Saturday 30 June 2012

First Preview of Toby Hadoke's My Stepson Stole My Sonic Screwdriver


On Thursday night I had the good fortune to attend the very first preview of the follow up to Mr. Toby Hadoke's Sony Gold nominated Moth's Ate My Dr. Who Scarf. For those of you that don't know Toby Hadoke is a comedian and actor closely affiliated with Doctor Who. A lifelong fan, with an encyclopedic knowledge, Hadoke has worked for Doctor Who audio producers, Big Finish, leant his expertise to several classic range Doctor Who DVD commentaries, staged a successful Doctor Who-themed comedy show and also co-written a book detailing the exploits of a chronological marathon-watch of the entire Doctor Who oeuvre which inspired this very blog. Basically he's a bit of a legend. Although he'd never permit it.

Hadoke's self effacing, grumpy old man comedic style serves him well, as he shares with us his love of Doctor Who, mocks Meglos, rallys against a post 2005 all-purpose sonic screwdriver, and finally acknowledges the giant rat in the room. My Stepson Stole My Sonic Screwdriver tells the story of the trials of losing a partner and the joy of gaining a stepson. Hadoke rewards fans with many peppered references but also welcomes relative Doctor Who novices, with corduroy-jacketed open arms. The show has the same unexpected heart-warming charm as Moths Ate My Dr. Who Scarf and certainly appeals to audiences universally.

At first preview, and I believe, sixth draft stage, the show is in incredibly good condition. Some laptop issues and moments of forgetfulness will doubtlessly be ironed out as the show grows and changes. Regardless of a few minor technical hitches, Hadoke makes his audience chuckle, chortle, laugh, and guffaw whilst also charming and moving us with his struggles with Separation, Psoriasis, and a Sonic Screwdriver Stealing Stepson.

You can still catch a few more previews of My Stepson Stole My Sonic Screwdriver at the following venues before it heads to Edinburgh for it's run at the Gilded Balloon 1 – 26 August.

1st July The Beacon, Tunbridge Wells
5th July Lantern Theatre, Sheffield
19th July A Laugh Inn, Stockport
20th July The Howard Room, Bedford Fringe
22nd July New Diorama London
23rs July XS Malarkey, Manchester

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