Before Feel - A Feel More Story

We’re so excited to unveil a brand new addition to the world of “Feel” for our Spring 2019 performances. “Before Feel” is a Feel More story which will premiere at selected performances at The Space Arts Centre and other locations across the run of the show and will precede performances of the main show on

“8.7 million people, all of us. Rushing through the same tunnels and sharing the same sky. 8.7 million people, and me…”

Life passes Alex by. Sitting on the same platform day after day. Counting the days, counting the minutes, counting the steps. Watching a world of people pass them by.

Waiting for a train that never comes.

But then was this one day, a Tuesday, when everything seemed to change. The day the train never came. The day Alex changed their mind.

Because nothing good ever happened on a Tuesday. Did it?

“Before Feel” is a Feel More story which takes place in the ten minutes immediately prior to “Feel”. At each of the venues it is performed it will be performed by a different actor and director which means a truly unique and crafted monologue for each of the audiences and venues at which it is performed. Look out for more information about “Feel”, “Feel More” and “Before Feel” in the weeks to come.

“Feel” and “Before Feel” are written by James Lewis. “Feel” is directed by David Brady and “Before Feel” is directed at the Space Arts Centre by Jess Barton.

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Proforca Theatre Company are based in London. For more information visit our website at www.proforca.co.uk and follow us on Instagram. Twitter and Facebook @ProforcaTheatre.

Feel (2019) - Cast Announcement

We are delighted to announce the cast for the 2019 iteration of “Feel” by James Lewis.

After an intensive audition process with over 1,000 applicants, we are delighted to welcome our brand new generation of “Team Feel” for 2019.

Gabrielle Nellis-Pain joins the cast as “Naomi”, Anthony Fagan is “Jamie”, Colin Hubbard is “Nick” and Emily Costello is “Karen”

“Feel” is a modern. millennial love story, which tells a funny, warm, relatable and emotionally real story about second hand love and searching for fulfilment. From a train platform in South London to a bedroom in Canary Wharf and back again, It is a critically acclaimed love letter to one of the greatest cities in the world and the never ending hope of becoming something better than you are.

“Just when we thought we couldn’t love the world of “Feel” any more than we do, we’ve had the opportunity to bring it back with a brand new cast and plans for some really exciting performances for 2019. Our chosen cast are properly brilliant, and I can’t wait to see what Gabrielle, Ant, Colin and Emily do to bring new dimensions to characters which we (and our audiences) have fallen in love with…”

DAVID BRADY
DIRECTOR “FEEL”

“Feel” returns in February 2019 with a brand new run of performances at The Space Arts Centre on the Isle of Dogs, following performances in 2018 at the Lion & Unicorn Theatre, Hertford Theatre, The King’s Head Theatre, and the Albany Theatre, Coventry before heading out on tour in Spring 2019. “Feel” is written by James Lewis, directed by David Brady and produced in association with Eastlake Productions.

PRAISE FOR "FEEL” (2018) 

★★★★★ -  "An Extraordinary evening's entertainment as it hops between being ingeniously witty and soul-wrenchingly moving" - The Spy In The Stalls

★★★★ - "Brilliant - every character so different from the other, and the deep message will make you ask yourself questions" - London Theatre Reviews

★★★★ - "Simply Staged and lovingly performed - a strong piece of writing succeeds in it's aim to present a uniquely London take on love" - London Pub Theatres

Look out for more news coming very soon from the world of “Feel” including casting announcements for our 2019 production of “Feel More” directed by Jess Barton which also plays at the Space Arts Centre.

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Proforca Theatre Company are based in London. For more information visit our website at www.proforca.co.uk and follow us on Instagram. Twitter and Facebook @ProforcaTheatre.

Feel More (2019) - Writers Announced

We’ve been keeping them under wraps for a week or two now but we’re now ready to announce our brand new writing team for Feel More class of 2019!

We’re thrilled to welcome Hannah Bates, Marcus Bernard, Paul Bradshaw, Jack Albert Cook, Felicity Huxley-Miners and Alexander Knott who join Proforca’s writing team for the first time. We’re also delighted to welcome back the very talented Fergus Church to the team, having done such a brilliant job for the first iteration of Feel More earlier this year.

Our new writers are some of the best breakthrough writers on the London fringe circuit today, collectively having had work performed at Theatre503, Southwark Playhouse, TheatreN16, The Old Red Lion Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Space Arts Centre amongst many others. Each of them not only has a unique point of view, but they are brilliant placed to tell the stories which reflect the modern millennial life we live in London today.

“Meeting a new set of writers for the first time is one of the best things about Feel More. Not only are they a fabulously talented bunch in their own right, but they were the very best of a very strong set of submissions. In association with Jess Barton, (Feel More’s Director) we’re so excited to be welcoming them to the world of “Feel”. Out there somewhere is a group of funny, fierce, feisty and fabulous characters that we know will make you laugh and then break your heart. We’re very lucky to have them be part of our team to create a brilliant new version of Feel More for 2019.”

David Brady
Artistic Director, Proforca Theatre Company.

Feel More (2019) follows on from our critically acclaimed version of Feel More from earlier this year and sees 7 writers contribute seven brand new stories from the world of our main production of “Feel” by James Lewis. Both shows will return with a new cast to the Space Arts Centre in Feb 2019. Feel More is our very own expanded universe with new characters and stories drawn direct from the world of the main show and is presented for four performances as part of the main run of “Feel”.

