BLANCHARD’S Balloon is a punchy comedy following the unusual and fascinating lives of Sophie Blanchard, John Jefferies and most importantly Jean-Pierre Blanchard, who invented the hot air balloon.

Produced by Open Umbrella Theatre, Blanchard’s Balloon is a Skopera – a Skiffle-Opera made of homemade objects playing short punchy songs which tell the story and are packed with humour.

The company was founded in June 2013 by Rachel Harris and James Brigden and Blanchard’s Balloon is their first touring piece, supported by Arts Council England and Hull City Arts Unit.

James said: “We’ve been touring this show intermittently since August and it has always been incredibly fun.

“It’s definitely the audience that make it so exciting. It’s full of silly songs, old musical hall gags, slapstick and bad magic. It is so difficult to rehearse any of those things without an audience.”

Rachel said they were performing two shows at the Milton Rooms, in Malton, on February 20.

“In the afternoon we are performing Blanchard’s Balloon specifically catering for family audiences and in the evening we are performing to an adult audience,” she said.

“That said the adult show isn’t any ruder than a panto. I think any crudeness has gone over children’s heads in the past.”

James added that he had been coming to Malton since he was a baby and had a particular affinity with North Yorkshire.

“I love performing in small places with strong community values, it always makes this show more enjoyable for me as a performer when everyone is experiencing the same feeling,” he said.

• Blanchard’s Balloon is on Friday, February 20, at 2pm and 7.30pm. Tickets are available at the Milton Room’s box office or phone 01653 696240. Tickets are £8 or £3 for concession and £8 for a family ticket.