Head to head: Robert Dennis and John Peter Sloan have a Business English conversation at Zelig
To mark the launch last month of Instant English 2, the enormously successful follow-up to John Peter Sloan’s first bestselling English language book, he invited some old friends to appear on stage with him at Zelig Cabaret. Among them was a “new” face: Robert Dennis, the founder of the Milan Business English Network.
“This is the first time I have done any acting since university,” said Robert, who appeared in a Business English sketch with John. “I played a business analyst who tries to explain what’s happening to the Italian economy in these troubled times. John attempts to translate for the audience, but soon he’s completely lost in all the financial jargon. Finally, I walk off, leaving him trying to convince the audience that everything’s OK.”
Many members of the cast have appeared with John at Zelig in previous shows, as well as in the Speak Now! series of DVDs and books published by La Repubblica and L’Espresso. The show also included Derek Allen and Herbert Pacton performing a sketch in which Shakespeare and Dante try to beat each other at Scrabble (Scarabeo). John also delighted the audience with some of his new stand-up comedy material in English.
At the end of the show, which also featured JPS regulars Corinna Grandi, Louise Kissane, Carol Visconti and Marta Zoboli, John signed books and chatted with fans. Actors Daniela Di Muro, Michael Stone and Leah Dawson also appeared in sketches which looked at the battle of the sexes from both a British as well as an American point of view. Italian comic Francesco Friggione very bravely did his act in English, as did Corinna and Carol, which both surprised and delighted the audience. Behind the scenes, Angela Auriemma did excellent work looking after costumes, props and providing much-appreciated support.
John Peter Sloan and the Instant English 2 cast at the Zelig show say "thank you" to a great audience
Robert Dennis, who is currently working with John Peter Sloan on several English-related projects, told Network Milan: “I had a great time at Zelig, but to tell the truth, appearing on the stage in front of hundreds of people was about the most terrifying thing I’ve done since coming to Italy! John helped me a lot. And although he makes it look easy, believe me – until you’ve been out on that stage you don’t really appreciate what it takes to be a successful performer.”
You can see more photos from the evening on John and Robert’s walls on Facebook, as well as via the Milan Business English Network Facebook page.
Click here to visit John’s website. And you can get all the latest Instant English news here.
