All that glitters (Gonna Make you a Star), Nov 2015 from Charlie Murphy on Vimeo.
Miss Murphy’s fabulous troupe of performing ‘Pantomime Ponies’ perform specially choreographed ‘dressage’ routines.
These performances are improvised to respond to and reference a variety of themes, events and locations.
The process of their creation is highly collaborative – and often involves the participation of many different individuals, local communities, artists, dancers… and all those burning to express their ‘inner pony’.
We welcome new members and are always open to opportunities and invitations to explore new forms of costume, choreography and to conquer new musical territories..
ChrisfootageEofElephant_3673 from Charlie Murphy on Vimeo.
‘Elephant’ was commissioned by the V&A’s Museum of Childhood’s ‘Summer Festival’, July 2014.
Improvised in collaboration with Kay Walsh, Francesca Sanchez, Bernadette Maloney, Edward Hobson, Si & Maude Harvey and Jordan McKenzie.
in the summer time rough cut from Charlie Murphy on Vimeo.
‘In the Summer Time’ was developed and performed with Kay Walsh, Francesca Sanchez, Bernadette Maloney, Edward Hobson, Maude Harvey, Laura Malacart and Patrick Seal.
Many thanks to Si Sapsford, Chris McDonald and Steve Smith for their video documentation contributions shown here
‘ Running up that Hill‘ was specially improvised to celebrate Kate Bush’s comeback at Mintfest 2014 ;
A Sunday Kind of Love from Charlie Murphy on Vimeo.
while ‘A Sunday Kind of Love’offered a new romantic dimension to the pony repertoire.
The Mintfest performances were created with Richard Dedominici, Charlie Murphy, Sarah Porthouse, Daneka Etchells, Ivan Frabrega, Cara Kirk, Ella Lovelady and Anna Symes.Many thanks to our camera team Frank Evans and James Davidson and to Jeremy Shine and the Mintfest team for their support and kind hospitality.
Our 2013 season kicked off with
Beware of the Boys ਮੁੰਡਿਆਂ ਤੋਂ ਬੱਚ ਕੇ responded to news events relevant to the local social demographic in Bethnal Green, and was created with: Andrew Downs, Claudia Kappenberg, Andolie Marguerite, Chris Mcdonald, Amy Tupman, Josepha Sanna, Kay Walsh, & pony in reserve Claire Sephton.
Thanks also to Spike McLarrity for his fabulous filming, Flora Robertson for contributing fabrics and materials, The Lovely LUPA team for the invitation, Andy White & his car stereo & Punjabi MC for the inspiration.
All Shook Up was presented for Shoreham Midsummer Festival along with:
Created with performers: Ana Lemond, Chris McDonald, Amy Tupman, Josepha Sanna, Kay Walsh Support team: Claire Sephton, Ana Cebrian, Stephen Kenny (Cameraman).
Many thanks to our hosts: Fiona Macdonald & John Holland and to Louis Jordan & Elvis for our musical inspiration.
Finally closing the 2013 season at Supernormal Festival (2013) we prepared :
The Way I Walk and
– adding new moves and musical genres to the Pony repetoire in collaboration with Performers: Jackie Adkins, Elena Coleman, Andrew Downs, Kate Mahoney, Chris McDonald, Cameraman : Spike, Music operator: Cat Picton-PhillipsMusical inspiration: The Cramps and Scott Joplin. Thanks also to Bernadette Maloney, Gill Ord, Keran James & The Supernormal Arts Team.
‘ Walk the Line’ , Guerilla Dressage performance for LUPA 7
The Deadwood Stage , created for Supernormal Festival 2012, was developed in collaboration with Kay Walsh, Claire Sephton, Alistair Gentry, David Kefford, Ghassin Maasri. Musical inspiration from Doris Day, Howard Keel & Ray: Heindorf and His Orchestra.
Invited by the LUPA team to perform in Bethnal Green, we took inspiration from the markings in the car park and the potential of the garage to become a pony stable. Our performing troupe prepared their debut dressage performance, Walk the Line, for LUPA 7 in March 2012.
Our ground breaking debut troupe were : Kay Walsh, Josepha Sanna, Amy Tupman, Ratan Viswani & Anne Patterson.
Thanks also to Jen & Jon Cable for their invaluable sewing machine & materials support
Pantomime Pony Costume Trial from Charlie Murphy on Vimeo.
We are keen to develop new dressage performances and ponies for both country and urban contexts and are currently pursuing the potential to develop new forms of pantomime pony activities on an international level.
We are especially keen to develop new performances such as :
a Mariachi prance for Mexico’s ‘Day of the Dead’ celebrations
a new disco number for the Over 40’s;
a ‘Blue Grass and Cajun waltz for the Mardi Gras in New Orleans,
new ceremonial Tea Dances for stately homes across the UK and abroad,
and a specially choreographed appearance for London’s Trooping the Colour parade.
We invite you to release your inner pony by joining our travelling troupe!
No previous equestrian experience is necessary, however a good sense of rhythm and ability to follow instructions is required.
Testimonials from participants:
“Yes, Yes, Yes!” Andolie Marguerite, artist and writer
“I never thought that being the back end of a pony would be so exhilarating! From rehearsing the choreography together, then donning the costumes and performing in front of enthralled audiences, it’s always such a fun and rewarding experience” Chris McDonald, Advertising Creative
” Being a pony was a liberating experience – in your pony guise, you’re free to move and act in ways that you normally wouldn’t. The partnership between the front and back of the pony is wonderful for developing trust, communication and social skills. As a teacher, I’d recommend everyone tries being a pony – I know my class would benefit from the sheer fun and playfulness of it!” Amy Tupman, artist and educator
We welcome performance invitations, donations, musical suggestions and commissions….