Toby Hadoke

My Stepson Stole My Sonic Screwdriver

Written and performed by Toby Hadoke. Directed by Mark Attwood.

 

Chortle Award nominee Toby Hadoke’s long-awaited sequel to his Sony Gold Award nominated live show as heard on BBC Radio 7, Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf.

Inspired by an obsession with Doctor Who and picking up where Moths Stole My Doctor Who Scarf left off, Chortle Award nominee Toby Hadoke’s highly anticipated second show is compelling, incisive and universal in appeal. Join him as he takes you on a heart-warming journey that begins with losing a partner, ends with gaining a stepson and pays homage to the restorative powers of the Time Lord in between.

Intimate knowledge of the TARDIS is not required to enjoy this bittersweet comedy of parenting through sci-fi evangelism.

Toby Hadoke is the highly regarded compere at XS Malarkey, Manchester’s multi-award winning comedy venue. He has also headlined at many Northern comedy venues and is an accomplished serious actor with experience on television, the stage and even in an opera! Toby’s stand-up is renowned for its topicality and occasionally uncompromising political slant. He is a frequent broadcaster on BBC radio, and live audiences can be entertained by him at XS Malarkey and Manchester’s The Comedy Store on a regular basis. He won the inaugural Les Dawson Award at the 2003 North West Comedy Awards, topping a shortlist that comprised of himself, Peter Kay, Daniel Kitson, Dave Spikey, Ken Dodd, Johnny Vegas, Caroline Aherne, Victoria Wood, Craig Cash and Steve Coogan.

What the papers say…

 

‘While there’s a lot that will resonate big-time with fellow Who worshippers, Hadoke’s superior stand-up skills mean that everyone can enjoy the ride.’
The Guardian (Full preview here)

‘This funny, moving one-show. Hadoke is brilliant’
☆ Exeunt (Read full review here)

‘This show will appeal to children and adults alike and is a must see for Doctor Who fans.’
☆ Festival Journal (Read full review here)

 

‘Like the new generation of Doctor Who, Hadoke’s show has the capacity to wrong-foot you with its emotional kick.’

The Times

‘Utterly hysterical look into the life of someone for whom sci-fi has made the world a better place. Hadoke does an expert job in spreading a bit of the Doctor’s joy to his audience.’

***** British Theatre Guide

‘A must see – well conceived and worryingly accurate.’

***** Edinburgh Evening News

 


Seabright Productions in association with Hungry Moths and Gag Reflex presents

Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf

Written and performed by Toby Hadoke. Directed by Mark Attwood.

Toby HadokeWhat the papers say…

 

‘I was truly surprised at how much this show affected me. I went in expecting something jovial and lighthearted, much of which I probably wouldn’t get – only having found my way to the Whoverse with the premiere of Russell T Davies’ new series. Instead, I found myself profoundly moved by Hadoke’s tale of being a childhood geek obsessed with an imaginary universe which seemed to hold the answers to all life’s problems. This expertly-constructed show begins when Hadoke’s father leaves his family and follows through to Hadoke’s own experience of bonding with his son over the new series of Who. It is a warm, gentle, and utterly hysterical look into the life of someone for whom sci-fi has truly made the world a better place, and Hadoke does an expert job in spreading a bit of the doctor’s positivity and joy to his audience. Along the way, he also gives neophytes a basic primer in the workings of the dedicated Dr Who fan.’
***** British Theatre Guide

‘To Hadoke, Star Wars is all brash spectacle, expensive but soulless, while Doctor Who is an inventive, intelligent, educational show pushing a tolerant, liberal agenda. Oh yes, he sees the subtext, is eloquent about expressing his opinions and especially forthright when it comes to defending his beloved show against his detractors. Just don’t get him started on the notorious reputation for wobbly sets. It’s these passionate emotions that make the show, not Hadoke’s infallible knowledge of every bit-part actor in every episode ever made. He can conjure up indignant rage with the best of them, getting swept away with his arguments of why this cheap British sci-fi is an inspiring analogy for life. Appropriately enough, there’s a lot more inside Hadoke’s show than appears on the outside. It’s not just one 32-year-old man’s fixation on something he really ought to have grown out of. Instead he uses the programme to draw analogies with his own life, from unrequited teenage passion to bonding with his own son his life unfolds with every regeneration of the Doctor. Hadoke’s a charming, self-aware guide with a witty touch. And crucially, this is an object lesson in how to structure a show, using the nerdish obsession to explore the man within, subtly spinning threads of ideas though the show that culminate in a neat, touching pay-off. It makes for one of the most entertaining hours this side of Gallifrey.’
Chortle

‘Toby Hadoke is a self-confessed Timelord anorak. He can name every single actor that ever graced the series, and even knitted his own endless Tom Baker scarf as a teenager. At one point his fanaticism led his mother to worry that he might start drawing very detailed sketches of buildings. Hadoke goes beyond his 30-year obsession to reveal how the escapism of this very British sci-fi helped him through his troubled adolescence in a wittily nostalgic journey.’
The List

Show details

Marketing samples

Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf
Running time Available in two versions:
80 minutes no interval
80 minutes plus interval
Technical requirements Basic theatrical lighting and PA.
Company size 1 on stage
1 on the road
Age guidance 10+
Genre Comedy
Show site mothsate.com

 

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Now I Know My BBC

Written and performed by Toby Hadoke. Directed by Mark Attwood.

 

Toby HadokePremiered at Edinburgh 2010.

The long-awaited second Edinburgh Festival Fringe show from Toby Hadoke, the Dawson Award winning creator of the critically acclaimed, Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf.

A heartfelt love letter to Auntie Beeb, this show will be passionate and stroppy enough to have been on Points of View (during the Wogan years – of course).

Young Toby grew up in the countryside in the middle of nowhere. Sounded Posh, had no money, so was bullied at school for two different reasons. Thus, instead of taking advantages of the delights of the world outside, he immersed himself in the TV – particularly the BBC – and soon became consumed by a fascination for that most taken-for-granted of art forms.

For Toby the BBC became an embodiment of all that was great about Britain: intelligent, smart, with a rich sense of history and the shocking ability to put Jimmy Saville on prime time television. He was therefore, aghast as the BBC was pilloried in the tabloids for bias, shocked as the corporation was forced to become ratings conscious, and amazed that Casualty could do essentially the same episode every week. Now, as the corporation is under threat and scrutiny by those with increasing power and a vested interest to remove this national treasure, Toby sends a passionate love letter to an institution we lose at our peril. And slags off Carol Voderman while he’s at it.

‘The polemical side of the show is driven by passion that’s often entertaining in itself, but with smart observations to back it up. This is pretty damn enjoyable.’ Chortle

‘Toby Hadoke is a lovely man who says lovely things about a fine British institution. He shamelessly defends the BBC, knows his stuff, and he has good taste, packing in a generous helping of giggles.’ Three Weeks

‘There were giggles and comedy gems lodged within this passionate love letter to the BBC. Hadoke is charming and very likable with the ability to invoke emotion and laughter throughout the show.’ The Public Reviews