It’s just a matter of weeks until Edinburgh witnesses the largest celebration of theatre in the world. As artists, creatives and theatre lovers prepare to make their way to the theatrical hub, it can become very easy to forget that bringing a performance from page to stage can be a lengthy process. Ideastap Underbelly Award winner Izzy Tennyson is set to perform her latest work, Brute at the Udderbelly Cowgate throughout the festival. Ahead of her Edinburgh run, Izzy speaks to Theatrefullstop about being an award winner, the lack of female roles within theatre and being mentored by the multi talented Penny Woolcock. ‘Brute’ is the winner of the Ideastap Underbelly Award.
It’s safe to say that in 2015, we have moved on technologically, scientifically and socially in a lot of respects. However, with the latter, socially we are still behind in terms of the perception of mental illness. An issue that usually brushed under the carpet, there appears to be an attitude whereby if it can’t be seen then it doesn’t not exist, except, it does. Inspired to create a piece of theatre placing the issue of mental illness at the forefront, award winning performance artist, Bryony Kimmings speaks to Theatrefullstop about her autobiographical production, Fake It ‘Til You Make It!
‘Fake It ‘Til You Make It’ is an award winning show, having won the ‘Best Theatre Award’ at Perth’s Fringe World Festival and Adelaide Fringe Festival? How did it feel to win the awards?
Musical Writer and Director, Edward Greenwood’s adaptation of cult film, The Room for the stage.
We all love a good cult movie- as is proof from the hundreds of midnight screenings for films such as Trolls 2 and Rocky Horror Picture Show over the decades. Taking to the stage are two new adaptations of some of the world’s most loved cult films- Shock Treatment, Richard O’ Brien’s “parallel reality” film based on characters from Rocky Horror, and “the Citizen Kane of bad movies”, The Room by Tommy Wiseau. Theatrefullstop talked to the adapters behind these smash cult successes, Tom Crowley and Edward Greenwood.
A lot of people will recognise The Room The Musical as the “Citizen Kane of bad movies”. What drew you to adapting the film for stage.
Tom Crowley, Shock Treatment writer and adapter
We all love a good cult movie- as is proof from the hundreds of midnight screenings for films such as Trolls 2 and Rocky Horror Picture Show over the decades. Taking to the stage are two new adaptations of some of the world’s most loved cult films- Shock Treatment, Richard O’ Brien’s “parallel reality” film based on characters from Rocky Horror, and “the Citizen Kane of bad movies”, The Room by Tommy Wiseau. Theatrefullstop talked to the adapters behind these smash cult successes, Tom Crowley and Edward Greenwood.
An Alumni of the London Contemporary Dance School, Jonzi D had noticed that there was a niche in the dance market missing. There didn’t appear to be any training provided by dance schools, or many dance opportunities for Hip Hop performers. Fast forward to 2015, and Jonzi D has established the longest running Hip Hop theatrical event within the UK, having founded Breakin’ Convention 11 years ago this year! With Hip Hop artists flocking to be apart of the established event, the UKs dance future appears to be very bright. Ahead of this year’s Breakin’ Convention, which is set to take place on the May Bank Holiday weekend from Saturday 2nd to Sunday 3rd May, Theatrefullstop were able to speak to the Hip Hop theatre pioneer about the importance of events such as Breakin’ Convention, what he looks for in performers and gives advice to aspiring artists.
Written by award winning actress and playwright, Danai Gurira, Eclipsed is a production that amplifies the female voice. Set in Liberia, in 2003 during the Civil War, 5 women find their worlds colliding as they are uprooted from their homes and placed on a rebel army base. As the war wages on, can they all put all of their differences aside? Set to play at the Gate Theatre from Thursday 23rd April, actress Joan Iyiola steps into the role of Bessie. Ahead of the production, Theatrefullstop are lucky enough to speak to Joan about the importance of focusing on the female voice, whether there are any similarities between Bessie and herself and why she was drawn to the production.
Hi Joan, it’s lovely speaking with you again! You’ll be starring in Danai Gurira’s Eclipsed at the Gate Theatre from Thursday 23rd April, how are you feeling ahead of the first show?
Nervous! But excited to move into the theatre and share what we have made.
If you were to walk past the Latchmere Pub in Battersea, you would be mistaken as to think that the venue was devoted to solely serving the very best ales, spirits and wines. However, the venue, also known as Theatre 503, has been at the forefront of showcasing the very best of new writing for over three decades. Having taken on the role of Artistic Director in 2012, Paul Robinson has continued on in true Theatre503 tradition, by championing new writing with the addition of Theatre 503 Playwriting Award. In one of the most theatrically diverse cities in the world, in terms of the small scale fringe shows, West End Shows, Off West End Shows, Outdoor performances… the list goes on, it may be deemed as being financially safe to keep to well known productions to draw the crowds in. Theatrefullstop were lucky enough to speak with Paul about taking risks in a new writing venue, the importance of funding to support Theatre 503s work and talks about the various opportunities available for budding writers!
When watching a theatre performance, film or TV programme, it may be very easy to focus your attention on the lead actors. Award ceremonies always acknowledge the performances of one actor, however, with every great performance, there must be a strong ensemble of actors to help carry the narrative. With auditions and theatre competitions, the focus mainly lays in the performance of monologues, however actors Jesse Ayertey, along with Arlindo Peti, Co-Founders of the East London Shakespeare Company have noticed the need for a competition that takes into account the collaborative nature of theatre, with their acting event, Duologue Slam. Ahead of the event, Theatrefullstop were able to speak to Jesse about organising the event, why Shakespeare plays an imperative part in the event, and where Jesse pictures Duologue Slam in 5 years time.
This will be the first Duologue Slam of 2015, how are you feeling ahead of the event?
Feeling really good about it. It was initially suppose to be a one-off event but it’s great to be here again.
In less than a week, Theatre Land will be flocking to the prestigious Royal Opera House as one of the biggest Awards ceremonies in the industry descends onto both stage and screen. However…do you find that whilst your sat watching these ceremonies, you’re shaking your head at the fact that the award wasn’t won by the rightful nominee, or that certain categories have been omitted? Cue Mark Shenton and Terri paddock…two established theatre critics who have worked for some of the biggest publications in the UK as they start a movement! Intent on showcasing the very best both of on stage and off stage, they are determined to shine a light on the elements of theatre that are otherwise ignored with the very first Also Recognised Awards!
Brendon Burns has credits on The 11 O’ Clock Show, performed across the world, and in 2007 won the prestigious if.comedy award for his show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Now, the Australian comic is touring all across the UK, performing anywhere but comedy clubs in an attempt to live ‘Outside the Box‘. Louise Jones talks to him about podcasts, angering Scousers, and fake edge.
What exactly led you to doing the Outside the Box tour?
I did the Free Fringe this year, and my venue wasn’t quite where it was listed in the Fringe guide, so people had to work to find me. It was just die-hard fans, and in that environment I didn’t have to deal with anyone with folded arms, and anyone going “I f**king hate this guy, and it isn’t for me.”