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History The Show Availability Can be played singly or as a partner to either BULLY or SMILER |
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The power of dreams, the reversal of misfortune and paying it forward....
'Life is in their blood, pulsing through their veins. A happy smile to the outside world, a death wish on their brains.'
There are many damaged souls in this world. Souls so damaged that they can be brainwashed to blow people up. What if somebody nurtured them and encouraged them to go out and do good in society? One man did. He founded The Unbeatable Hearts. Come and find out how a group of young people changed the course of the world forever.
Richard Fry's third Verse Monologue of his trilogy addresses the central theme of Young Gay Suicide and attempting to reverse the trend. One lucky young man's narrow escape leads to the founding of pro-activist group to raise awareness and engender hope in vulnerable lost young adults. This extraordinary "pay it forward" story is so possible that it makes you wonder if there is such an organisation as The Unbeatable Hearts and if not, why not! Fry's account is so believable that one never doubts that the people of whom he speaks are really out there and that Fry knows them personally. It almost becomes a rallying call for volunteers and activists, but ultimately stops short, leaving that choice in our hands... along with a powerful feeling that something must be done.
This is a moving tale that touches everyone, not just the Gay community. It is vitally important stuff about a subject that is too often brushed under the carpet. But it is also great theatre. A brilliant performance where Fry holds us in the palm of his hands and gently squeezes the empathy from us. It is simply irresistible.
FOR VENUES & PROGRAMMERS: THE BALLAD OF THE UNBEATABLE HEARTS is part III of Richard Fry's incredible trilogy of 60 minute verse monologues. It can be programmed singly with a post show discussion following the performance or as one half of a two, pairing with BULLY or SMILER.
For SCHOOLS & COLLEGES: Fry's Verse Trilogy are also powerful educational works, the central themes being acceptance of homosexuality, disability or disenfranchisement. Fry's unique style of using ryhming couplets to tell his stories is clever, supremely witty and charming. He disarms his audience within seconds and leads them into his world, woven cleverly into which are deeply important issues. Young people are deeply affected by these monologues, indicating that Fry's messages are getting through. But above all, his works are extraordinary pieces of theatre, cleverly crafted and expertly performed.
THE BALLAD OF THE UNBEATABLE HEARTS: 
REVIEWS FROM THE EDINBURGH FRINGE 2011
'This is a play with the power to speak to anyone. It's a tale of despair turned to delight; of torpor turned to purpose; of prejudice turned to tolerance. Fry has re-imagined It's A Wonderful Life for a new generation, and in the process built a work which proves both vital and entertaining.' (Fringe Guru - 07/08/11)
'Fry is magnificent at all times. The narration is captivating, perfectly pitched and beautifully delivered. His magnetism is palpable and enthralls the audience, who are at various points moved to tears. The Ballad of the Unbeatable Hearts is a stunning piece of theatre. Highly recommended.' (Hairline 14/08/11)
'Fuelled by inspired writing and a delicately balanced and nuanced performance, Fry inhabits his characters with an understated power that packs an emotional punch. Fry's work challenges us to think, to look into places we may not have contemplated before, and to revel in the potential resilience of the human spirit and its power to inspire. There are actors who have the ability to put their audience at ease the moment they take the stage; Fry has such an ability. There are no bells and whistles; just a warmth and emotive honesty that takes us on an emotionally charged journey through despair, bitter regret, redemption, and sharp, whip-smart humour.'
