Mr. Fumblebody

Mr. Fumblebody (1990) is a production by and with Lars Vik, Grenland Friteater. Mr. Fumblebody is a solo show about the helpless ex-lawyer Mr. Fumblebody who is, in his mobile office, prepared to help anyone in need. Admittedly, to begin with his mother is his most frequent caller with her endless admonitions, but eventually he gets quite an amount of things to deal with. Only a very small minority will be surprised at learning he is himself the one needing the most help, when everything comes to an end.

Hence the table is set for a breakneck show in which slapstick acrobatics and bucket ballet are important ingredients.

Information

(Objekt ID 2433)
Object type Production
Premiere January 31, 1987
Produced by Grenland Friteater
Audience Children (from 3 to 10)
Audience size 61155
Number of events 337
Language Norwegian
Keywords Theatre, Physical theatre, Commedia dell’arte, Performance for children, Solo
Running period January 31, 1987  
Website Grenland Friteater
More

Lars Vik often claimed that the character of Mr. Fumblebody was strongly inspired by masters of the silent movies, such as Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin and Jacques Tati.

Centrally in Mr. Fumblebody an interaction between stage and audience stood. What Mr. Fumblebody couldn’t do on his own, he was often able to manage with a little assistance from the younger part of the audience. Throughout ten years of perfecting the character, Lars Vik had worked up a formidable ability to taking children’s cues as part of his performance.

Mr. Fumblebody has played more than 200 performances in Norway. In addition the antihero has visited all the Nordic countries, Germany, Ukraine and USA. The performance was presented for the first time in 1990 and it was adapted for the movies in 1999/2000.

Aside the ordinary solo show, Mr. Fumblebody could do specially adjusted stunts in pedestrian areas and squares. Mr. Fumblebody was also hired as an informal master of ceremonies or physical toastmaster.

Source: Grenland Friteater, grenlandfriteater.com, 18.08.2010, http://www.grenlandfriteater.com/show_details.asp?ID=1015

Contributors (2)
Name Role
Lars Vik – Direction
Lars Vik – Actor
Performance dates
June 4, 2005 15:00 – Lofoten Trålerrederi Show
February 9, 1992Lille scene (Vika), Black Box teater Show
February 8, 1992Lille scene (Vika), Black Box teater Show
February 7, 1992Lille scene (Vika), Black Box teater Show
February 6, 1992Lille scene (Vika), Black Box teater Show
February 5, 1992Lille scene (Vika), Black Box teater Show
February 4, 1992Lille scene (Vika), Black Box teater Show
February 3, 1992Lille scene (Vika), Black Box teater Show
February 2, 1992Lille scene (Vika), Black Box teater Show
February 1, 1992Lille scene (Vika), Black Box teater Show
January 31, 1992Lille scene (Vika), Black Box teater Show
September 4, 1991Lille scene (Vika), Black Box teater Show
September 3, 1991Lille scene (Vika), Black Box teater Show
September 3, 1991Lille scene (Vika), Black Box teater Show
September 2, 1991Lille scene (Vika), Black Box teater Show
February 6, 1990 New opening
January 31, 1987 Worldwide premiere
Festivals (1)