Biscuit and Coffee
Biscuit and Coffee was developed, as these things often are from a chance conversation over, of course, coffee. Phil and Alex met one afternoon to discuss the possibility of developing a one (wo)man show.
They threw around some ideas, had another coffee, talked some more, had another coffee, talked faster, had another coffee and went back to their respective homes wired to the gills. When they next met they both claimed ownership of an idea involving a central character and a lot of coffee. Since it’s tenuous beginning the original script has been re-written dozens of times, characters have come and gone and so much coffee has been consumed in the development of this production that without the sponsorship of Karajoz we would have been bankrupt before we began.
‘Biscuit and Coffee’ premiered in Tauranga on 7th April 2005 before heading off on a four month long national tour of provisional theatres and cafes. Even after 40 performances around the country we felt we had only hit the tip of the iceberg (and the urge to get back on the road was too strong) so more shows were organised, including performances during the New Zealand Coffee Festival and Awards (a coffee lovers paradise), the Whakatane Arts Festival, BATS Theatre as part of the Wellington Fringe Festival and The Edge in Auckland as part of the STAMP programme. ‘Biscuit & Coffee’ has been performed over 70 times in over 40 venues throughout New Zealand.
‘Biscuit & Coffee’, described by Lynn Freeman of the Capital Times as ‘Addictive Theatre’ is a comic testament to the importance of really good coffee. A tale of mythic proportions, about the quest to find the perfect cup - a brew so powerful that every sip is a life changing experience. The show revolves around, ‘Biscuit’ and her dysfunctional and obsessive, family, friends and colleagues as they search for the perfect coffee, the so-called, elixir of life. The unlikely named ‘Biscuit’ is an accountancy prodigy brought to the brink of ruin in a comedy of epic proportions that weaves coffee conspiracy with fact, fiction and the very fabric of time and space. Ellis tells the madcap tale of potions and prophecies through the eyes of six very different characters while downing endless espressos. The more coffee that goes down the faster and more manic the story and story telling becomes. Meet mad Uncle Dan, disapproving Gran and the increasingly plastic Loretta. Marvel at the supernatural coffee making skills of Jude, and learn from obsessive Mr Kite the secrets of the Brotherhood of the Bean. Audiences and critics have been captivated by the deceptively simple premise and Alex’s performance as she switches personalities at the drop of a coffee bean and effortlessly weaves her way through the increasingly serpentine storyline without missing a beat. The fast pace, sly humour, and lightning quick changes propel the tale to an unexpected and hilarious climax the Dominion Post described as ‘Quite extraordinary’ and is guaranteed to keep you enthralled to the last second.
Anyone who has ever enjoyed great coffee or the company of a mad relative will love Biscuit and her surreal encounters with both.
'5 stars out of 5!' Adelaide Theatre Review
‘Unique, funny and clever’ Greymouth Evening Star
‘light and frothy as a latte…dark and murky as a fresh-brewed Turkish’ Gulf News
‘Top marks to Ormsby and Ellis for a unique and lively comedy’ The Daily Post
‘Biscuit and Coffee is great fun, hilarious and engaging right the way through.’ Taupo Times
‘A humorous and cleverly written script coupled with first-class acting has made Biscuit and Coffee thoroughly entertaining.’ Taupo Weekender
‘tour-de-force’ John Smythe, Theatreview. Wellington
‘an inventive script and delicious performance make Biscuit & Coffee addictive theatre’ Lynn Freeman, Capital Times
‘Biscuit & Coffee is a well performed, upbeat, entertaining work’ Kate Ward-Smythe, Theatreview. Auckland
‘If you get a chance to see the show, grasp it with two hands.’ Virtual Critic. Dunedin