Treading a fine line

'Monty Python don't own absurdism,' says David Woods, co-founder of Ridiculusmus in response to comparisons with the 'wacky' humour of Palin and co. They prove more flattered by comparisons to Samuel Beckett, though Woods cites Charlie Chaplin and The Goon Show as his real influences. 'We've always been anti-funny,' he explains. 'We want people to laugh and if they do, that's great, but we don't tell them to laugh.'

Woods and Jon Hough formed Ridiculusmus nine years ago and while humour is central to their plays, they are never simply a comedy duo. They tread a fine line between being funny and deadly serious, and even with overblown characters, they play it straight. As Woods puts it: 'It's reality with the volume turned up.'

They use cheap props and no sets or costumes, mostly, it must be said, because they have virtually no budget, but these stripped down production values suit their approach. Key to their work is interaction with the audience, which they see as crucial to creating a rewarding experience, not simply a passive entertainment. 'We have a growing trust,' Woods explains. 'When people realise that it 's not about humiliation, interaction builds.' Their play Say Nothing is an attack on how people avoid difficult topics, specifically the Northern Ireland peace talks. The two actors portray various Irish characters but never move beyond a suitcase filled with turf and certainly never mention the Troubles. An ironic hug sums up their scepticism about the Good Friday agreement.

As Brits living in Northern Ireland, they are aware of the subtexts found in idle chat: 'If you push,' says Woods, 'people come out sectarian.' And it is exactly this kind of tension from which they draw their humour.

Say Nothing is being performed as part of a massive undertaking --for four weeks, Ridiculusmus will perform all 15 of their plays (which include some works in progress) in some 13 venues around London.

Many are onetime-only events: Paranoid Household is performed i n Jon Hough's front room; Dive will see Woods dive into the Thames after explaining his motives; Hough will read from an unpublished novel; their AGM will be open to the public for the first and last time. And for those still eager to find out more, ARSEFLOP Illustrated will be a one-off theatrical explanation of their body of work.

This effort is a celebration of the fact people are coming around to them. An early review in Time Out slated their experimentalism but the 1999 Edinburgh Fringe was a turning point that saw them garner critical acclaim. They have since won four major awards, including the Time Out Live Award 2001. With plans for radio and TV shows, their audience could be about to expand, but they remain committed to direct contact with audiences through theatre. Summing up their objective, Woods says: 'I hope that by showing people the ruts they're in, they can do something positive about it.'

Say Nothing, next Tue until June 17, Riverside Studios, Crisp Road W6, Tue to Sat 7.30pm, Sun 6pm, £12, £8 concs.
Tel: 020 8237 1111
www.riversidestudios.co.uk
Tube: Hammersmith

Say Nothing: Ridiculusmus