In the run up to our March production of "Feel" and "Feel More" Proforca Artistic Director David Brady takes us behind the scenes and into the rehearsal room for "Feel" written by James Lewis and "Feel More" directed by Erin Read.
Hello - been a while since I wrote one of these and hopefully I'm not too out of practice. Its been a busy few months for all of us at Proforca Towers and its great to be back in the rehearsal room putting together a piece of work again.
Sometimes there's a project which really captures your imagination and drives you forward, and there's a real sense of excitement in the air, and I think for all of us "Feel" and "Feel More" have captured a mood, (or a feeling, if you like) of something special and that air of anticipation definitely seems to be spreading.
We're full speed with rehearsals - which is always an exciting time as the work changes and evolves and you get to see new things in the piece which you didn't see before. You 'll have to find out what the potatoes are all about, what exactly happened on December 21st and who is Brenda from UKIP anyway and why is she so awful? Our brilliant actors bring these complex people to life and they're a joy to watch and direct. Aside from some brilliant acting we've stood on Lanzarote, built toys out of Kinder Eggs, worked out who can keep a Malteaser in the air the longest and also discussed the merits of stage pants. Happy Times and Places.
In fact, I can't praise enough our Fab Four - Gemma, Izzy, James and Jonny - not only are they a joy to have in the rehearsal room but they are seriously talented actors. From broad comedy to heartbreaking introspection - they've really got it all between them and their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm in the rehearsal space makes it a joy to work with them. First they'll make you laugh, then they'll make you fall in love with them, and then they'll break your heart. (Bring your tissues!)
Feel tells the story of four people looking for something, or someone to make them complete. Set in the tumultuous 6 weeks at the start of a relationship, the story takes an emotionally charged look at how the start of something new can challenge your perceptions and what you want from your life, and how you deal with the fact that time isn't necessarily always on your side. (whether that's waiting for a train that never comes or how the universe possibly has a plan up its sleeve for you that you weren't quite expecting)
One of the joys of the rehearsal process for Feel has been to look at the naturalistic dialogue of the script and see what small nuances we can draw out in each of the characters. Small moments and movements betray what each of the characters are thinking and decisions that they make. Sometimes what the characters don't say is almost as important as what they do, and we hope we're telling a story that will resonate with everyone. The cast have created some really special moments, and i can't wait for you to see them.
You may have seen that we've also got our fantastic spin-off "Feel More" - which is directed by the super talented Erin Read. It's been brilliant to see these interconnected stories which draw from some of the things we touch on in "Feel" come to life. Not to give too much away, but we've been able to create a little bit of an "expanded universe" so some of the plotlines and themes of "Feel" come to life. Whilst you don't need to see both shows for either to make sense, its been really fun to see how Tom, Jackie, Charlie, Jess, Mona, and Angelo fit into the world of "Feel" - (and its as good as anything that big old Marvel Universe have thrown out there, trust me...)
So hopefully you'll be able to grab a ticket and see these brilliant folk at work telling a story we're very fond of. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to blow up an inflatable double bed. See you at the end of March!
David Brady is the Artistic Director of Proforca Theatre Company and the Director of "Feel" at the Lion and Unicorn Theatre in Kentish Town from March 21-31 and Executive Producer of "Feel More" which is performed March 26 and 27. Tickets on sale now for all performances from www.proforca.co.uk/boxoffice
You can follow David on Instagram @DavidBrady83 and Proforca Theatre on Twitter, Skype and Instagram @ProforcaTheatre. Proforca's web address is www.proforca.co.uk