Q & A - Back of the Hand Theatre

Just as we enter the last week of the Festival & Fringe, summer seems to have arrived. Let's hope it doesn't spoil what has been a fabulous first two weeks - perhaps because of rather than despite the weather. It seems that Buxton has been energised by the cold and damp. Anyway many shows have come and gone but there are some goodies still to open. Back of the Hand Theatre are bringing two new shows to the Pauper's Pit (23-25th July - 9.30 & 10.35 pm). Whacker Murphy's Bad Buzz promises to insult, inspire and endear. It is described as hilarious and tragic. You won't have long to recover your poise before trying Womb Man - featuring God, the Devil and reviewing the tortured history of humankind. These guys don't go for easy options - no romcom here. (Back of the Hand are one of our 'international' guests this year - coming from Ireland. It may well be that they are funny in the way that Beckett was funny. Let us know when you've seen them).

You haven’t played Buxton before why have you decided to come for 2008?
We never heard of the place until this year, but then when booking a U.K. tour we were told that the water tastes really nice and the streets are full of beautiful women…We didn’t hesitate!

Amongst Buxton’s famous sons and (adopted daughter) are Tim Brooke-Taylor, Dave Lee Travis and Vera Brittain. How do you feel about following in the footsteps of such giants?

Small. 

What reaction do you expect from your audiences?

I hope the good people of Buxton will be shocked, appalled, but ultimately endeared by our unique brand of tongue in cheek and off-the-wall drama.

5 pieces of fruit and veg a day – what do you choose to eat?

PotatoesX5; it’s all we have to eat in poor ‘aul Ireland.

Do you have any superstitions or routines that you follow before starting a performance?

Clean Y fronts; the source of all my comedy powers. 

Buxton Mineral Water – how do you drink it?

In a gutter looking up at the stars.

Are there any other performers/artists that you especially admire? If so, who and why?

Dermot Morgan- Fr. Ted is the greatest T.V. show ever!

What question would you have liked to answer here?

Why should the ladies of Buxton start queuing for Whacker Murphy’s Bad Buzz? 

What is your answer?

Whacker is a man of moral… he’s also the hottest thing to come through Buxton since the local milkman retired.

by Keith Savage - Published 21/07/2008