Tom Sandham and Ben McFarland are a double act that turned a love of liquor into a comedy theatre show. They have been writing about drinks for the last 20 years, Tom is the IWSC Spirits Communicator of the Year, Ben is Beer Writer of the Year, and they’ve spent a lot of time in pubs and bars.
They also call themselves historians, as they learned more about the subject and read around it, they realised that nearly all the important things that have happened in history have taken place near an alcoholic drink. They took all that knowledge of drinks and history and turned it into a show in 2009. We’ve been running it in various incarnations ever since.
The Thinking Drinkers Heroes of Hooch, co-written and performed by Tom Sandham, is at Underbelly Cowbarn 31st July – 25th August (not 12th)
The Thinking Drinkers Heroes of Hooch is coming to Underbelly what can you tell us about it?
This year we’re focusing on people who did great things and enjoyed a drink at the same time. It’s called Heroes of Hooch. During the show we’ll tell the audience about some of the genuine legends of the past who achieved amazing feats, some will be a little familiar, some will be completely unknown, but all of them are genuine winners. As ever, we will accompany our stories with jokes, weird costumes, actual song and dance, lights, music, partial nudity and, indeed, FIVE FREE DRINKS.
That’s right, as part of the experience we connect all our stories to drinks which the audience gets to sip, savour and learn more about. And they’re not rubbish either. We’ve got The Singleton single malt, Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva rum, Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin and Grand Marnier, a cognac orange liqueur. Plus some excellent Yorkshire Tetley beer to go with some brilliant magic tricks. We’ve also worked with some stellar people this year. We’ve got Jeremy Stockwell directing, a very talented theatre, actor, writer, teacher and who has trained some of Hollywood’s top actors. Caroline Pope, a choreographer who has worked in huge film and television productions, she has enabled us to create a very memorable show. And Chris Larner, a writer, performer, and song writer who has created a brilliant song about heroes.
How does Heroes of Hooch differ to other works you’ve written?
Each year we have to write a new show because people come back year after year. This is our 9th consecutive Fringe. So while the format remains the same, and we keep the free drinks, all the other content will be new.
How did you research the subject?
We’ve spent 20 years learning our subject, but then we fine tune according to the subject matter – on this occasion heroes, in the past though countries or pubs and bars. It’s essentially a grown up history with a few drinks thrown ins., So we sit in the British Library and study the history, visit the distilleries and learn about the drinks, then write the show with the jokes, singing and dancing.
What’s the one thing about [production name] makes it different from all the rest?
The Five free drinks probably. But hopefully the fact that you come to a show, you get a few laughs and see us work very hard for them, you learn something new about history and walk away with some pub ammo, and you get those free drinks. Rather than one thing, we’ve tried to make it many so it’s a varied hour that appeals to everyone. But, probably, it’s the free drinks.
How does it feel to be at Underbelly?
Great. It’s one of the leading Fringe venues and when you work with a team like this you get loads of support, plus everyone knows the venues so they look for what’s on here.
Who will Heroes of Hooch appeal to the most?
Over 18s and people who have a discerning affection for drink. That is to say, what we do is about learning to love liquor in a different way, our motto is ‘drink less, drink better’. So anyone who takes it too far won’t be getting in. And you need to be 18. Otherwise, it’s for anyone who loves going to the pub and sharing a story and anyone who needs a bit of inspiration to go out and be a hero.
The Thinking Drinkers Heroes of Hooch, co-written and performed by Tom Sandham, is at Underbelly Cowbarn 31st July – 25th August (not 12th)