PRAISE FOR FEEL MORE (2018)

★★★★ -  "..a night of very exciting new writing showcased by some wonderful performances. Take note. This is what a night of monologues should look like." - The Spy In The Stalls

Look out for more information, casting and further details about “Feel” and “Feel More” in the next few weeks and we’ll update you with more information as it is released.

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Proforca Theatre Company is a fringe theatre company based in London. You can find out more about us by following us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @ProforcaTheatre or by visiting our website at www.proforca.co.uk

Feel is written by James Lewis and directed by David Brady. Feel More is written by the above writers and is directed by Jess Barton. You can catch both productions when they return to London in Feb 2019 the Space Arts Centre

2nd Coming, Again - Oct 10 2018 at Theatre N16

2nd Hand News Theatre Company in association with Proforca Theatre Company are proud to present "2nd Coming. Again"
Direct from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Wednesday 10th October 2018, 20.30pm | Theatre N16 @ Styx, Tottenham. Tickets £10

About the Show:

So there’s Carl, and there’s Jason. Both of them are waiting for The Call. You know the one. The one that tells them that they’re the one, you know, the Chosen One. 

But then there’s Mary, and the French guy, and the homeless guy, and then there’s an unhealthy love for Flips the goldfish. What's that all about?

Join us as both Carl, Jason (and the audience) try and work out which of them is the Second Coming in a fast paced, hilarious and surreal hour of comedy, original songs and colouring in. Fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe we’re delighted to bring our show to Theatre N16 for this special one-off performance. Whatever it is though, is definitely NOT a Cult.

More Info / Tickets:

Tickets for this special performance are on sale now from www.theatren16.co.uk. (All Tickets £10) Visit https://lineupnow.com/event/2nd-coming-again or www.proforca.co.uk/boxoffice for more information

Social Media / Website

You can follow 2nd Hand News Theatre Company on Twitter @2ndComingAgain, Theatre N16 @TheatreN16 and Proforca Theatre Company @proforcatheatre

www.proforca.co.uk/secondcomingagain | #itsnotacult

Cast & Creative

2nd Coming, Again is written by Colin Hubbard and features Gemma Wray as “Mary”, Jack Westgate as “Jason” and Colin Hubbard as “Carl” it is directed by the cast and is produced by David Brady for Proforca Theatre Company Ltd 

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You can follow 2nd Hand News Theatre Company on Twitter @2ndComingAgain, Theatre N16 @TheatreN16 and Proforca Theatre Company @proforcatheatre

For more information visit: www.proforca.co.uk/secondcomingagain | #itsnotacult

Jess Barton - Associate Director (2019)

We're thrilled to announce that Jess Barton joins Proforca Theatre Company as Associate Director for 2018 . 2019 and Director of "Feel More" (Feb 2019) 

Jess is a director, writer, and producer based in London. 

With a degree in Drama and English from Sussex University, Jess specialised in the uncanniness of reflection and the use of blood work in performance, and is fascinated with body language and the use of non-verbal communication. Her interest in theatre extends from a desire to expose and understand what it means to be human.

As co-founder of Fight or Flight Productions her work has been performed throughout London and Brighton - credits include “Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons” Director (Jan-May 2017, London Tour and Brighton Fringe), “The Secret Garden” Director and Co-Writer (Feb 2015, May 2013), “Calm Before The Storm” Director and Co-Writer (Sept 2014), “Witch: A Trilogy” Director and Co-Writer (Jan-Mar 2014), “The Last Five Years” Director (Oct 2013), ”Company” Director (Dec 2012), and “Rent” Director (Feb 2012). Other directing credits include “Isn’t He Handsome” (Jun 2018), “Leaving” (Oct 2016), and “Gone Fishing” (Mar 2016) for Falling Pennies.

Originally from Oxford, Jess has lived in Brighton, Dubai, and Paris, before settling in London. She has regularly found herself stage managing immersive horror experiences, and moonlights as an experiential producer for Bearded Kitten.

We've been massive fans of Jess's work for a long time and we're thrilled to see what she comes up with as the director for the brand new generation of "Feel More". Her unique point of view, calm and measured approach and not to mention broad range of skills make her a brilliant asset to our new team. Welcome aboard Jess, we're lucky to have you!

Jess joins the production team for "Feel" which return to The Space Arts Centre in February 2019, directed by Proforca's Artistic Director David Brady and produced in association with Eastlake Productions and "Feel More". Casting for both productions and additional production announcements will be made shortly.

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Proforca Theatre Company is a fringe theatre company based in London. You can find out more about us at our website which is www.proforca.co.uk and on Twitter / Instagram @proforcatheatre. You can follow Jess on Twitter / Instagram: @jessbarton28 and David @davidbrady83

Feel More (2019) - Call for Writers

We are delighted to announce that our critically acclaimed production of "Feel" returns for a brand new run of performances kicking off at the Space Arts Centre, London in February 2019. In addition, we're thrilled to also announce the return of "Feel More" to accompany the London performances of the main show. 

