Preview: Halloween Double Bill
By Louise Hemfrey
Monday 19th October 2009
Monday 19th October 2009
Halloween. A celebration that often falls by the wayside in Britain once youths hit the age of eighteen (fourteen) and discover there’s another kind of demon, and he’s drinkable too. However for the student world that is St Andrews, the 31st of October is actually the perfect lull in the academic year to produce a really good show and this year Mermaids has two; a collaboration between Louise Sands and Brian Sonia-Wallace to presents the Bubble with two ridiculously hysterical, mysterious horror-farces set to captivate audiences of all sensibilities.
Opening Night of the Living Dead is a brand new production. Written, directed and first performed by the East Fifteen Acting School, the show summered in Edinburgh and was a highlight of the Fringe festival. It was there that Louise Sands between hectic fringe performances of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe had to be “dragged” to the 11.30pm showing of the horror comedy. In spite of this she was blown away by its beauty, timelessness and ingenuity, and was determined that this was a show of such scope and enjoyment for both cast and audience alike, that she would have to bring it to St Andrews. The story follows a failing amateur dramatics company as they attempt a production of “Romeo and Juliet” but the (not so) star crossed lovers are set upon by zombies at their opening performance. Never the less “the show must go on” and cast and crew struggle between stage and tech box in the midst of zombie madness. Together with a sub-plot of self obsessed actors and heartsick tech boys Louise wants a battle between the living and the undead; blood, gore and fisticuffs with a little Shakespeare to boot. Her small and predominantly unknown cast have been given a short but intense rehearsal period which is proving to be to their advantage. Most of all Louise desires her cast to have as much “light hearted fun” as possible with their characters. She has on her right hand the producing genius of Faith Trend and a devoted team for backstage management however she is still in need of a costumes mistress, she tells me, and if anyone is interested by all means get in touch.
If you know Brian Sonia-Wallace then you will be aware of his affinity with the diverse, unique and shadowed side of theatre, so it is no surprise that his latest project Werewolves versus Bureaucrats was inspired by a dream. “The title came first” says Brian, and from that he has devised, along with the composing talents of Rob Glenny, an improvised-horror-farce-musical extraordinaire. The pen-pushing, briefcase hugging bureaucrats draw great parallels with British culture – our love of queuing, meetings, paperwork, and all without really getting anything done. They also represent an old order, something that is past its time while the werewolves; young, lively, and full of energy – newborn into this world – are attempting a revolutionary fresh start. Deeper ideas aside Brain describes it as something of a “Cluedo mystery” wanting both suspense and comedy illustrated in the unique plot line, reminding me that musicals are intrinsically absurd and therefore what is most important for his actors is to have fun. Brian has taken some tips from St Andrews own improv group, Blind Mirth, to expand the improvised dimension of the show, allowing the creativity and character of his actors to fill the stage and captivate the audience. The music, which has been created for this show alone, while primarily for the purposes of entertainment will also, I think, give the show a defined pace, allowing tangents to be witty but not drawn out. Their short rehearsal time keeps the performing fresh and gives a certain adrenaline rush to the production.
The partnership of the two directors continues with joint publicity and show nights. Audiences will be able to buy a dual ticket at £7 to see both shows from the 29th to the 31st of October. Werewolves versus Bureaucrats will go up at 7pm and Opening Night of the Living Dead at 9pm with a half hour interval between the two plays where Halloween style snacks and refreshments will be available. Come as yourself or in costume the night is set to be a terrifyingly ludicrous fiasco for Hallows Eve.
Opening Night of the Living Dead is a brand new production. Written, directed and first performed by the East Fifteen Acting School, the show summered in Edinburgh and was a highlight of the Fringe festival. It was there that Louise Sands between hectic fringe performances of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe had to be “dragged” to the 11.30pm showing of the horror comedy. In spite of this she was blown away by its beauty, timelessness and ingenuity, and was determined that this was a show of such scope and enjoyment for both cast and audience alike, that she would have to bring it to St Andrews. The story follows a failing amateur dramatics company as they attempt a production of “Romeo and Juliet” but the (not so) star crossed lovers are set upon by zombies at their opening performance. Never the less “the show must go on” and cast and crew struggle between stage and tech box in the midst of zombie madness. Together with a sub-plot of self obsessed actors and heartsick tech boys Louise wants a battle between the living and the undead; blood, gore and fisticuffs with a little Shakespeare to boot. Her small and predominantly unknown cast have been given a short but intense rehearsal period which is proving to be to their advantage. Most of all Louise desires her cast to have as much “light hearted fun” as possible with their characters. She has on her right hand the producing genius of Faith Trend and a devoted team for backstage management however she is still in need of a costumes mistress, she tells me, and if anyone is interested by all means get in touch.
If you know Brian Sonia-Wallace then you will be aware of his affinity with the diverse, unique and shadowed side of theatre, so it is no surprise that his latest project Werewolves versus Bureaucrats was inspired by a dream. “The title came first” says Brian, and from that he has devised, along with the composing talents of Rob Glenny, an improvised-horror-farce-musical extraordinaire. The pen-pushing, briefcase hugging bureaucrats draw great parallels with British culture – our love of queuing, meetings, paperwork, and all without really getting anything done. They also represent an old order, something that is past its time while the werewolves; young, lively, and full of energy – newborn into this world – are attempting a revolutionary fresh start. Deeper ideas aside Brain describes it as something of a “Cluedo mystery” wanting both suspense and comedy illustrated in the unique plot line, reminding me that musicals are intrinsically absurd and therefore what is most important for his actors is to have fun. Brian has taken some tips from St Andrews own improv group, Blind Mirth, to expand the improvised dimension of the show, allowing the creativity and character of his actors to fill the stage and captivate the audience. The music, which has been created for this show alone, while primarily for the purposes of entertainment will also, I think, give the show a defined pace, allowing tangents to be witty but not drawn out. Their short rehearsal time keeps the performing fresh and gives a certain adrenaline rush to the production.
The partnership of the two directors continues with joint publicity and show nights. Audiences will be able to buy a dual ticket at £7 to see both shows from the 29th to the 31st of October. Werewolves versus Bureaucrats will go up at 7pm and Opening Night of the Living Dead at 9pm with a half hour interval between the two plays where Halloween style snacks and refreshments will be available. Come as yourself or in costume the night is set to be a terrifyingly ludicrous fiasco for Hallows Eve.