A time travelling Eastern European cabaret is heading to Exeter this November

A time travelling piece of new music theatre comes to Exeter Phoenix on Sunday 25th November.

This year, Miriam Sherwood and her grandfather make for an unlikely double-act in this new contemporary cabaret. He’s got the stories and she loves telling them but there’s a problem. They’ve never met, and he’s been dead for 37 years.

Rendezvous In Bratislava brings together original cabaret material written by Miriam’s Grandfather, Laco Kalina, and Miriam’s contemporary flair for storytelling. The unlikely duo formed when Miriam, not having ever met her Grandfather (he died 37 years ago), discovered his cabaret scripts that had lain forgotten for years and with it a wealth of family and political history.

Audiences are immersed in a traditional cabaret experience, with original recordings and photographs exploring Laco’s life; his struggle against fascism and under the communist regime and his eventual imprisonment, as well as his love of performance, laughter and music. A shot of a Slovak spirit on arrival sets the mood for a fun, energetic evening blending generations of music, comedy skits, political protests and autobiographical storytelling.

After the show at Exeter Phoenix, audience members will be invited to explore the 1930s living room set, featuring original family photographs, books and papers. Audiences can expect a show which traces real family connections across national, historical and political borders, and celebrates the power of laughter in troubled times.

Tickets and more information can be found by visiting Exeter Phoenix’s website (https://www.exeterphoenix.org.uk/events/rendezvous-in-bratislava/) or by calling the venue’s box office on 01392 667080.