THE STEVEN BERKOFF PLAYS

Troupe 22 Theatre Company give their take on two comedic masterpieces by Steven Berkoff, a pioneer of expressionism and physical, stylised, 'heightened' theatre that breaks boundaries and gets 'in the audiences' faces' with bold, expressive language, physicality, and vibrant characters. Troupe22 meets 'Berkovian' theatre to form this unique style of comedy in their interpretation of these two plays.

DAHLING YOU WERE MARVELOUS

The lights come down on a night of rousing theatre performances in London's West End, and the fabulous casts of larger-than-life, flamboyant actors, eccentric directors, producers & wannabes, burst into the nearby highly exclusive restaurant for celebratory drinks and merriment! Echoes of "Dahling you were marvellous!" fill the air, with huge hugs and kisses and adoration all round, while behind each others' backs tearing apart their performances. As glasses of sparkling champagne flow around the room, actors become increasingly obsessive over their performances, desperate for validation and recognition from the directors, producers, critics on the other tables, all vying for their attention by any means. Clumps of pompous producers become increasingly passionate about their next big ego projects, and their god given right create 'artistic disasters'. We gain an insight into the world of a 'showbiz watering hole', where behind the glamour and 'Dahling' greetings, the place is full of superficiality, vanity, insecurity and pretentiousness, in this play of chaotic hilarity.

Cast

• Linda – Anna Fay

• Steve – Jordyn Linklater

• Sid – Rachel Smith

• Sycophant – Premo Miriki

• Brick – Sot A

• Sir Michael – Myles Lovell

• Tart - (inflatable prop) 

• Producer – Olivia Ruggiero

• Assistant – Agnieszka Wieclawska

• Terry Adams – Jack Gregson

• Billy – Precious

• Fat Producer – Francesca Woods

• Secretary – Chloe Cheung

• Morris Welder – Elise Lambert

• Would-Be Producer – Felix Maramba

• Sloany Female – Pelumi Adedayo-Bamidele

• Garry – Aaron Hayes

• The Bar Manager  – Dela Hini & Fenella Watkins Hale

• 3 Sisters – Summer Stringfellow, Chloe Cheung, Olivia Ruggiero

• Various Ensemble Characters / Guests – Multiple cast members sharing roles

PURGATORY

John, a classically trained Shakespearean actor, is moving into a run-down, disheveled apartment block, which due to his noble artistic integrity, is all he can afford. Run by the straight-talking, no-nonsense landlady Betty, who is not impressed by John's Shakespeare and theatre spiel, just wants a tenant that won't cause any fuss, and doesn't want any 'weirdos'. While unpacking, John finds solace in reciting the words of his beloved Shakespeare, which pricks the ears of his neighbouring flatmate, Sarah, who when she introduces herself to John and expresses how deeply moved and affected she was by his beautiful poetry, takes his breath away, and in Sarah he sees a vision of Heaven in this 'Purgatory'.

Cast:

• John – Ben Rath & Harrison Booth

• Sara – Bethanie Hayes

• Betty – Chloe Ray

• Ted – Myles Lovell

ABOUT STEVEN BERKOFF

Steven Berkoff’s plays, explore the use of mime, stylized movement, exaggerated vocal work, direct asides and improvisations within an ensemble environment, which are are all key feature in his writing style.

Directed by Bethanie Hayes and Aaron Hayes, the two will continue his exploration with their direction, style and set design of Troupe 22’s adaptation of these two plays.

CREATIVE TEAM
Director & Producer - Bethanie Hayes
Director & Producer - Aaron Hayes 
Producer Assistant - Francesca Woods
Producer Assistant - Abbey Devoy
Technician / Lighting Designer - Amalia Cohan

TROUPE 22 THEATRE COMPANY