Doctor Coppelius
written and performed by Chris Neville-Smith
after "Coppelia" by Leo Delibes
Once upon a time, there was an idyllic town in a peaceful kingdom. And amongst the townsfolk lived Swanhilda. She was fair and kind-hearted, and she loved Franz with all her heart. But whilst Franz had feelings for her, he also had feelings for the mysterious Coppelia: a woman who was only ever seen reading on a balcony. In fact, Coppelia was only a mechanical doll, but such was her beauty the whole town believed her to be real.
But we've already heard the story of Swanhilda and Franz. What is the story of the doll's creator, the recluse and genius Doctor Coppelius? Now, the tragic villain from Leo Delibes's Coppelia gives his side of the story. An outsider fleeing lands who don't want him, it is a story from scaremongering and dehumanisation to hope and redemption. Doctor Coppelius does not seek your forgiveness for the terrible thing he did - only your understanding.
This is a brand new project for a story I only had the idea for in January, but I can't wait to share this with you and when I realised I could make this work as a storytelling show - coupled with the fact that I've always wanted to do something in the wonderful Scrivener's Bookshop - I couldn't pass this up. No decision yet on what to do with this after Buxton, but this is where it begins.
Upcoming performances
NEW! The Old Church, Sacriston (work in progress): 7.30 p.m., 6th July 2024. Free, ticketed.
Scrivner's Bookshop for Buxton Fringe (work in progress): 4.00 p.m., 11th July 2024. Free, ticketed.
NEW! Banshee Labyrinth, Edinburgh Horror Festival: 4.00 p.m., 2nd November 2024, ticket price TBC
Past performances
Dunelm House (private work in progress for Durham University Ballet Company): 19th June