About

Victoria Melody: Ugly Chief

In 2013, Mike Melody (celebrity TV antique dealer) was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Victoria was put in charge of planning the funeral her Dad would want - complete with eulogies, a congregation dressed in Blackpool FC’s tangerine colour and a New Orleans jazz procession. A year later the doctors realised they had misdiagnosed Mike.  But they are going ahead with the funeral anyway…

To make this show Victoria trained to be a funeral director. Using those experiences and a huge amount of research Ugly Chief looks at the British Funeral Industry and how we deal with death in modern society. Ugly Chief is a comedy based on true events performed by a real-life father and daughter. It explores the taboos around death and its practicalities, and the fractious relationship with a parent whose opinions you don’t always agree with.

During Ugly Chief there will be an opportunity for you to get your ‘antique’ items valued by Mike Melody.  Please bring any small portable items with you to the show. 

120 mins including interval

Age restriction: 12 +

Credits:

Created by Victoria Melody. Produced by Farnham Maltings.

Commissioned and developed at New Wolsey Theatre, Farnham Maltings, Battersea Arts Centre and Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts.  Supported by The Point Eastleigh, The Spire, The Marlborough, National Performance Network, and Unity Theatre Trust. Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. Originally seeded by house with The Old Market.

General Information

Guests with Mobility Impairments

Guests who use a wheelchair or experience mobility impairments are asked to call the box office on 01273 678822 or email info@attenboroughcentre.com so that we can assist you to find the best seat to suit your requirements.

Pay What You Decide

There are up to 20 Pay What You Decide (PWYD) tickets available to guests on a first-come, first-served basis. Come and see the show without paying anything in advance, and then pay what you think is appropriate at the end of the show. Maximum of four PWYD tickets per person. Please phone the box office on 01273 678822 or email info@attenboroughcentre.com for further information.

Concessions

The Concessions rate is available for students, University of Sussex students, Over 60s, and people in receipt of JSA or DLA/PIP. Proof of eligibility may be required on the door or at the box office (if collecting).

Personal assistance tickets are available for free for customers who would otherwise be unable to attend the venue. Please contact the box office on 01273 678822 or email info@attenboroughcentre.com for further information.

Box Office Opening Times

The box office (phone line and drop-in service) is open from 10am to 4pm, Mondays to Fridays. The box office is also open one hour before the advertised show start time.