Funny and poignant, The Duke is a one-man show by Shôn Dale-Jones, Hoipolloi’s Artistic Director. The Duke weaves together the tragi-comic fate of a family heirloom – a porcelain figure of The Duke of Wellington – the quandary of a scriptwriter stretching his integrity and an unfolding disaster as thousands of children flee their homes. Blending fantasy and reality, this playful show gently challenges our priorities in a world full of crisis.
The Duke received The Scotsman’s Fringe First Award in Edinburgh in 2016 and has been produced in aid of Save the Children’s Appeal.
Produced by Hoipolloi, PBJ Management, Theatre Royal Plymouth in association with The Pleasance Theatre Trust in aid of Save the Children’s Appeal. Presented by Hugh Hughes with Shôn Dale-Jones.
“Tender, whimsical and thought provoking… In vividly evoking small moments of genuine connection between Dale-Jones and his family, it is impossible not to connect and reflect on the plight of refugee families.” – Live Art Live
“A fascinating web of tall tales… It’s all told rather charmingly by its charismatic hero and is all in a very good cause.” – British Theatre Guide
“Shôn Dale-Jones emerges from his Hugh Hughes alter-ego with a show at the Pleasance that combines three stories – about his granny, a film script, and the refugee crisis – into one thoughtful, quietly powerful whole.” – The Scotsman’s Fringe First Award Winner, Edinburgh 2016
“Outstanding one-man show about (but not limited to) the film industry, the refugee crisis and a porcelain figure of the Duke of Wellington on horseback.” – Theatre Bubble
★★★★ “A fantastic and likeable storyteller.” – Edinburgh Festivals Magazine
★★★★ “You won’t find a show with a bigger, better heart anywhere on the Fringe.” – What’s On Stage
★★★★ “A genuinely heart-warming and amusing story.” – British Theatre Guide