"Feel More" is our "expanded universe" of stories and sees six writers create six brand new characters from the world of "Feel" with material, storylines and influences drawn from the main production written by James Lewis. 

"Feel" received its London debut at the Lion and Unicorn Theatre in March of 2018 with performances at the King's Head Theatre, London, Hertford Theatre and the Albany Theatre, Coventry. "Feel More" was performed at the Lion & Unicorn Theatre, Theatre N16 (as "More Feel") and the King's Head Theatre, London. 

★★★★ -  "..a night of very exciting new writing showcased by some wonderful performances. Take note. This is what a night of monologues should look like." - The Spy In The Stalls

We're now on the hunt for 6 brilliant new writers to contribute scripts to the next generation of "Feel More" and tell the funny. real, warm, challenging, relatable and heartbreaking stories that reflect the modern London we live in today. 

THE PROCESS

• We cast our writers and actors simultaneously, which means that we pair actors with writers, and a casting call has been launched to identify and cast six actors to join the company. 
• Those six actors will be paired with a writer to create a character and a brand 10-12 minute monologue with themes, characters or links to the world of "Feel" for performance in February 2019. (Four performances) 
• Scripts will then be worked on with the "Feel" writers and creative team in a "writers room" style format.  
• Writers then have till December 31st to come up with complete / final scripts before they go into rehearsal.  
• Additional script guidelines etc provided once the writers have been selected. 

INTERESTED? 

We're now actively seeking six writers to join the writing pool for "Feel More" - if you are interested in joining the writing team we'd ask all applicants to apply as follows: 

• Email us and say hello! First and foremost we want to find out about you and your interests, so please drop us an email at hello@proforca.co.uk to introduce yourself. 
• Attach a copy of some of your writing - (excerpts only, please no more than 10 pages of script. DO NOT send full unsolicited scripts at this time)- we are interested in excerpts of modern, contemporary writing from writers who understand writing for a fringe theatre format. 
• We will then review scripts and shortlist our writers. 
• Make sure you've taken a look at our website, the Feel and Feel More projects and our work before you apply. 
• Feel More is the perfect place for stories about the world we live in today - so we welcome stories and writers that reflect the diversity in society and all of its perspectives and people. 

Closing date for all applications is Friday, September 14th at 5pm. 

We're excited to meet our next generation of fierce and talented writers who want to come on our next adventure with us. If you have any questions at all, please email us and we'll be happy to help! 

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Proforca Theatre Company is a fringe theatre company, based in London. You can find out more about Proforca by visiting www.proforca.co.uk and by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @proforcatheatre.

Reading Gaol - Acting Stewards Required!

Fancy getting involved with a bit of acting, helping us get a bit "immersive" and bagging yourself a free ticket for Reading Gaol?

We're looking for stewards (with some basic acting ability) to join our cast for Reading Gaol for its 7 London performances July 23 - August 2 at Theatre N16. This is a great way for you to join us for the performances, find out more about us as a company and be part of a brave, brand new piece of work in a great performance space. 

Our stewarding team will assist with the show preset, help us with bringing the audience into the performance space and will help us "set the scene" with our team of actors. We're doing some fun new things with the space and with our audience and we're looking for people to help us with the performances. In terms of acting, there will be no lines to learn, we'll just need you to be able to take basic direction, move at the right times (and look suitably menacing when required!) you'll then be free to enjoy the show. 

CASTING REQUIREMENTS

• Any casting bracket. (Any age or gender) 
• Must be over 18.
• Must be free on performance nights from 1830 for pre-show briefing.
• Must be comfortable interacting with members of the public / audience members and guests as well as other actors. 

The role is unpaid, however you will be provided with a free ticket to the show (in addition to your own ticket.) and credit on our website / show programme

TO APPLY

To register your interest, please complete the form at www.proforca.co.uk/rgstewards and provide details of performances you are available for.

If you have any questions or require any more information please email hello@proforca.co.uk FAO Erin Read, Associate Director. 

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Reading Gaol is performed July 23 to Aug 2 at Theatre N16. For more information visit www.proforca.co.uk and follow us on Twitter / Facebook / Instagram @proforcatheatre. 

 

Director's Blog - Unboxing Reading Gaol

I miss the postman, most of the time, so I’ve never really noticed what a keen interest he’s been taking in my mail. Until I met him this morning and he told me that I had the most exciting post on his round. If only he knew the amount of theatrical nonsense he delivered and I’d managed to accumulate over the last three years. I wonder if he knows that behind my front door was Lady Bracknell’s handbag, almost the whole of Saucy Jack’s bar (complete with Glitter Boots) and one very expensive customised small stage box from the first version of Reading Gaol. Our postman is only one small part of helping to create the worlds we’ve put together the last three years, and that little stage box is about to head to a much bigger stage than the last time we saw it, alongside today’s package, with lord alone knows what’s inside.

So what’s it all about? Well, the marketing describes Reading Gaol as a “remix” of Oscar Wilde’s classic “Ballad of Reading Gaol” with five new pieces of writing and storytelling with some physical theatre thrown in for good measure. We use the original work by Wilde as a “framing” mechanism to tell the stories of five prisoners each with their own voices and personalities. You’ll find out more about them and their stories in the weeks to come – and I’m sure some of them will pop up here in the next few weeks.

