AWARD-WINNING ABSURDIST COMEDY LAUNCHES GADOC’S NEW FRINGE THEATRE BANNER

GADOC proudly presents the multi-award winning absurdist comedy ‘Picasso at
the Lapin Agile’ as the first production under the club’s exciting new banner
GADOC:fringe - where niche and offbeat theatre takes centre stage!

In this quick-witted and fiercely-clever play from Hollywood actor, director and
writer Steve Martin (Only Murders in the Building, Cheaper By the Dozen, Father
of the Bride, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), the audience are invited to travel back in
time to Paris 1904 and step into the Lapin Agile (or —, in English — “The Nimble
Rabbit”) the beloved watering hole of artists, activists and eccentrics where the
wine flows, conversation flies and legends meet before they’re made. Enter artist
and lothario Pablo Picasso and scientist Albert Einstein, two brilliant minds on the
threshold of irrevocably shaping the century - but which is more important, art or
science?

Director Ethan Hitchon says: “I first read the script about ten years ago when I was
just starting out in amateur theatre. I looked at lots of different scripts to cut my
teeth on as an actor and Picasso at the Lapin Agile immediately stood out to me
and stayed with me ever since.

“It’s a unique and off-the-wall play in which Steve Martin interweaves his whacky
wit with larger-than-life 20th century legends and other characters that leap off the
page. When GADOC reached out for new directors, I remembered this play and
thought ‘If I can’t be in it, I’m going to stage it!’ And the rest is history.”
Picasso and Einstein are supported by a collection of quirky characters straight
from the Belle Epoque era and perhaps beyond.

“I’m delighted to bring this unknown and abstract play to Guernsey and the Avril

Earl Dance and Theatre Arts Centre is the perfect venue to provide an intimate fly-
on-the-wall experience.”

The Lapin Agile was and is a real life cabaret bar in Montmartre, Paris. It was the
subject of one of Picasso’s most recognisable artworks, Au Lapin Agile, which he
painted in 1905 and features himself alongside two individuals who feature in the
stageplay. The bar also featured in the early career of famous French songstress
Edith Piaf, who performed there in her 20s.

‘Picasso at the Lapin Agile’ will run from Wednesday 9 – Saturday 12 August with
four evening performances only. Tickets are available online from
www.ticketsource.co.uk/gadoc or in person/on the door.