Plain Clothes Theatre Productions
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Contents |
[edit] Overview
Plain Clothes Theatre Productions is a Bristol-based theatre company producing contemporary plays from around the globe. Formed in 2003 by artistic director Sam Berger[1], the company has produced work in London, Bristol, Cheltenham, Toronto and Vancouver. Their work has included plays by Joe Orton, Laura Wade and David Mamet, and their style is based around the teachings of American acting coach Sanford Meisner.
[edit] Formation of the Company
The company was formed in 2003 by Sam Berger to coincide with his graduation from the MA Directing course from Goldsmith's College, London. The company initially consisted of three core members - as well as Sam Berger, Catherine Hoare designed set and costume and Dirk Mandlebrot produced sound effects and chose music for their shows.
Their first production was Joe Orton's 'Entertaining Mr. Sloane' which ran at the White Bear Theatre in Kennington, London.
[edit] Plain Clothes Theatre in Canada
After their inaugural production Plain Clothes Theatre's work moved to Canada in conjunction with Sam Berger's move there. A number of co-productions took place, including development of a new musical in Toronto and Closer by Patrick Marber with Paige 18 Productions in Vancouver. In 2005 they undertook a site-specific production of Duck Variations by David Mamet. The play was to be shown in Stanley Park. However, a week before the show went up the park authorities decided to stop the production. No reason has ever been clearly given.
[edit] UK productions
[edit] Problem Child & Criminal Genius
In 2006 the company produced a double bill of plays by Canadian playwright George F. Walker from his 'Suburban Motel' collection of plays; namely Problem Child and Criminal Genius. The show ran at Bristol's Alma Tavern pub theatre over March and April gleaning good reviews and sell-out audiences.
PROBLEM CHILD
CAST
- RJ - Tom Turner
- Denise - Maria Hodson
- Phillie - Toby W. Davies
- Helen - Natasha Black
CRIMINAL GENIUS
CAST
- Rolly - Steven Boswell
- Stevie - Henry Barrett
- Shirley - Maria Hodson
- Amanda - Natasha Black
- Phillie - Toby W. Davies
PRODUCTION TEAM (on both plays)
- Director - Sam Berger
- Set & Costume Design - Catherine Hoare
- Sound Design - Dirk Mandlebrot
- Stage Manager - Adrian Henderson
[edit] Breathing Corpses
In 2007 the company produced Laura Wade's Breathing Corpses again at the Alma Tavern pub theatre. This play received excellent reviews and again sold out for the majority of its run. Venue magazine described the play as "brilliant...constantly unexpected, gripping, lifelike and not a cliché in site" and gave it a five-star review. The Bristol Evening Post commented "Plain Clothes are destined for bigger things. Future productions will have a hard act to follow." Following the success of the run, the play transferred to the Cheltenham Everyman Theatre in October. Cast and crew were as follows:
CAST
- Amy - Charlotte Ellis
- Jim - David Angus
- Elaine - Dee Sadler
- Ray - Dave Rogers
- Ben - Tom Turner
- Kate - Georgina Carey
- Charlie - Ashley Callum
PRODUCTION TEAM
- Director - Sam Berger
- Producer - Lucie Rennie
- Set & Costume Design - Catherine Hoare
- Lighting Design / Stage Manager - James Kennard
- Sound Design - Dirk Mandlebrot
- Stage Manager (Cheltenham) - Adrian Henderson
- Production Assistant (Cheltenham) - Danielle Bassett
[edit] Future work
Plain Clothes' next production will be Joe Penhall's Blue/Orange which they will be touring around the South-West of England in 2008.
