The Patterer

Five O'clock News for 18th Century News Junkies

A fun, satirical comedy in 18th-century London where protagonist Leeds Merriweather invents “live at 5” style newscasting for news-starved Brits. A chance meeting with American luminary Benjamin Franklin prods Merriweather to evolve his simple news pattering to an elaborate news performance every night to paying customers at his favorite pub. Brill tells his tale with comedic skill, tossing in modern-day pop culture references from classic TV shows like Gilligan's Island to classic rock songs. “A three-hour tour?” a woman asked, wide-eyed. Indeed. “A three-hour tour.” Highly recommended!