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Verbal Diary follows the life of Gordon (Tom Johnson), a hapless loser who decides to take charge of his life after his old one falls apart, by adapting to two New Year's resolutions; 1) to keep a diary and 2) get the girl. Which happens to be his new medical student flatmate, Cheryl.
But Cheryl (Georgie Harriet-King), along with the other two residents, Phil (Alex J Carter) and Tristram (James Little), have other ideas. Unbeknownst to Gordon, his new flatmates start to read his diary and anticipate his every move. Gordon must navigate his new world, of chasing Cheryl, trying to impress his unhinged boss Eric (Carter) and building a friendship with Phil and Tristram. All while trying to make a name for himself as a photojournalist.
This is a tale of the underdog. Struggling to find his way through friendship, loneliness, love and the realisation that not everything has happy endings in the way he envisaged, in this absurd and warm hearted comedy. With live musicians showcasing an excellent array of Otway's back catalogue and specially written tracks just for this production.
Meet The Cast
Tom Johnson
Gordon
Tom Johnson is a Southend based actor-comedian, known on the alternative comedy circuit for his frenetic and surrealist performances. He supported John Otway at the Estuary Fringe Festival 2023, and the two have worked together since. Johnson begun a monthly cabaret night called The Human Menagerie in his home town, showcasing the stranger side of standup. Along with his comedy show, Tom Johnson’s Palladium Apex, in various rooms above pubs that don’t mind the smell.
Theatre credits include Orion in Little Shop of Horrors, Fagin in Oliver! (Palace Theatre), Gordon in Verbal Diary.
A few words from Tom: “I usually play proper bastards and cowards as a tool to expel my innermost anxieties; generally allowing myself to be as horrid as humanly possible with my character. But with Verbal Diary, being approachable and pleasant is rather a challenge.“
Georgie Harriet-King
Cheryl
Georgie is a professional actress and singer with a broad range of credits both in screen and stage. She has worked in many independent films including “The Art of Abuse”, “When the Sun Stands Still” and “The Domestication of Vampires in Essex”. She has just wrapped on a new comedy TV series as a new series regular titled “Sunday League” and is currently filming a new horror/comedy titled “Rapunzel’s Revenge”.
Alex J Carter
Phil/Eric
Alex is currently studying at East 15 Acting School on the Acting and Physical Theatre course. Verbal Diary is Alex’s first professional adult theatre credit and he is very excited to be performing in it after the successful run at Edinburgh.
Carter has recently completed his first year of training at East 15 in Physical Theatre and can’t wait for the next two years. Alex’s professional credits include: Richie - 13 the musical - BTA (2017), Fagin’s gang - Oliver Jr Workshop - BTA (2017). As well as numerous amateur productions.
James Day
Tristram
James Little is a performer and facilitator who has been working in the industry in various forms since graduating from East 15 in 2016. As well as acting he has also been a professional storyteller and improvisor, he has worked with companies such as Unpuzzled and N-Act and done touring Panto work and lived and performer on a train. He also takes part in the annual 24 hour+ Improvathons around England.