The Natural Theatre Company is exporting its whacky brand of British humour to Russia this week.
A team from the Widcombe group will be appearing in Moscow today at an event billed The Queen's Birthday.
It takes place in the garden of British ambassador Tim Barrow's residence and is the latest contract for the theatre company on foreign soil.
Embassies all over the world celebrate every year with a very British garden party, around the time of the monarch's official birthday.
The residence is the former Kharitonenko Mansion, a magnificently restored 19th- century edifice with views over the Moscow River to the Kremlin.
Four local actors are travelling to Russia: Alastair Goolden, Saffron Bradford, Neil Fowler and Ginny Gooding.
They will be adding to the fete-like atmosphere by appearing as the company's trademark Flowerpot People. Also on show from the Natural repertoire will be the Bowler-hatted Businessmen, who were a hit at the Shanghai Expo event in China, and the High Street Bowling characters.
These were first tried out on the streets of Bath and consist of a team of white-clad characters in the style of a Beryl Cook painting, going through all the motions of a game of bowls – but with an invisible ball.
The trip has been organised by the British Council, which flies the flag for British culture abroad.
Naturals artistic director Ralph Oswick said: "The Naturals are proud to have once again been selected as exporters of the best of British humour."
The company has performed in Russia before, at the White Nights Festival arts extravaganza and at the topping-out ceremonies of several of Moscow's new skyscraper office and residential developments. They will be returning to Russia for the Winter Olympics next year.
Ralph Oswick, The Guide
