"Happiness is like being surprised. It just happens to you."
Debuted at the Wandsworth Fringe festival in May 2016, as a part of the Fragility Takeover, The Pursuit of Unhappiness is an exploration into what it means to be unhappy. Developed in collaboration with The Petting Zoo indie pop choir, the audience is invited to join in the Cat's Back pub quiz that's all about happiness. Through out the half-hour quiz The Petting Zoo, who are tucked away in the corner, sing a cappella anthems that lead Cheryl, the affable quiz master, to hand the mic over to three pub goers, Dennis, Michael and Sarah. Dennis the finance manager stood up by his mates, Michael the retired writer "who's a part of the furniture" and Sarah, single mum and A & E nurse, have all found themselves in the Cat's Back tonight. We're here too, with our frothy grain, fermented berry and fiery water, we're here sharing a quiet drink, but maybe we share much, much more with these unhappy strangers.
Audience responses:
"It left me feeling sad. But in a good way."
"It's reflective. Which always makes you sad a little bit, but then also happy."
Debuted at the Wandsworth Fringe festival in May 2016, as a part of the Fragility Takeover, The Pursuit of Unhappiness is an exploration into what it means to be unhappy. Developed in collaboration with The Petting Zoo indie pop choir, the audience is invited to join in the Cat's Back pub quiz that's all about happiness. Through out the half-hour quiz The Petting Zoo, who are tucked away in the corner, sing a cappella anthems that lead Cheryl, the affable quiz master, to hand the mic over to three pub goers, Dennis, Michael and Sarah. Dennis the finance manager stood up by his mates, Michael the retired writer "who's a part of the furniture" and Sarah, single mum and A & E nurse, have all found themselves in the Cat's Back tonight. We're here too, with our frothy grain, fermented berry and fiery water, we're here sharing a quiet drink, but maybe we share much, much more with these unhappy strangers.
Audience responses:
"It left me feeling sad. But in a good way."
"It's reflective. Which always makes you sad a little bit, but then also happy."