The Ballad of the Unbeatable Hearts is at once confronting, moving, heartbreakingly honest, and poignant; I was laughing one moment and moved to tears the next. Fry is not only a first rate raconteur but a performer of grace and clarity.' (Fringe Review 12/08/11)
'At times hilarious, at times heartbreaking... Fry receives a well-deserved standing ovation from a tearful audience, and, as I stepped out of that theatre into the dreary Scottish weather, I was inspired.' (Three Weeks 15/08/11)
'Optimistic and life-affirming... Fry slowly recounts the gripping story of a young suicide survivor's miraculous transformation into the leader of a movement for good around the world, revelling in both the inherent kindness and generosity of the human heart, and the transformational power of language. Celebrating potential is what Fry's heart-warming offering is all about. He enjoys the contradictions between his rough, laddish exterior and the fragile emotions he expertly conveys through his delivery, and the tears he sheds at the play's overwhelming conclusion are real... an exceptionally gifted performer.' (What's On Stage 22/08/11)
See other reviews for BULLY & SMILER
THE BALLAD OF THE UNBEATABLE HEARTS: Suggested Copy
THEATRE TOURS INTERNATIONAL in association with Gilded Balloon productions & Richard Fry presents:
THE BALLAD OF THE UNBEATABLE HEARTS
written & performed by Richard Fry
"...at once confronting, moving, heartbreakingly honest, and poignant; I was laughing one moment and moved to tears the next. Fry is not only a first rate raconteur but a performer of grace and clarity." (Fringe Review)
"Optimistic & Life Affirming!" (What'sonstage)
If you could do something to help young disaffected people stop doing bad
things to others - or to themselves - and it was really easy to do, would you do it? Fry shows us just how easy it can be in this extraordinary 'pay-it-forward' tale. From one young man's near suicide, we witness the birth of an extraordinary movement dedicated to reaching out to the lost and disheartened, the disenchanted and disenfranchised... and involving them... in hope. Fry's tour-de-verse is enaging, witty, incredibly clever and totally believeable. Within minutes, he will have you jumping up and joining up!
THE BALLAD OF THE UNBEATABLE HEARTS: Schools & Educational
- The Storyline: A young man on the brink of suicide from discrimination and bullying meets a good samaritan who persuades him that life is worth living. The young man, in turn, becomes a good samaritan hismself joining this innovative group of advisors called "The Unbeatable Hearts" - dedicated to fighting young suicide and the causes of it and to restoring self-esteem. "The Unbeatable Hearts" becomes a global movement supported transcending borders and politics and becomes supported by governments. Many lives are saved.
- The play tackles the causes of suicide and low self esteem, bullying and sexual orientation without being preachy.
- Accessible through clever use of rhyme and iambic pentameter. Some rhymes work effortlessly while some are more contrived, adding humour to the serious nature of the storyline. The meter keeps young people interested.
- Richard's presentation style is generally un-theatrical and un-pretentious. This naturalism encourages his relationship with his younger audience.
- The uncomplicated story is very authentic and one believes that this is Richard's story. Thus the emotion in the play beomes very affecting.
- Young people identify with the issues in the play and form strong emotional reactions.
- OTHER ISSUES TOUCHED UPON: Gay issues (Richard character happens to be Gay and his suicidal feelings stem from family pressure, bigotry, exclusion and prejudice.)
- RICHARD GIVES TOPICAL DISCUSSIONS/TALKBACKS/WORKSHOPS around the production
- The play is only 1 hour long, so can fit into a standard lesson.
- The play can be presented with minimal lighting and a ghetto-blaster - so can be performed in the classroom.
Richard Fry performs two other verse works - BULLY & SMILER: These are also powerful educational works, the central themes being social exclusion, bullying, bigotry, racism, acceptance of homosexuality, disenfranchisement and disability. Fry's unique style of using ryhming couplets to tell his stories is clever, supremely witty and charming. He disarms his audience within seconds and leads them into his world, woven cleverly into which are deeply important issues. Young people are deeply affected by these monologues, indicating that Fry's messages are getting through. But above all, his works are extraordinary pieces of theatre, cleverly crafted and expertly performed.
THE BALLAD OF THE UNBEATABLE HEARTS: Biographies
RICHARD FRY - writer & performerAfter a lifetime of running dodgy pubs, selling secondhand goods and emptying bins for a living, Richard Fry decided to make an honest career out of writing and acting. Since graduating from Drama Studio London in the summer of 2004, Richard has built up an impressive CV.
Film credits include Take 3 Girls, True Identity, London, Natasha, Private Moments, Three Minute Moments, Quality Indigo and Camp Xray - Ghosts of Guantanamo.
Theatre shows include the highly successful, Bully and Homo Asbo.
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