Reading Gaol is really a darker, more unexplored version of Oscar Wilde’s story. We’re all familiar with the lighter, more comedic elements of his work, but the end of his life was altogether a darker affair. From respected society figure to dying in poverty and disgrace, the end of his life was as far removed from the sparkling and witty figure we’d all prefer to remember him as. We’re choosing in this version to use Wilde’s story as in inspiration, a look into one man’s darkest hour as a parallel with Wilde’s own story (but with our usual twist on proceedings – so expect a more “modern” and fresh version of the show than we staged last year.)

For this new version of the show, we’ve gone back and revised some of the staging a little bit, (we’ve got more space to play with, for a start) and we’re going to be looking at using some of the more practical elements offered by Theatre N16 in its brilliant, brand new space at Styx in Tottenham. We’re going to really bring home that brutal sense of incarceration for the audience and push our actors a little bit more than in the previous production, so if you saw the production before, you’ll definitely be seeing something new and interesting in this new version. The brilliant thing about Reading Gaol last time was the fact that it made people talk in the pub afterwards, and we hope that this will be the same this time. One of the things I love about my job is sitting in the audience watching people’s reaction during the show, and I’m excited to see what you make of this brand-new version of the show.

We’ve got a brilliant cast for this version of the production, and we’re delighted to be introducing some new performers to our growing family. I’m really looking forward to spending time with them and seeing what they bring to Monster, Guardian, Human, Innocent and Hero. We have five really strong pieces of writing from Cat, Simon, Erin and James and it’s also a dream to welcome back Harriet Lambert and Erin Read to Team “Triple Threat” and produce a bigger, more exciting version of one of our first true collaborations together.

So, look out for updates from us in the weeks to come. We’ve got a load of plans for some blogs, lots of behind the scenes stuff and more content as we chart our journey back into the dark, and I really hope to meet some of you either in the run up to the show or in the bar afterwards. Grab your tickets while you can, this one is going to be special.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got five prisoner’s uniforms and five mail sacks to unpack. I wouldn’t want the postman to think I was ignoring him, would I?

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David is Artistic Director of Proforca Theatre Company and director of Reading Gaol (2018). You can find follow him on Twitter and Instagram @DavidBrady83. Reading Gaol is adapted from "The Ballad of Reading Gaol" by Oscar Wilde and features new material by Catrin Keeler, Simon Marshall, James Lewis and Erin Read. Associate Directors Harriet Lambert and Erin Read.  

Reading Gaol is performed at Theatre N16 Monday 23 July - Thursday 2nd August 2018. Tickets are on sale NOW from www.proforca.co.uk/box office. Use discount code "Early10" for 10% off your tickets. You can follow Proforca Theatre Company on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @proforcatheatre and via our website at www.proforca.co.uk 

Miles Parker is Innocent (Reading Gaol 2.0)

We're delighted to welcome Miles Parker to the cast of Reading Gaol for our performances for July / August 2018.

Miles trained at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts.

Credits Include: The Picture of Dorian Gray (European Arts Theatre), The Drop Zone (Southwark Playhouse), Doctors (BBC), Solo (Theatre 503), Remedial Remedies (Upstairs at the Gatehouse), Lovebox (Sparkle and Dark TC), Termination (Theatre N16)

This is Miles' first time working with Proforca and we are delighted to welcome him to the cast of Reading Gaol.

Spotlight: https://www.spotlight.com/4538-4506-1789
Twitter: @MilesWParker

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We are delighted to present a brand new staging of our production of "Reading Gaol" which will be performed from July 23rd - August 2nd at Theatre N16 at it's new home of Styx in Tottenham. Reading Gaol takes the original ballad by Oscar Wilde and remixes it with five brand new pieces of writing to tell a confrontational story of oppression, incarceration and hope during one man's darkest hour. 

Tickets are onsale for all performances now. For more information visit our website at www.proforca.co.uk/readinggaol and follow us on Twitter. Facebook and Instagram @ProforcaTheatre. 

Nick Cope is Jamie

We're delighted to welcome Nick Cope to the cast of Feel for our forthcoming performances at the Albany Theatre Coventry and the King's Head Theatre, Islington.

Nick is a London based actor originating from Cheshire. He is a recent graduate from the University of Exeter having gained his degree in Drama and now works predominantly in theatre with his most recent roles playing Jack in William Golding’s ‘Lord of the Flies’ (Greenwich Theatre), and George in ‘Fishbowl’ (Kings Head Theatre). Other credits include Mack, ‘Boys’, (Thornlea Studios), Snowball, ‘Animal Farm’, (Northcott Theatre), Joe Pitt, ‘Angels in America’, (Northcott Theatre), Donnie Black, ‘Kursk’, (Venue 181). Alistair Ryle, Posh, (Harry's Restaurant).

Nick is also one half of the music comedy duo ‘Odd Pear’.

For Proforca Theatre Company Nick is also set to perform the role of ‘Hero’ (Theatre N16, July 2018)

Twitter: @nickcope6
Spotlight: https://www.spotlight.com/interactive/cv/9177-8948-1063

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Nick joins Isobel Eadie as "Naomi", James Vincent as "Nick" and Gemma Wray as "Karen" in "Feel" by James Lewis. Feel is performed at the Albany Theatre Coventry on June 15th and 16th and June 17th / 18th at the King's Head Theatre. Nick joins the cast of "Reading Gaol" which will be performed July 23rd - August 2nd at Theatre N16. 

