Bonding

The Myth, Legend and Legacy of Bond

Written and performed by Cyril Blake

Directed by Matthew Parker

Cyril Blake’s sell-out hit from the Edinburgh Fringe explores the myth, legend and legacy of Bond – and what it all means to guys trying to find their way through life and love. Stephen has always wanted to be James Bond. He’s got a tux, a fancy watch and he shakes everything he drinks. But is this a good idea? Bond is a misogynist dinosaur, right?

Journey through 60 years of Bond and 30 years of Stephen as we find out if he can fulfil his father’s idea of masculinity without becoming toxic.

Directed by nine-time nominee and two-time OFFIE winner, Matthew Parker and stars Cyril Blake as Stephen.

★★★★★ “Blake’s brilliance shines, seamlessly blending the lines between performer and character.”  The Nerd Party

★★★★ “Explores the James Bond films, and life from being grandson of a coalminer to sharing Bond films with his father.” Fringe Fan

★★★★★ “Hilarious and moving. Exceptional!” Calvin Dyson, James Bond Expert

Biographies

Cyril Blake is a regular on the Fringe theatre circuit and has recently starred in the London premiere of Going for Gold. (Park). Having been raised in a rural mining village in Yorkshire, he thrives on telling the stories of the working class and under represented people and their struggle against adversity. He has also appeared in the BAFTA winning short film ‘Black Cop’ and the audio drama series Persons of Interest, exploring the lives of black and queer artists (Vanitas Arts).

Matthew Parker: Director

Matthew is an award-winning freelance theatre director and former Artistic Director of The Hope Theatre. He trained on the Postgraduate Directing Course at Drama Studio London. Recent directing work includes Papatango award winner Trestle (Jack Studio Theatre), I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical (Wilton’s Music Hall, Kings Head Theatre & UK Tour), Thrill Me: The Leopold & Loeb Story (Jermyn Street Theatre), Vinegar Tom (OVO Theatre), The Comedy of Errors and Henry V (Roman, St Albans) and Brainville At Night (UK Tour). Whilst at The Hope Theatre he directed 10 in-house productions to critical acclaim and won the Best Artistic Director OFFIE Award in 2016; the same year The Hope was shortlisted as Fringe Theatre of the Year at The Stage Awards. Matthew has received 9 Best Director OFFIE Award nominations for his work since 2015 and he recently won Best Director of a Musical at the 2023 OFFIE Awards for his direction of Thrill Me. He is represented by Savages Personal Management. More information on his work can be found at matthewparker.net.