Hackney Empire

Naked Splendour

3 July 2009

Venue: HE Studio

Price(s): £12.50. Concs £2 off. Friends, £3 off. CAN £2.50 off

A funny, poignant one man show, written and starring actor and comedian Philip Herbert.

Ever wondered how it feels to be totally naked in a room full of strangers? A room full of strangers intently studying every inch of you?

Philip Herbert has been a life class and portrait model for over 30 years. He has worked from Hampstead to Hackney, Barnet to Brixton and at most London Art Schools, The Tate Modern, The Prince's Drawing School and art classes for teenagers to 'old dears'.

THIS PERFORMANCE CONTAINS MALE NUDITY.

He has stories to tell;  the highs and lows, occasional prose,  the cold rooms , difficult tutors, stroppy students and the one  time he fell asleep and the entire group went off for lunch and left him (snoring but still posing without moving a muscle)!

"He is just a bag of guts" said one tutor, "there's so much flesh - it's amazing" pronounced an over-excited student, "I was hoping for a female model" ranted a sad old man.

It is unusual for the life model to speak unless spoken to during class but on this occasion the model speaks.

You will have the opportunity to draw, sketch, paint or just watch. Drawing boards, paper, pencils and charcoal will be provided upon request and Philip will be offering short poses to begin with, moving onto a couple of longer poses towards the end of the show.

There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and exhibit the work as part of this on-going project.