For more information visit our website at www.proforca.co.uk/feel and follow us on Twitter. Facebook and Instagram @ProforcaTheatre. 

10 Questions from Feel / More with Melissa Phillips

We sat down with some of our brilliant cast and crew prior to our production of "Feel / More" which returns to the King's Head Theatre next week! We'd love to take this opportunity to introduce you to Melissa Phillips who features as "Jackie" in a piece by the brilliant Fergus Church We sat down and gave her our "10 Question Challenge" and here's what she had to say for herself!

1) How would your friends introduce you?
She’s friends with everyone!

2) Tell us a bit about your character and what you like most about them?
Jackie is a young minded but sharp individual. She’s at a stage in her life where she’s reflecting on her early youth, particularly relationship and career wise. That said, she’s still that same free spirited, warm hearted girl that she was all those years ago. She’ll get there.. (in her own time!)

3) What is it that you like most about Feel / More and why do you think people should buy a ticket?
I think all the characters in Feel & Feel More are relatable. For me, there are parts in each monologue that have crossed through my own mind at some stage or another. People that come and see the show will laugh, possibly cry but overall leave with a feeling of comfort. We are not all the same but as people we experience things that can be shared and understood by others around us.

4) If you could play any role yet that you haven’t what would it be and why?
I don’t have a particular role in mind but I would love to do a strong physical theatre piece. I’m a very physical actor and love improvising with movement and dance. Hopefully one day Cirque du Soleil!

5) What's the best piece of advice you've been given?
Relax and enjoy it! Be professional, punctual and prepared. The rest is out of your control.

6) If you could swap lives with someone for the day who would it be and why?
I like my life to be fair! Ha, I can’t decide between Sarah Paulson, Viola Davis, Cate Blanchett or Ruth Wilson. Simply because of their sheer talent and energy, I love the work that they choose to do.

7) What scares you and excites you most about acting?
What scares me is the unpredictability of the industry in general, mainly from a financial perspective. What excites me is auditioning and the very first rehearsal, the beginning of the journey! Learning from other actors and creatives.

8) What's the most challenging thing you've done on stage that you're most proud of?Performed on someone’s shoulders in absolute black out with only a few glow in the dark strips to guide me (whilst on a constantly revolving stage.) I didn’t fall once  - did 18 shows! 

9) What would the title of your autobiography be?
“I don’t know how I got here but I’m here!”

10) Tell us a random fact we may not know about you...
I don’t know my date of birth.....!

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Melissa is an actor from London and performs the role of "Jackie" in Feel / More written by the fabulous Fergus Church  on June 10 / 11. In her own words she doesn't know a JPEG from a tent peg and we love her all the same.. You can follow Mel on Twitter @MelissaTalawa. You can also follow Proforca on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @ProforcaTheatre and via our website at www.proforca.co.uk. 

10 Questions from Feel / More with Kieran Faulkner

We sat down with some of our brilliant cast and crew prior to our production of "Feel / More" which returns to the King's Head Theatre next week! We'd love to take this opportunity to introduce you to Kieran Faulkner who features as "Charlie" in a piece by the writer of "Feel" James Lewis. We sat down and gave him our "10 Question Challenge" and here's what he had to say for himself! 

1) Describe yourself in 5 words
Actor, gig lover, professional sleeper

2) Tell us a bit about your character and what you like most about them?
Charlie is a regular guy who has an average 9-5 life and never does anything particularly strange. When he considers doing something completely out of the ordinary it makes him reconsider everything. He's great at looking at the bigger picture and evaluating things fairly which I like. He's also quite cheeky which I really like. 

3) What is it that you like most about Feel / More and why do you think people should buy a ticket?
Sometimes an evening of monologues has the potential to be a mixed bag but I think Feel / More works with every single one. What I like most is the warmth and honesty of each speech. It shows through in absolute spades in the way that good writing should. If you buy a ticket you won't be disappointed. 

4) What's your favourite theatre production and why?
That's a toughie. It's very hard to pick just one. Straight play would probably be Angels in America. The revival at the national last year blew my mind. Musical would have to be Les Mis, its something I performed in youth theatre several times and I have a very personal connection to it

5) If you could play only one more role for the rest of your life what would it be and why?
If I could play Bottom from "A Midsummer Nights Dream" forever and ever I would be very happy. Its just so utterly silly and amazingly fun to play, plus you get to wear a cute pair of donkey ears which is a bonus. I'd love to do it again if not forever

6) Whats the best piece of direction you've been given?
One piece of direction that stands out was when I was told to be "more like Hugh grant" during an audition. I didn't get the part so obviously I need to rewatch Notting Hill

7) Which actor do you admire and why?
Once again too many to name. If pushed I'd say Ian McKellen. To do this for that long and to be that consistently good for that whole length of time is something I could only aspire to. That and I really wanna play Magneto...

8) What would the title of your autobiography be? 
"Playing Pretend" (Plus at least 200 pages would be dedicated to useless advice like surviving moshpits, how to get the best out of a Tesco meal deal etc...

