

The second gathering of the Unbound Storytellers' conference, where all manner of spontaneous stories and improvised scenes are brought to life, based on suggestions from the audience. 

"Such a great show, thank you to all involved."

Directed by Gareth Johnson

Written by Gareth Johnson, Brian Murray & Dario Knight   

Alight here for hilarity! The Unbound Sketchbook's 2022 tour took in venues including the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Second Space, and the Camden and Watford Fringe Festivals A show packed with toe-tapping job interviews and cautionary tales from the London Underground. 

"Just brilliant. So slick and with some amazingly funny ideas."

Directed by Dario Knight

Written by Dario Knight & Gareth Johnson

Professor Chronomier returns in a second walking play, commissioned by Aylesbury Town Council. After a temporal criminal causes chaos with history, the Professor joins forces with John Hampden to save the day, but the clock tower awaits...

"A really good mix of drama, humour and local history, and the play interacted with the locations for each scene really well. Thoroughly enjoyed it."

Performed by Gareth Johnson, Emily Pugh & Erika Sanderson

From stories by Dario Knight & Gareth Johnson

Tales of Windsor chair wagers, lace-making fairies, and singing squirrels in snazzy straw boaters - all inspired by the exhibits in Wycombe Museum.

"Lovely stories. My daughter is stil talking about them!"

Written and Directed by Shaun Nolan

“Most people are made on beds, born on beds, and die on beds. I’m the idiot who makes them for a living as well.” 

When the state of a vacated hotel room arouses curiosity in the staff of The Green Iguana, questions about their darkest demons rise to the surface.

"A great piece, great writing and performances. Really enjoyed it."

Directed by Stephanie Hull

Unbound’s first musical theatre project showcased songs from musicals spanning the 1940s to the present day, including iconic numbers and lesser-known gems for a wealth of great shows such as Oklahoma!, Half a Sixpence, Sunday in the Park with George, Rent, Hamilton, and Hadestown. 

A cast of soloists were joined by members of the Musical Theatre Choir Aylesbury. 

"Many thanks for a lovely night out. A really enjoyable selection of songs old and new."

Directed by Andrew Faber

Written by Bernard Shaw

The next 'Unbound Reading' saw a new take on Bernard Shaw's most iconic play.

 Master of dialects Henry Higgins wagers he can pass flower girl Liza Doolittle off as a lady of society. But as his plan unfolds, he is forced to face the consequences of his actions. For Liza is no marble statue to be marvelled at… 

"Perfectly cast and beautifully performed."

Directed by Gareth Johnson

The Unbound Storyteller convention is about to get underway. Storytellers are gathering to share their latest ripping yarns and flex their fable-weaving muscles. And best of all? It's up to you what tales they tell.

This special improvisation show sees our talented cast create brand new short plays, solo stories and compete in a few light-hearted games.

"Your best yet. Great to see some new formats as well as old favourites."

Directed by Erika Sanderson

Written by Dario Knight

Once upon a time a wicked witch put a curse upon a new-born princess.  

The baby's father has spent 18 years trying to foil the prophecy, but Belladonna has a plan to ensure her fate remains sealed... 

Now that Elspeth is no longer a child, she's determined to wed her childhood sweetheart Princess Charming. But        the course of true love never did run smooth. 

Here be dragons... 

"Absolutely amazing; such a sweet story and so so funny."

Performed by Gareth Johnson, Emily Pugh & Brian Murray

From stories by Dario Knight

Part of Aylesbury's Festival of Light celebrations, this set of stories took inspiration from the theme of light, including the tale of Harry the Hedgehog and the Man in the Moon.

"Clever crafts and storytellers very entertaining. Thank you."

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."

Written by Gareth Johnson & Dario Knight

Directed by Gareth Johnson

An expanded edition of our historical sketch show, performed at Waddesdon Manor. New sketches include an introduction to Mary Queen of Scots, the story of the dog who saved a king, and a glimpse at Henry VIII rocking out at an open mic night. 

"So pleased we got to see this; it was enormous fun and all our family loved it."

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."