Funny Thing Happened on the way to Durham

The best historical comedy show and not just for 'local' people

Most people in the North East are aware of St Cuthbert, either from Durham Cathedral, Lindesfarne or by having a local church named after the well travelled saint.  What they probably don't appreciate is just how we know so much about the regions patron saint, especially as he died in the 700's AD.  This insight is due to the tales, stories and recounting all held in the fantastic Lindesfarne Gospels (or as it is more favourably known, Cuthbert's Book) which are currently on display at Durham Cathedral.  What is perhaps even less well known is the journey this unique book had to take before it made it's way back to the North East.

This show, written by Ed Waugh and Trevor Wood, is a wonderful recount of the past 1400 years of local history relating to the 'big dusty book', told as a play within a play and performed by Chris Connel, Viktoria Kay and Robert Hudson.  Starting way back in the days before the Vikings and progressing right up to the modern day, we are treated to a hilarious romp around the North of England; as educational as the BBC series Horrible Histories only funnier and much more local.  There's lots of monks, even more cows, a hoard of Vikings and a ghost who helps to guide us through the facts, the legends and the downright dubious.

The cast manage to bring to life all the main chapters in the Gospels' story and keep the pace moving briskly along without ever feeling that they've rushed over anything.  The jokes are undeniably corny at times but this all adds to the engaging way in which the audience are sucked in and taken along for the whistle-stop ride.

For those who are familiar with Ed & Trevor's work (Alf Ramsey knew my Grandfather, Dirty Dusting, Amazing Grace) this is another great example of comedic interplay,  instantly recognisable characters all painted with a broad North Eastern brush.  They are masters in the oft ignored art of storytelling making this a show to be seen by young & old, rich and poor, clever or ...... not-so clever.