9) If you could be any sort of biscuit, what sort of biscuit would you be? 
Those chocolate ones with the wrapping you get in selection boxes. Once you get rid of the awkward fiddly wrapping there's something really nice on the inside

10) Tell us something about you which we might not already know?
I once worked security for the Royal Family. It was at Royal ascot. Somebody bought me a gin and tonic. That was the only good part of the day.

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Kieran is an actor from London and takes on the role of "Charlie" in Feel / More written by James Lewis on June 10 / 11. When he's not wanting to be one of the X Men you can also catch him in Sweeney Todd this summer in Edinburgh. You can follow Kieran on Twitter @KEFaulkner93. You can also follow Proforca on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @ProforcaTheatre and via our website at www.proforca.co.uk. 

10 Questions from Feel / More - Malcolm Jeffries

We sat down with some of our brilliant cast and crew prior to our production of "Feel / More" which returns to the King's Head Theatre next week! We'd love to take this opportunity to introduce you to Malcom Jeffries who features as "Angelo" in a piece by the very talented Simon Marshall and asked him some leading questions about his role, his life as an actor, and some random wildcards to see how he'd cope with some tough questioning!

1) How would your friends introduce you? 
He’s alright when you get to know him . 

2) Tell us a bit about your character and what you like most about them?
Angelo is a lovely guy. A little disconnected from the world being the son of an immigrant. With the result being he’s nor quite sure where he fits in. But despite this fact, even because of it he longs to connect with people. His job as an Uber driver means he can indulge his love of life and people and life a little of their lives. 

3) What is it that you like most about Feel / More and why do you think people should buy a ticket?
In this modern connected world we are in fact more distant and disconnected from each other. Feel/More paints these individuals who are a little lost in some way. These stories illustrate that we all just want to be noticed. To belong. To love and be loved. 

4) If you could play any role yet that you haven’t what would it be and why?
Tough question. I’m a big Beckett fan so any character in one of his play. Also Richard III would be wonderful to play. 

5) What's the best piece of advice you've been given?
Be simple. 

6) If you could swap lives with someone for the day who would it be and why?
I wouldn’t swap my life. I’m doing exactly what I want.

7) What scares you and excites you most about acting?
I’m not sure I ever feel scared by acting. When I played Macbeth I do remember thinking I could never do it. It’s such a big role. It’s such a lot of lines. I do remember on numerous occasions I was going to call the director and tell him I just wasn’t up to it and had to pull out. But then I always thought if it scared me that much I should do it just to overcome. Just to prove it wasn’t that scary. 

As far as excited me. Well, I just love the fear of getting up with the text. Working with other actors and directors. For me it’s truly a team effort. I love making mistakes. They teach you so much. But it having the courage to try and knowing that failure is nothing wrong. My favourite Beckett quote is ‘Try again. Fail again. Fail better’. 

8) What's the most challenging thing you've done on stage that you're most proud of?
Macbeth was a massive challenge and supremely enjoyable. But to be honest I’m so proud of my work with Angelo in Feel/More. I mean that honestly. I was so very lucky to have the part written for me by the fantastic playwright Simon Marshall. Plus the creative duo of Erin Read directing and David Brady as artistic director ensured that the character and the production really shone  

9) If you were president for a day, what three laws would you enact? 
Ban nuclear weapons. Unlimited funding for the NHS. Make crisps free for all

10) What three luxury items would you take to a desert island? 
A clockwork/solar powered radio

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Malcolm is an actor from London and originates the role of "Angelo" in Feel / More written by Simon Marshall on June 10 / 11. He f**king loves crisps. You can follow Malcolm on Twitter @malcolmjeffries. You can also follow Proforca on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @ProforcaTheatre and via our website at www.proforca.co.uk. 

Malcolm also features as "Guardian" in Reading Gaol July 23rd - August 2nd at TheatreN16 - for more information on that production visit www.proforca.co.uk/ReadingGaol2. Tickets are available now and can be found at our website at www.proforca.co.uk/boxoffice 

#Allthefeels - Feel / Feel More at the King's Head Theatre

We promised you a big summer here at Proforca Theatre Company and we weren't joking. We're thrilled to announce that "Feel" and "Feel / More" return for two special performances each to the King's Head Theatre this June (joining our performance dates at the Albany Theatre, Coventry) 

"FEEL"
BY JAMES LEWIS

Jamie and Naomi collide on a weekend that will cause them to question everything they ever thought they knew about themselves. Nick meets Karen and their lives will never be the same again. In a world where love can be swiped on a whim and the path of your whole life is determined by the delay of just one train, is there ever the right time to say what you really feel? Proforça Theatre Company presents this critically acclaimed piece about a search for fulfilment, second-hand love and the hope of one day becoming something better than you are.

