Phelim McDermott
@openspacer.bsky.social
I improvise. I open space, I facilitate. I make unforgettable theatre, amongst others. Director My Neighbour Totoro.
Artistic Director @ www.improbable.co.uk
www.devotedanddisgruntled.com
Artistic Director @ www.improbable.co.uk
www.devotedanddisgruntled.com
Reposted by Phelim McDermott
A friend who teaches theology shared with me a post about CS Lewis's Mere Christianity, which discusses foundational Christian logic across denominations. It reminded me of Dale's tweet below, and I wanted to share some thoughts here regarding modesty and respectability, which are often hot topics.
November 23, 2025 at 7:35 PM
A friend who teaches theology shared with me a post about CS Lewis's Mere Christianity, which discusses foundational Christian logic across denominations. It reminded me of Dale's tweet below, and I wanted to share some thoughts here regarding modesty and respectability, which are often hot topics.
Reposted by Phelim McDermott
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
Reposted by Phelim McDermott
Tell me you’ve used AI to tweak an archive photo without telling me you’ve used AI to tweak an archive photo. Breeds musnuey, indeed.
November 25, 2025 at 8:45 AM
Tell me you’ve used AI to tweak an archive photo without telling me you’ve used AI to tweak an archive photo. Breeds musnuey, indeed.
Reposted by Phelim McDermott
I found that series absolutely fascinating. So strange.
🚨 NEW on Shelfdust today! 🚨
Moving at the Speed of Concrete: “The Transatlantic Swim”, by @tomshaps.bsky.social: shelfdust.com/2025/11/19/m...
Moving at the Speed of Concrete: “The Transatlantic Swim”, by @tomshaps.bsky.social: shelfdust.com/2025/11/19/m...
Moving at the Speed of Concrete: “The Transatlantic Swim”
By Tom Shapira Orson Welles’ 1958 film, Touch of Evil, opens with a single continuous shot that shows a bomb being planted in a car. A slow drive follows as the car crosses the border from Mexico t…
shelfdust.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:11 AM
I found that series absolutely fascinating. So strange.
Reposted by Phelim McDermott
VERY funny that Labour are being pointlessly cruel and haemorrhaging support from their base and yet none of what they're offering is ever going to be enough for the people whose approval they're seeking, WHO could have predicted it
November 20, 2025 at 3:20 PM
VERY funny that Labour are being pointlessly cruel and haemorrhaging support from their base and yet none of what they're offering is ever going to be enough for the people whose approval they're seeking, WHO could have predicted it
Reposted by Phelim McDermott
One of my favourite movies genres is 'absolutely pissing it down.'
November 15, 2025 at 9:49 PM
One of my favourite movies genres is 'absolutely pissing it down.'
Reposted by Phelim McDermott
Reposted by Phelim McDermott
Introducing Improbable Moves! A playful, accessible movement class, open to all ages- from seven to seventy and beyond – and suitable for all levels of experience, from the nervous and new, to the seasoned and confident dancer.
November 4, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Introducing Improbable Moves! A playful, accessible movement class, open to all ages- from seven to seventy and beyond – and suitable for all levels of experience, from the nervous and new, to the seasoned and confident dancer.
Some big news… because she is great!
🎭 Big Improbable news: Matilda Leyser is now Co-Artistic Director!
After years as Associate Director, performer, writer & Open Space champion — she joins Phelim & Lee in leading the company.
“It may still be weird, or wild, but it won’t be lonely.”
Read her beautiful reflection 👉 buff.ly/2kzlE9X
After years as Associate Director, performer, writer & Open Space champion — she joins Phelim & Lee in leading the company.
“It may still be weird, or wild, but it won’t be lonely.”
Read her beautiful reflection 👉 buff.ly/2kzlE9X
November 13, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Some big news… because she is great!
Reposted by Phelim McDermott
Boris Johnson says the idea that criticism of the BBC is being organised by the right is ‘complete and utter bollocks’, which makes me think there might be something in it.
November 11, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Boris Johnson says the idea that criticism of the BBC is being organised by the right is ‘complete and utter bollocks’, which makes me think there might be something in it.
This
Personal note: London has been home for a very, very long time, but as of today, I am also officially a Brit - that is to say, a British citizen. I feel relieved and I feel grateful - but not, perhaps, in the forelock-tugging way GB News/Starmer expect a new immigrant to be.
November 12, 2025 at 8:39 AM
This
Reposted by Phelim McDermott
The Dangerous Ones (@thedangerousones)
I wish every American would watch this video.
substack.com
November 9, 2025 at 7:26 AM
Reposted by Phelim McDermott
My Neighbour Totoro stage show Extends its West End Run until August 2026
animeblurayuk.wordpress.com/2025/11/05/m...
animeblurayuk.wordpress.com/2025/11/05/m...
