Ferment Fortnight Preview | Sir David and His Animals

Ahead of Ferment Fortnight's riotous return this summer, we caught up with Clownfish to find out all their upcoming show, Sir David and His Animals. Catch it at Arnolfini Wed 11 July.

Tell us a bit about yourself...
I'm Jess. This is Jon. We are Clownfish. We met at Lecoq and moved to my little old home town, Bristol, to persue our theatrical dreams! We make ridiculous, joyful theatre.

What are you presenting at Ferment Fortnight?
We are presenting our brand new, half-born show Sir David and his Animals. It is a love-song; to nature, to all living creatures, but most of all to a certain broadcasting legend; a national treasure whos voice has lulled the nation, whos escapades have educated and inspired it, and whos passion for the natural world has created some of the best television ever made. Our show is a celebration of the man everybody wishes were their grandfather, Sir David Attenborough!

What inspired/influenced your piece?
A considerably more successful actor asked me what my ideal role would be. After careful consideration I realised that I wanted to play animals. Any animals. All the animals. The successful actor laughed and suggested I enlist David Attenborough and make a nature show. I think he was joking. Sir David, it turns out, is a very busy man. Jon was surprisingly available.

What does the work that Ferment do mean to you?
For me, Ferment has always been something to aspire to. I grew up in Bristol and saw so many brilliant artists and theatre-makers trying out new ideas at Ferment, and often going on to tour excellent, successful shows. For us now, as a new company, it is a bit of a god-send. It is the perfect opportunity to to kick our fledgling show out of the nest and see if it flies. To be able to test out a new show with support from such brilliant, experienced people is invaluable.

What would you say the audience can expect in three words?
Clowning, animals, hilarity.

Ferment Fortnight kicks off at Arnolfini 9-11 July before returning to Bristol Old Vic for four more nights of scratch theatre 13-21 July. For more info and to book tickets, click here.