PERFORMANCE DATES:
FRI JUNE 15 / SAT JUNE 16 - THE ALBANY THEATRE, COVENTRY
SUN JUNE 17 / MON JUNE 18 - THE KING'S HEAD THEATRE, LONDON N1

★★★★★ -  "An Extraordinary evening's entertainment as it hops between being ingeniously witty and soul-wrenchingly moving" - The Spy In The Stalls

★★★★ - "Brilliant - every character so different from the other, and the deep message will make you ask yourself questions" - London Theatre Reviews

★★★★ - "Simply Staged and lovingly performed - a strong piece of writing succeeds in it's aim to present a uniquely London take on love" - London Pub Theatres

"..a big congratulations to everyone. You made this observational story something to really think about." - 

And returning June 10 /11 2018 for two final performances:

"FEEL MORE"
FIVE STORIES FROM THE WORLD OF FEEL BY FERGUS CHURCH, HARRIET LAMBERT, JAMES LEWIS, SIMON MARSHALL & STEPHANIE SILVER

“Imagine that person you passed in the street this morning, the guy who stands next to you on the platform. That girl in the cafe who can never spell your name right or the one you swiped left to instead of right. How do you think they feel?”Proforça Theatre Company presents "Feel / More” An evening of five new pieces of writing from the universe of our main production of "Feel". Five new characters searching for fulfilment, searching for love in a big city, searching to get lost and searching to be found again.

PERFORMANCE DATES:

SUN JUNE 10 / MON JUNE 11 - THE KING'S HEAD THEATRE, LONDON N1

★★★★ -  "..a night of very exciting new writing showcased by some wonderful performances. Take note. This is what a night of monologues should look like." - The Spy In The Stalls

Tickets for all performances are on SALE NOW FROM http://www.kingsheadtheatre.com/. For more information visit our website at www.proforca.co.uk or http://www.kingsheadtheatre.com/. You can follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @proforcatheatre and find out more about each of the shows at www.proforca.co.uk/feel and www.proforca.co.uk/feelmore 

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ABOUT THE KING'S HEAD THEATRE

The King’s Head Theatre was established in 1970. Passionate about championing ethically produced fringe theatre, we are known for our challenging work and support of young artists. Last year 116,151 audience members saw a show of ours: 44,607 at our 110-seater home on Upper Street and 71,544 elsewhere. At our home in Islington we had 774 performances last year of 95 different shows. We are committed to fighting prejudice through the work we stage, the artists and staff we work with and by producing work for minority audience groups. We believe in fair pay for all on the fringe and create accessible routes for early career artists to stage their work; work we are passionate about. Last year we announced the theatre is on the move. Subject to a fundraising campaign, the King’s Head Theatre will move into a custom-built space in the heart of Islington Square, directly behind its current home securing the future of the venue for generations to come.

Harriet Lambert - Associate Director

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Harriet Lambert as Associate Director of Proforca Theatre Company. 

Supporting the Artistic Director, Harriet’s role as Associate Director will see her take more of an enhanced creative and consulting role within the company on forthcoming projects. 

Harriet is a performance artist, dancer and actress based in London. Originally training in Contemporary Dance, Harriet later completed a MA in Performance and Visual Practices at the University of Brighton. Her work has been performed throughout London, Brighton and Munich, most recently at Brighton Fringe 2015, with her own one woman show ‘CETBC’.

For Proforca Theatre Company, Harriet originated the role of "Camilla" in "If I Go" - May 2016, "Naomi" in our workshop for "Feel" (Spring 2017), Gwendoline Fairfax in "The Importance of Being Earnest" (Sept 2017). Production Roles include Choreographer / Musical Director for "Saucy Jack & The Space Vixens" (Nov 2016) and Assistant Director "Reading Gaol" (Nov 2017). As a writer she contributed the pieces "Wanderer" to "Reading Gaol" (Nov 2017) and "Mona" to "Feel More" (Spring 2018).

When she’s not writing/performing her own work, or performing in others’ work, she is also currently training part time as an Osteopath. 

Harriet has been a valued member of Proforca Theatre Company from the outset and we are thrilled to be able to recognise her brilliant and valued contribution to the company. Congratulations Harriet! 

Harriet's first role in her new position with the company will be for our forthcoming remount of our production of "Reading Gaol" (July 2018) - You can find out more about the production at www.proforca.co.uk/readinggaol and follow Harriet on Twitter @HarrietMoves

Reading Gaol 2.0 - THIS JULY @ THEATRE N16!

MONSTER, GUARDIAN, HUMAN, INNOCENT, HERO.
EACH MAN KILLS THE THING HE LOVES

The Ballad of Reading Gaol was the poet and writer Oscar Wilde's final work. From celebrated playwright and society figure to a broken man dying in exile in Paris, Reading Gaol is a heartrending exploration of the deprivation of liberty, a spectacular fall from grace and a soul-searching quest to hold onto the shreds of humanity during one man's darkest hour. 

This adaptation of Reading Gaol uses the power and grotesque beauty of Wilde's words to tell the story of the punishment and deprivation experienced by prisoners at the turn of the century in direct contrast to the wit and triviality of some of his comedic work.  Featuring Wilde's original poem about the execution of a convicted solider remixed with five brand new pieces of writing and physical theatre commissioned for this production, we plunge headlong into the abyss of incarceration, despair and hope experienced by five prisoners in one of England's most notorious jails. From the grime of Victorian England to the Forests of Africa and back, this production tells a story which goes from the depths of one man's black heart to the brightest hopes of another in a hopeless quest for salvation. 

Proforça Theatre Company presents a visceral new staging of Oscar Wilde's haunting and evocative piece which explores oppression, censorship, and conformity in an increasingly conservative society with themes which are as relevant to us in our world today as they were over 100 years ago. Bigger, braver, and more confrontational that before, we are delighted to be bringing a new staging of this production in an "event" style format to Theatre N16 at its brilliant brand new home @Styx for six special performances this July. 

