When a fashionable movie star is kidnapped by a mysterious stalker, he must learn how to negotiate his way out of imprisonment using all his skills and cunning.
Opening later this month, we spoke with Lesley Ann Albiston the writer and director of Chop Me Up Or Let Me Go about her dark comedy with a twist.
What inspired you to create this show? Why this story?
During the first lockdown people used it as an opportunity to be fully creative, some built robots out of household appliances, some searched the night sky for aliens who might offer a way off this pandemic-soaked planet, and I wrote a play about being trapped. Because I was trapped. A bit obvious really in retrospect. Luckily, it’s getting to be performed and appreciated.
Who are the collaborators on this production?
Firstly, I cast Alastair Coughlan, a brand-new shiny actor musician, fresh from training in New York Drama school in the main role of kidnapped famous actor Tom Reynolds, when I only had an early draft, then I sort-of built the rest of play around the Alastair’s incredible skill set. It took us a while to find a female actor who could match his dramatic/comedic performance whilst portraying Astrid Barton, a slightly unhinged stalker turned kidnapper, but much to our delight we found the striking actor dancer Ciara Murphy not long after graduating from ALRA. She inspired me to develop the character of Astrid away from being just another crazy stalker into someone a little more real. Astrid is still bonkers though. Adorable but bonkers. You must be to do what she does in the play…
Opening later this month, we spoke with Lesley Ann Albiston the writer and director of Chop Me Up Or Let Me Go about her dark comedy with a twist.
What inspired you to create this show? Why this story?
During the first lockdown people used it as an opportunity to be fully creative, some built robots out of household appliances, some searched the night sky for aliens who might offer a way off this pandemic-soaked planet, and I wrote a play about being trapped. Because I was trapped. A bit obvious really in retrospect. Luckily, it’s getting to be performed and appreciated.
Who are the collaborators on this production?
Firstly, I cast Alastair Coughlan, a brand-new shiny actor musician, fresh from training in New York Drama school in the main role of kidnapped famous actor Tom Reynolds, when I only had an early draft, then I sort-of built the rest of play around the Alastair’s incredible skill set. It took us a while to find a female actor who could match his dramatic/comedic performance whilst portraying Astrid Barton, a slightly unhinged stalker turned kidnapper, but much to our delight we found the striking actor dancer Ciara Murphy not long after graduating from ALRA. She inspired me to develop the character of Astrid away from being just another crazy stalker into someone a little more real. Astrid is still bonkers though. Adorable but bonkers. You must be to do what she does in the play…
Have there been any obstacles and/or highlights in the process of creating the show?
Only highlights, working with such talented actors, Cira & Alastair, and also with a brilliant Stage Crew, Megan Harley & Dan Maxted, both in their final year studying at Rose Bruford. I instinctively trust Megan & Dan enough to leave them to get on with their work and they both are incredibly professional whist adding so much creativity and fun to the play.
Who should see this show & why?
Much to my delight the play seems to strike a chord with young people, who seem to totally enjoy and get the premise. Saying that, everyone should come and see it, because both actors are so ahead of their game, Ciara & Alastair are mesmerising to watch on stage. With the play running an unrelenting tense, pulsating, funny, sexy and intriguing one hour, so much so that the time just flies by, it really is worth a visit to The Bread & Roses Theatre with plenty time for a friendly pint in the cosy pub afterwards.
What's next?
The Drayton Arms for a week in April, before we take it to the Helmsley Arts Centre, one of Alastair’s old haunts for a one-off performance.
You can catch Chop Me Up Or Let Me Go 21st - 23rd February 2022, BOOK NOW
Only highlights, working with such talented actors, Cira & Alastair, and also with a brilliant Stage Crew, Megan Harley & Dan Maxted, both in their final year studying at Rose Bruford. I instinctively trust Megan & Dan enough to leave them to get on with their work and they both are incredibly professional whist adding so much creativity and fun to the play.
Who should see this show & why?
Much to my delight the play seems to strike a chord with young people, who seem to totally enjoy and get the premise. Saying that, everyone should come and see it, because both actors are so ahead of their game, Ciara & Alastair are mesmerising to watch on stage. With the play running an unrelenting tense, pulsating, funny, sexy and intriguing one hour, so much so that the time just flies by, it really is worth a visit to The Bread & Roses Theatre with plenty time for a friendly pint in the cosy pub afterwards.
What's next?
The Drayton Arms for a week in April, before we take it to the Helmsley Arts Centre, one of Alastair’s old haunts for a one-off performance.
You can catch Chop Me Up Or Let Me Go 21st - 23rd February 2022, BOOK NOW
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