Rum, and Frankenstein (On a Budget) – Two Dynamic Touring Productions visit the Ustinov Studio next week

Winner of the Broadway Baby Bobby Award, Rum, is a darkly humorous and powerful new play that wrestles with masculinity, mental health and addiction in the building trade. Visiting the Ustinov Studio on Tuesday 10th June as part of a 10-venue UK tour, the performance is written and performed by Joe Mallalieu, who was inspired by his own experience working in the trade. His debut solo-show explores society’s expectation of men and how it impacts their mental health.

Meet Danny, plastering since he was a kid, he’s not scared of anything, he's RUM. Danny’s been up all night and now he’s rushing to finish a job before he has to give the speech of his life.

“Mallalieu's storytelling is captivating and impassioned.” ★★★★★ Broadway Baby

Image - Joe Mallalieu starring in RUM Credit, Grant Archer

Rum explores what happens when you lack the language or tools to speak about your emotions, interrogating how poor mental health, the celebration of violence and stigma around vulnerability often go hand-in-hand.

Writer and Performer Joe Mallalieu said: “In its simplest form, I’d say it’s a play from the Northwest, to the working class, about the men of the working class. The play takes an honest look at men from the building trade; it’s a fly on the wall to how men survive in the industry. I’m ecstatic about the tour! I think it’s a unique piece of work, and I’m proud of it, you know.”

Joe Mallalieu is a writer and performer from Stockport. His Television credits include Coronation Street, Endeavour, Hollyoaks and I Hate You. His stage credits include Band of Gold (UK tour) and Canned Goods (Southwark Playhouse).

Emmerson and Ward Productions are proudly partnered with ANDYSMANCLUB, a men’s suicide prevention charity who offer free to attend peer-to-peer support groups for men aged over 18 across the UK and online.

Described by comedian, Dara Ó Briain as “a small gem”, also appearing at the Ustinov Studio in the coming week is one-man, musical-comedy, Frankenstein (On a Budget). Presented by Lamphouse Theatre and performed by Tom Fox, this hammer horror homage - you didn’t know you needed - tours from Bath on Thursday 12th to Saturday 14th June.

One man, one monster, one glorious dream to singlehandedly tell the most famous cult horror story of all time, and absolutely no budget whatsoever. What could possibly go wrong?

“So funny! So clever! So good!” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Musical Talk

Image - Tom Fox in Frankenstein (On a Budget), Thomas Byron Photography

This fan-favourite version of Frankenstein features just one actor and parodies the original Boris Karloff films and the epic Rocky Horror Show while paying homage to Mary Shelley’s original story. With a full soundtrack of new music, some decidedly dodgy backdrops, lots of weather-based puns, plenty of incredible cardboard props and more hats than you can throw a stick at, this take on the most famous cult horror story of all time promises to provide a side-splitting night out.

Producer Becky Owen-Fisher said, “Created by the same team that made War of the Worlds (On a Budget) in 2022. We’re back with a bang! Expect electrifyingly bad effects, cardboard chaos and a terrifyingly tenuous link to the Hammer horror films of the 30s. With a monstrously good soundtrack, a mountainous backdrop and one man trying to play all the parts, it’s a must see!”

Recommended for audiences aged 14 and over, Frankenstein (On a Budget) is the perfect show for comedy and music lovers, theatregoers who are looking for a great night out and fans of Boris Karloff’s square-headed monster. Tom Fox plays Dr Frankenstein, the Monster and every other character in between, with music by Rebecca Applin, direction by Mercè Ribot and musical direction by Sam Sommerfeld.

Lamphouse Theatre specialise in improvisation and live music performances, presenting productions which incorporate music and comedy in exciting and unexpected ways.

Tickets for all performances at the Ustinov Studio are on sale at the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 and online at theatreroyal.org.uk/ustinov

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Listings Information:

Emmerson and Ward Productions presents

Rum

Written and Performed by Joe Mallalieu, Directed by Tess Seddon

Venue: Ustinov Studio at the Theatre Royal Bath, Sawclose, Bath, BA1 1ET

Dates: Tuesday 10th June 2025

Performances: 7.30pm

Tickets: £18 / £10 discounts (A booking fee of £3 per ticket applies)

Box Office: 01225 448844, theatreroyal.org.uk/ustinov

Lamphouse Theatre presents

Frankenstein (On a Budget)

Devised by Becky Owen-Fisher & The Company, Performed by Tom Fox, Directed by Mercè Ribot, Music by Rebecca Applin

Venue: Ustinov Studio at the Theatre Royal Bath, Sawclose, Bath, BA1 1ET

Dates: Thursday 12th to Saturday 14th June 2025

Performances: 7.30pm

Tickets: £18 / £10 discounts (A booking fee of £3 per ticket applies)

Box Office: 01225 448844, theatreroyal.org.uk/ustinov

Notes To Editor;

Further information about Ru,:

Content warning: 16+ (includes themes of suicide, drug use and profanity)

Definition of Ru,: An insult and a compliment. Having no care for the consequences of an action. Acting larger than life.

This production is partnered by AndysManCLub.

ANDYSMANCLUB run peer-to-peer support groups for men over the age of 18 going through storms in their lives. Groups are free to attend, with no registration required, and meet every Monday at 7pm (excluding bank holidays). The group was founded in Halifax in 2016 and are now available in hundreds of locations nationwide, stretching from Plymouth to Aberdeen.

To find out more, email info@andysmanclub.co.uk or visit: andysmanclub.co.uk

Social Media:

Rum:

Facebook / Instagram / X: @RUMJoeMallaieu

#RUMJoeMallalieu

Frankenstein (On a Budget):

Instagram: @lamphousetheatre

Twitter @lamphousetheatr

Facebook: Lamphouse Theatre