My Neighbour Totoro stage show Extends its West End Run until August 2026
This news can be considered old (as it was announced last month) but it is definitely worth knowing, as the My Neighbour Totoro stage show continues to receive success at the London West End as org…
animeblurayuk.wordpress.com
November 5, 2025 at 12:30 PM
My Neighbour Totoro stage show Extends its West End Run until August 2026
animeblurayuk.wordpress.com/2025/11/05/m...
animeblurayuk.wordpress.com/2025/11/05/m...
Reposted by Phelim McDermott
famous artwork but with a twist: thread
November 6, 2025 at 10:25 PM
famous artwork but with a twist: thread
Reposted by Phelim McDermott
Absolutely delightful time watching the live stage performance of my neighbour Totoro. Puppetry unlike anything I've ever seen (both Totoro's in these shots are fully puppeteered characters in the show and you can see their size in comparison to the actors beside them)
November 7, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Absolutely delightful time watching the live stage performance of my neighbour Totoro. Puppetry unlike anything I've ever seen (both Totoro's in these shots are fully puppeteered characters in the show and you can see their size in comparison to the actors beside them)
Reposted by Phelim McDermott
Devastating— “I’m afraid for my parents to leave the house. They treat us like dogs because of the color of our skin. I shouldn’t be scared, I should be focusing on school.”
A 16yo American living in fear of the Trump regime’s ICE goons terrorizing brown people pleads for help.
A 16yo American living in fear of the Trump regime’s ICE goons terrorizing brown people pleads for help.
November 6, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Devastating— “I’m afraid for my parents to leave the house. They treat us like dogs because of the color of our skin. I shouldn’t be scared, I should be focusing on school.”
A 16yo American living in fear of the Trump regime’s ICE goons terrorizing brown people pleads for help.
A 16yo American living in fear of the Trump regime’s ICE goons terrorizing brown people pleads for help.
Wake up and smell the onions and mustard.
November 4, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Wake up and smell the onions and mustard.
Reposted by Phelim McDermott
#MorningVibe
Your vote is your voice — your power to shape the future, protect rights, & demand accountability. Every ballot is a stand for justice, progress, & hope. Don’t sit out — show up, speak up, & vote blue like the future depends on it. Because it does.
Your vote is your voice — your power to shape the future, protect rights, & demand accountability. Every ballot is a stand for justice, progress, & hope. Don’t sit out — show up, speak up, & vote blue like the future depends on it. Because it does.
November 4, 2025 at 1:11 PM
#MorningVibe
Your vote is your voice — your power to shape the future, protect rights, & demand accountability. Every ballot is a stand for justice, progress, & hope. Don’t sit out — show up, speak up, & vote blue like the future depends on it. Because it does.
Your vote is your voice — your power to shape the future, protect rights, & demand accountability. Every ballot is a stand for justice, progress, & hope. Don’t sit out — show up, speak up, & vote blue like the future depends on it. Because it does.
Reposted by Phelim McDermott
November 2, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Reposted by Phelim McDermott
Does this mean there will be a 30th @improbable1.bsky.social birthday event next year? @openspacer.bsky.social @leesimpson.bsky.social 😊🎉
October 29, 2025 at 11:06 PM
Does this mean there will be a 30th @improbable1.bsky.social birthday event next year? @openspacer.bsky.social @leesimpson.bsky.social 😊🎉
Reposted by Phelim McDermott
There is no more magical show on in London this Christmas than My Neighbour Totoro.
Planning a Christmas theatre treat? The hosts of your local pantomime will, of course, welcome you: but if you’re after something big, how about My Neighbour Totoro, at London’s Gillian Lynne Theatre?
https://downthetubes.net/time-to-book-a-christmas-treat-my-neighbor-totoro-awaits/
https://downthetubes.net/time-to-book-a-christmas-treat-my-neighbor-totoro-awaits/
October 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
There is no more magical show on in London this Christmas than My Neighbour Totoro.
Reposted by Phelim McDermott
The Producers at the Garrick is no longer my Top Rated (by the critics) Limited Run West End Show. Its run has been extended to 19 Sept 26, so it’s moved to my list of Long Running Shows, where it’s again the best rated production, alongside Cabaret & My Neighbour Totoro
theatre.reviews
theatre.reviews
Theatre review roundups of Plays and Musicals on stage in London
Review roundups of the latest London stage shows plus Best Value West End Shows & Critics’ Average Ratings. And theatre reviews by Paul Seven
theatre.reviews
October 20, 2025 at 11:32 AM
The Producers at the Garrick is no longer my Top Rated (by the critics) Limited Run West End Show. Its run has been extended to 19 Sept 26, so it’s moved to my list of Long Running Shows, where it’s again the best rated production, alongside Cabaret & My Neighbour Totoro
theatre.reviews
theatre.reviews