The Lip Service Theatre Company has launched a UK tour with an hilarious spoof that nudges and winks knowingly to fans of Scandinavian crime fiction. Inspector Norse inspired by The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Killing, Wallender, Borgen and The Bridge. The play was written and is performed by Maggie Fox (right) and Sue Ryding and doubles as both a comedy and a mystery.
Another unique aspect of the production is that it has a knitted set, and Lip Service has been appealing to knitters across the country to send in knitted objects that can become part of the play. “The response has been overwhelming,” says Maggie Fox. “Everywhere we’ve played, there has been a squishy parcel waiting at stage door for us with knitted leaves or woolly sparklers or – most recently – a new knitted jumper for our detective.”
The duo knew that Sarah Lund wears a knitted sweater throughout The Killing, but it wasn’t until they went to Sweden that they were inspired by woolens. Everywhere they went they saw knitted displays.
“Even the men seemed to knit,” continues Fox. “We liked the idea of knitting invading the landscape and lives of the people in our play. We had the idea of working with local knitters to help create a knitted environment. It was just one of those mad thoughts you have – a wouldn’t-it-be-great-if… sort of moment.”
The story, well it’s a real yarn, involving a mysterious man walking across the frozen wastes, an ex-pop-star and a corpse found in a nearby barn with a bizarre message carved on its head. Detective Sandra Larsson, complete with suitable knitware, must unravel the case.
An amusing trailer for the show has been created, which you can watch below, and all the tour dates are listed at the bottom of this story. To see more videos, and to find out more and even download some knitting patterns, visit the company’s website here. We definitely think Jo Nesbo should knit something for the production…
6Feb – Spalding South Holland Centre
15Feb – Lytham St Anne’s Lowther Pavilion
6 Mar – The Brindley The Hysterical Historical Show
19Mar – Cardiff Wales Millenium Centre
23March – Manchester Histories Festival Pankhurst Centre
27March – Bourne End WI
29March – Manchester Histories Festival Town Hall
3 April – Chelmsford Civic Theatre
3 May – Selby Town Hall The Hysterical Historical Show
10 May – An Cridhe, Isle of Coll
13 May – Cromarty Arts
14 May – Thurso Players
15 May – Lyth Arts Centre
16 May – Ardross Community Centre
17 May – SEAL Isle of Skye
29May – Salisbury Festival
30 May – The Radlett Centre
31 May – Cambridge Mumford Theatre