Reading Gaol is adapted from "The Ballad of Reading Gaol" by Oscar Wilde with new material by James Lewis, Simon Marshall, Erin Read and Catrin Keeler. It is directed by David Brady, Associate Director Erin Read and produced by Gemma Wray.  Full casting will be announced very shortly. 

Proforca Theatre Company is a fringe theatre company based in London. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @ProforcaTheatre. Visit our website at www.proforca.co.uk

Theatre N16 can be found at www.theatren16.co.uk and @TheatreN16. It's Artistic Director is Jamie Eastlake.

Running Time: 110 mins Approx. (15 Minute Interval) 
Contains Adult Themes & scenes of violence.  

Kieran Faulkner is Charlie!

We're thrilled to welcome Kieran Faulkner as our brand new Charlie for next week's production of Feel / More to be performed as "More Feel" next week at Theatre N16! "Charlie" re-imagines a key scene from Feel and spins a young man rethink his key choices relationships, and connections.  

Kieran is 24 years old from Bedfordshire. He has been performing from the age of 6 all the way to graduating from ArtsEd's MA programme earlier this year. "Feel More" marks Kieran's theatre debut after graduating and he is delighted to join the team. 

Kieran is on Twitter @KEFaulkner93 and his spotlight link is here: https://www.spotlight.com/interactive/cv/1/M217634.html 

You can see Kieran performing "Charlie" by James Lewis at Theatre N16 on Thursday 12th April from 2030. For more information visit www.proforca.co.uk and you can follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @proforcatheatre

Director's Blog - All The Feels

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! 

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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 

"Feel" Shortlisted for Hertford Theatre Week!

We're delighted to announce that our Spring 2018 production of "Feel" written by James Lewis has been selected as one of the finalists for Hertford Theatre Week 2018. 

Hertford Theatre Week is a six-night drama festival with a different production every night in the heart of Hertford. Teams travel from all over the country to compete for trophies and the chance to compete in the NDFA All Winners Festival. Each of the shortlisted productions will b performed for an adjudicating panel in the 400 seater Hertford Theatre and "Feel" will receive its "big stage" debut on Wednesday 25th April 2018.  

Prior to its performance at Hertford Theatre, you can catch "Feel" in a special run of 10 intimate performances at The Lion and Unicorn Theatre in Kentish Town from March 21 - 31 2018. "Feel" features Jonathon George as Jamie, Isobel Eadie as Naomi, Gemma Wray as Karen and Vincent Bowen as Nick with the original cast reprising their role for the competition performances. 

Whilst fringe theatre will always be our favourite thing, were delighted that Feel will be performed in a larger venue and for all the opportunities that this will being to both our brilliant team of actors but also Proforca as a growing Theatre Company. "Feel" will be performed alongside productions such as "Foxfinder" "Let the Right One In" and "Ladies in Lavender" performed by some really well established groups os we're thrilled to be in such great company! 

For more information about Hertford Theatre Week 2018 visit www.hertfordtheatreweek.org.uk and keep an eye on our website and social media accounts for more details and information about tickets as as when they become available. 

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"Feel" is written by James Lewis and directed by David Brady for Proforca Theatre Company and receives its London debut performances from March 21st to 31st 2018 at the Lion and Unicorn Theatre. For tickets and more information visit www.proforca.co.uk/feel or www.lionandunicorntheatre.co.uk 

Erin Read - Associate Director

In the run up to rehearsals starting for our March 2018 production of "Feel" - we're taking the opportunity to introduce you to our brand new cast and production team. Erin Read is an actress, one of Proforca's Associate Directors, and the Director of "Feel+ (Feel More) .  

Erin moved to London to pursue a career in acting and to begin studying drama at Queen Mary University of London. Roles include the short films 'Unforgettable', 'Performance' ‘The Straggler’ and the award winning ‘Extra Time’ (2015).

Her passion for acting music, singing and dancing has led her to explore every part of the theatre.  In 2015, she was the Assistant Musical Director for ‘The King and I’ (The Riverhead Theatre) and ‘Oliver’ (The Embassy Theatre) and she assisted with the singing coaching and acted in productions of ‘Fame’ and ‘Footloose’ (2011 & 2012 respectively) at The Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent.

For Proforca Theatre Company, Erin was Musical Director / Assistant Director for "Saucy Jack & The Space Vixens" (Nov 2016) and Producer for the workshop productions of "Feel" (2017) and Producer for "The Ballad of Reading Gaol" (Nov 2017). Her acting roles also include “Cecily” in our production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” (Sept 2017). Erin is Proforca's first Associate Director.

Twitter: @eoread7

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Proforca Theatre Company is a non-professional fringe theatre company, based in London. For more information and tickets, visit our website at www.proforca.co.uk. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @ProforcaTheatre and find out more information about us and our past performances. 

PLEASE NOTE: FEEL IS BEING PERFORMED ON SELECTED DATES AS PART OF THE "FEEL / FEEL+" PERFORMANCE CYCLE. FOR SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE DATES PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE. 

Tickets for all performances go on sale in January 2018.