Jon Culshaw is to play legendary comedian Les Dawson in a new play, which opens in Edinburgh and then goes on tour.
Les Dawson: ‘Flying High’ is a homage, and celebration of the beloved and much-missed comedy Legend, Les Dawson. Jon Culshaw actor, comedian and impersonator delivers a touching, funny and warm-hearted performance in this show that is set to premier at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this August before touring the country.
Les Dawson: Flying High brilliantly channels all the emotions such a rich life would procure, gifting the audience with anecdotes, incidents, and insights into Les’ journey, as he travels on Concorde at twice the speed of sound 68,000 feet above the Earth, in this new play from BAFTA and Olivier Award winning writer Tim Whitnall and director Bob Golding.
With the intent to go beyond and above a basic recount of Dawson’s life, the piece explores contemporary themes such as mortality, identity, love, kindness, spiritual beliefs or even ambition, that paced Les’ life. Whitnall analyses concepts we have all faced or inevitably will, as he magnificently narrates the happy moments, trials, and tribulations of Les’ life. He presents a more philosophical version of the late popular comedian, as he dives into his indisputable literary talent and the origin of such a successful and brilliant life.
Les Dawson: ‘Flying High’s dramatic foundation is an advantage in building up the ambiguous tone and style of this ‘hilarious-yet humbling; heightened yet grounded; poignant yet ultimately uplifting’ tale.
Growing up, Les, the self-declared ‘slum kid’, yearned to be recognized for his writing prowess, and to transform his passion of literature into a full-time profession. Simultaneously, he discovered his ability to make people laugh and carried this ambition into adulthood, reflected in his acclaimed memoirs ‘No Tears for the Clown’. Initially considered a tedious task by Les, this autobiography acted as an abundant pool of information for Tim Whitnall, offering glimpses and lessons to be extracted out of Dawson’s spectacular flight through life.
From ambiance music to inventive lighting and ingenious sound design, the play uses a variety of audio-visual effects, all participating in creating an entertaining, lively, and beautiful atmosphere. It is a must-see show, for all the family.
Jon Culshaw is an award-winning comedian and character actor, often regarded as Britain’s best impressionist. His catalogue includes over 350 characters, ranging from John Bishop to Barack Obama and from Professor Brian Cox to Michael ‘Govey Gove’.
In 2018, Culshaw delivered a unique performance as music icon David Bowie in dramatic play ‘The Final Take: Bowie in the Studio’ (BBC Radio).
In March 2022 Jon played ‘Hughie Green’ in another Tim Whitnall composition, the poignant play with music ‘Lena’. The moving story of Lena Zavaroni’s life and career. In 2021 Jon played the legendary documentary maker Alan Whicker in audio drama ‘The Other side of the World’ with 2 best actor nominations in the New York Festivals and OneVoice awards. In 2020 Jon appeared in Original Theatre’s ‘Barnes’ People’ series, performing the Peter Barnes monologue ‘Billy and Me’.
As a well-recognised entertainer, he has appeared in numerous comedy shows such as Dead Ringers (BBC Radio 4; BBC2) The Impressionable Jon Culshaw and Spitting Image (ITV). Alongside Debra Stephenson, he starred in ‘The Impressions Show (BBC1). Jon regularly joins Big Finish productions for their Dr Who audio adventures, playing the Third Doctor, the Brigadier and The Master.
Edinburgh Listings:
Show: Les Dawson: Flying High
Dates: 3 August 2022 to 28 August 2022 (except 16th)
Time: 4.30pm (60 mins)
Venue: Assembly George Square: Gordon Aikman Theatre
Address: 32 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9LH
Price: £9 (previews) - £17
Tour Listing Information dates:
22.09.22 Lancaster – Grand
23.09.22 Lincoln – Theatre Royal
24.09.22 Salford – Lowry (Quays Theatre)
25.09.22 Newbury – Corn Exchange
30.09.22 Milton Keynes – The Stables
01.10.22 Maidenhead – Norden Farm
02.10.22 Bridgewater – Mcmillian Theatre
08.10.10 Bristol – Redgrave Theatre
09.10.10 West Super Mare – Playhouse
16.10.22 Shrewsbury – Theatre Severn
22.10.22 Bridport – Electric Palace
23.10.22 Swindon – Wyvern Theatre
03.10.22 Southampton – Mayflower Studios
04.11.22 Wimborne – Tivoli Theatre
06.11.22 Bognor Regis – The Regis Theatre
13.11.22 Southend – Palace Theatre
19.11.22 Liverpool – Playhouse
10.12.22 Lytham St Annes – Lowther Pavilion
11.12.22 Lytham St Annes – Lowther Pavilion
For tickets visit www.socomedy.co.uk
Picture: Steve Ullathorne
