Ben Haggarty, Bringer of Dreams, in London

By John Freeman on December 6, 2012

Ben Haggarty, writer of the Stone Age graphic Novel, MeZolith (illustrated by concept artist, Adam Brockbank) and sometimes contributor to the Phoenix comic, is performing his storytelling piece: Mr Sandmann: Bringer of Dreams and Nightmares at Rich Mix Theatre, Shoreditch, East London on Saturday 8th December.

This disturbing piece of adult storytelling has nothing to do with Neil Gaiman’s take on the character, (and even less to do with the Rise of the Guardians) and everything to do with the raw folklore and mythology of the Sandman…

‘Renowned for his dynamic and challenging performances, Ben Haggarty slips behind the lights into the dark side of ‘fairground’, where you risk getting more than you bargained for. Via freak-show and moonshine bar, ready yourself for an intense and alarming journey through the ambivalent mythology of the Sandman. Flirting with Americana; drawing on urban legend, fairytale, myth and folklore, and paying oblique homage to Heinrich Von Kleist, ETA Hoffman, Hans Andersen and Nick Cave, Ben Haggarty surrenders his sanity to the magnetic pull of a ravenous moon.’

Mr Sandmann – Bringer of Dreams & Nightmares
Sat 8 December 7.30pm
Rich Mix
35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA.
£9, £7 student + concs (Theatre Upstairs)
Book tickets / Box Office: 020 7613 7498
More info: www.richmix.org.uk/whats-on/event/crick-crack-club-mr-sandmann-bringer-of-dreams-and-nightmares/

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.