ADAM SCHEFFLER
Theoretically, the era of silent cinema passed with the winds of history in the early 1930s. The advent of sound cinema ended this wonderful period. However, only theoretically... Still, too few people realize how many enthusiasts of silent films in the world continue and cultivate this unique genre of art. It would be false modesty not to mention us here, the Silent Cinema in Galway City. We love silent cinema and even create our own films. But there are many more like us in the world. There are festivals, communities, cinemas, theaters... With all of them in mind, we are starting a presentation of people and places for whom silent cinema is a passion and often a business venture. Because why not?
MEET THE FOOLS TALK THEATRE
Fools Talk Theatre was created by The Clowning Couple, performers Tommy Murray and Hayley Everitt.
The pair started working together in 2016 when they created two shows for their drama school symposium. After graduating, one of these shows toured fringe theatre venues, in the UK, France, and Spain.
The show they were touring centered around clowning and physical comedy, so they decided that this was the way they wanted to continue telling stories. So, as of 2024, they have produced theatre shows for children & adults and created workshops, events & read stories online. They have even created a blog for interviewing international clowns!
Their new show "Against the Clock!", premiered in November 2023, exploring the world of silent slapstick, movie magic, and the classic Hollywood era, and will take to the stage at The Edinburgh Fringe in August!
Hayley found her love of clowning back when she was 4 years old when she used to bring a glittery red nose day nose to every show and tell in the nursery every week. Little did she know then, that this would someday become her profession, and that she would train to become a theatrical clown. Hayley went on to train in clowning where she worked with people who inspired her like Angelo De Castro, Barry Grantham, and Kerry Norman. Where she learned how to make people laugh and where her peers noticed this was her “thing”. And finally, where she learned the Laurel and Hardy dance routine from Way Out West. This is where her love for the great classics began.
Tommy grew up collecting Charlie Chaplin memorabilia. On Valentine's Day 10 years ago Hayley gifted Tommy with a postcard with a still of Chaplin and Virginia Cherrill in City Lights. It is one of his most prized possessions. Another is his bust of Laurel and Hardy that was handed down to him when his grandfather passed away.
Tommy was once described in a school talent show as a cross between Mr. Bean and Jim Carrey, which has oiled his comedy bones ever since. Against The Clock! is a show that he had the idea of 10 years ago when his dad introduced him to Harold Lloyd - and the rest is history. Last year was the centenary of Safety Last, it was the best time to bring this show to the stage to celebrate silent movies.
Beyond Edinburgh, Fools Talk Theatre (Hayley and Tommy) hopes to perform this show across the world. Their company has performed other shows in Spain, Paris, and the UK, and having observed the great work (that`s their words) of the Silent Cinema and Film Studio on social media, they can’t wait to one day come to Ireland and visit Galway perhaps perform in a theatre there and visit the cinema for a film!
Hayley, Tommy, you are more than welcome!
For more about Fools Talk Theatre, and where to find them next, click here!
Credits: Andy Hollingworth (main image), Patrick Murray (production photographs).