by Charlotte Groombridge
The CSF Winter Comedy might feel like an annual tradition, but it took four years before we staged our very first production.
The year was 2018, and two bright eyed theatre enthusiasts had just stepped into the roles of Artistic and Managing Directors. At first we were simply focused on continuing the same format as the previous four years of CSF, until we were emailed a proposal.
Did we want to throw together a show to be performed at the Canterbury Christmas Market?
As with most proposals, Charlotte jumped at the chance, leaving Elliot to work out how we were going to cast and rehearse an entire show in only two weeks. Not to mention costumes, props, set…
Not to undersell it, but our very first Winter Comedy, “A Winter’s Tale” came together by the skin of its teeth. Only two days before our performance, we spent an entire evening rehearsing with a puppet (the ingenious solution to our actor shortage, which we quickly realised didn’t work). However, with the talent of our cast, some slight begging, and a determination not to let our very first show fail, we managed to create a perfectly decent comedy.
Even if we were struggling to be heard over the busy Christmas market
.
We learnt a lot that first year. Like how difficult it is to rehearse a show in only two weeks. And how maybe you should think about logistics before blindly accepting opportunities emailed out of the blue.
Actually, maybe we haven’t learnt that lesson all too well (looking at you, Armenia trip).
But the most important lesson was this: there was an appetite for Shakespearean humour in the depths of winter.
The next year was in some ways easier, and in others more complicated. This time we had months of build up, with plenty of time and enough actors to craft a truly funny show. We also decided that more of Kent needed to witness our hilarious antics, and a mini tour was planned. Over the years this has included Wingham, Whitstable, Faversham, and Folkestone.
There are only three rules that the winter comedy must adhere to: it must always be family friendly, always be funny, and always be free.
The last rule is the most important for me. Christmas can be a difficult time for those who can’t afford to engage with the “expected traditions”, and so it’s important there are activities available which are both free and fun for the whole family.
Over the years the winter comedy has changed significantly as we constantly refine our jokes and ideas. In 2024 we moved away from the Shakespearean pantomime model, and instead we now stage self written pieces which keep with the festive Bard theme (call out to any aspiring writers out there!).
The winter comedy was always an experiment. A risk. But it’s one which has paid off tenfold thanks to the tireless work of those who believe in it.
That being said, I would like to thank the following people for the past seven years of success: our incredible set designer Gareth Winters, our wonderful actors, the generosity of the Anchor at Wingham. And to you, if you have ever attended, donated, or encouraged people to attend, THANK YOU!
And don’t forget. Tickets for this year’s winter comedy are available to book now - www.ticketsource.co.uk/canterbury-shakespeare-festival
Our Winter Comedies (In order of performance)
A Winter’s Tale
The Comedy of Errors
Love’s Labour’s Lost
Much Ado About Nothing
The Taming of the Crew
Tis Wonderful, This Life
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