A remarkable photographic collection has been published, offering an intimate glimpse into the radical world of the experimental Pip Simmons theatre group during their years of European touring. The book, compiled by photographer Sheila Burnett, serves as a visual chronicle of the maverick theatre-maker Pip Simmons, who passed away two years ago at the age of 80. It captures both onstage performances and candid offstage moments from the troupe's innovative productions across the continent.
Avant-Garde Productions and Unconventional Adaptations
The Pip Simmons theatre group was renowned for its bold, avant-garde approach to theatre, frequently adapting classic works with a radical twist. In 1977, Simmons himself adapted and directed Edgar Allan Poe's The Masque of the Red Death, a production that showcased the company's willingness to push creative boundaries. The group also staged unconventional adaptations of works by literary giants such as Fyodor Dostoevsky and Yevgeny Zamyatin, cementing their reputation as pioneers of experimental theatre.
Memorable Performances and Iconic Roles
Among the many striking images in Burnett's book is a photograph of Rod Beddall, who played Dracula in the company's touring production. Described as "6ft 2in with a shaved head," Beddall was a multi-talented performer who could sing, play guitar, piano, and tin whistle. He was also known for his fearless commitment to character, donning fishnet stockings and a leather jockstrap bought from a sex shop for the role, earning him the moniker of a "true Transylvanian Brummie."
The book also features Chris Jordan, a founder member of the group, captured in 1973, highlighting the long-standing dedication of the troupe's core members. Another image shows actor Emil Wolk performing a handstand on the roof of Milan Cathedral, a moment that Wolk later summed up as embodying "collaboration, youth, guts and stupidity" – a sentiment that resonates with the group's adventurous spirit.
Life on the Road: Camaraderie and Creativity
Beyond the stage, Burnett's photographs reveal the camaraderie and lively atmosphere that defined the group's tours. One image depicts Rod Beddall on a bicycle with Sheila Burnett on his shoulders and Rowan Wylie by their side in 1974, illustrating the playful dynamics within the troupe. Another shows John Altman, Poppy Hands, and Sheila Burnett at the bar of Chapter arts centre in Cardiff in 1977, with Burnett noting that "when the Pip Simmons theatre group visit, bar takings treble."
Landmark Productions and Anniversary Celebrations
The group's 10th anniversary project in 1978 was a rock version of Shakespeare's The Tempest, staged at Riverside Studios in London. Photographs from this production show sand being unloaded for the set and the cast and crew gathered for the show, with Burnett herself playing Ariel. This ambitious adaptation underscored the company's endless inventiveness and their ability to reimagine classic texts for contemporary audiences.
In later years, the group continued to innovate with productions like Rien Ne Va Plus in 1980-81, a show set in a casino and inspired by a real story, written and directed by Simmons. The book includes images of Helena Fransson starring in this production and the team raising a toast, capturing the celebratory spirit that often accompanied their work.
A Lasting Legacy of Experimental Theatre
The publication of Offstage: The Pip Simmons Theatre Group, 1974-86 by Tricorn Books not only preserves the visual history of this radical troupe but also honours the legacy of Pip Simmons as a ringmaster of endlessly inventive theatre. Through Burnett's lens, readers can experience the intensity of the learning curve, the excitement of creativity, and the sheer audacity that defined the Pip Simmons theatre group's European tours, ensuring their contributions to fringe theatre are remembered and celebrated.
