MB wrote “During my time directing for Young Wick, I have been astonished by the talent and dedication the group have shown in every production – and this year is no different. They really have been a delight to direct and teach. As well as performing on stage, the group have put tremendous enthusiasm into all aspects of the production, publicity, props, costumes, sound and lighting. The year’s show really has been a group effort. With at least three members busily working back stage and the rest of the cast giving it their all, this really is an ensemble piece!
Multiplex is a play that looks at the magical job of the humble usher. As we follow Dillon, one of the senior ushers, we explore the individual quirks of the characters and their status in their work life. Their hopes, dreams, fears and aspirations are all united through their love of film.
As you sit back with your popcorn and … ‘Ask yourself one question: what’s your favourite film, punk?'”
Publicity #1: Multiplex/Blithe Spirit
Publication: Shoreham Herald
Publication Data: August 24 2006 issue – page 35
Text Header: Ushering in the future of drama at the Barn Theatre
Sub Header: Wick’s double bill
Text: Content
TWO new productions will be performed at Southwick’s Barn Theatre by local theatre groups next month.
The Young Wick Theatre Company will perform Christopher William Hill’s witty and imaginative play, Multiplex.
In a fantasy world of film, ushers at a cinema become stars of the silver screen when the curtains go down and the viewers have gone home. Multiplex was commissioned especially for young actors by the National Theatre.
It is the third offering by the Young Wick company, following two previously highly acclaimed productions under the direction of Mark Best, who has again assembled a large and talented cast.
As the story unfolds, we begin to find out more about the young characters as they try to find their own identities and standing among their peers. The comes a challenger in the form of a new recruit, Mouse, played by Hugo Harwood, and a fight to maintain the pecking order ensues.
Just who will win this intriguing blend of reality and fiction?
Performances of Multiplex run from Thursday, September 7, to Saturday, September 9.
From Wednesday, September 13, to Saturday, September 16, Wick Theatre Company presents Blithe Spirit, a classic comedy by Noël Coward concerning ghostly goings-on.
The action centres on a dinner party with a difference, when Charles, played by Tony Brownings, invites eccentric medium Madame Arcati [Barbara Trenear-Thomas] to hold a séance. Although sceptical of her powers, writer Charles needs background information for his latest novel, but his plan backfires when he and wife Ruth find themselves sharing their home with a glamorous yet disruptive ghost – Charles’ first wife Elvira, who has returned from the grave and isn’t keen on going back.
Directed by Bob Ryder, Blithe Spirit features Kati Szeless as Ruth, Judith Berrill as Elvira and John Garland and Nikki Dunsford as Dr and Mrs Bradman. Natalie Colgate, a new face at the Barn, is Edith the maid, who scurries in and out serving food and drink, until she tumbles down the stairs and gets concussion.
Performances of Multiplex and Blithe Spirit start at 7.45pm, at the Barn Theatre, at Southwick Community Centre, in Southwick Street, Southwick. Tickets for both productions cost £7 and are available from the box office 01273 597094.
Review #1: Multiplex
Publication: Shoreham Herald
Publication Data: Unknown
Reviewer: Jeremy Malies
Text Header: Unknown
Text: Content
The world of the silver screen was brought to life in Young Wick Theatre Company’s latest production Multiplex. Written by Christopher William Hill, the play revolved around the lives of a group of young ushers obsessed with films. As the story was played out, reality and fantasy became increasingly merged, with the ushers making their own films under the direction of King, played by Tom Harris. King is the ultimate film buff, but his leadership was challenged when Mouse arrived and the pecking order between the different types of usher, ‘plankton, dudes and buffs’ began to disintegrate.
A strong comedy element was provided by Spike and Elton, played by Danny Bayford, 18, and Miles Bland, 13. They were King’s ‘heavies’ and the interaction between the two provided some of the biggest laughs of the evening. Tom Pearson, 17, also stood out as Dillon, who acted as the narrator of the play. He stood in the wings, observing the actions of his co-workers with a dry, cynical humour. As well as being funny, this play managed to address difficulty which many young people have trying to fit in. Throughout the play, there were references to famous films, Citizen Kane and the original Star Wars trilogy, which real-life film buffs will have enjoyed.
There were no props on stage, apart from a projector that showed clips of famous films. This starkness could have been a problem for the young cast, but, instead led to a feeling of intimacy between actors and audience which was enhanced by the setting of the Barn Theatre. Directed by Mark Best, this play gave a humorous, entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable insight into the mind of a teenager. Everyone involved should feel proud.
Review #2: Multiplex
Publication: Brighton Argus
Publication Data: Unknown
Reviewer: Barrie Jerram
Text Header: A night at the movies
Text: Content
THE Young Wick Theatre Company made a bold choice with this unusual play, set within a multiplex cinema. In exploring the world of the young ushers and eavesdropping on their dreams and aspirations, it provided amusing insights into young love and young lust. The mind of the youngsters was glimpsed through a series of monologues within the framework of the making of a film.
Film making being the passion of the head usher, King, well played by Tom Harris. His place at the top of the hierarchy is challenged by the arrival of a serious film buff by the name of Mouse, a nicely underplayed performance by Hugo Harwood.
The cast managed to extract plenty of laughs in a complex production that involved screen projections and intricate lighting with many of the laughs coming from Danny Bayford and Miles Bland as a couple of self appointed henchmen to King.
A highlight of the show was when Cass, love-struck for King, tells the audience how she plans to kiss him and this involved a hilarious thought process that passes through courtship, marriage, kids, abandonment, the Child Support Agency and an appearance on Trisha!
Equally impressive was the monologue from Rhys Webb as Fish, a diminutive character who desperately wanted to be noticed.
Review #3: Multiplex
Publication: Words & Music
Publication Data: Unknown
Reviewer: Gordon Bull
Text: Content
I have no doubt about the acting ability of this young group, which was very high. Why not? The whole tone of the play was couched in some of the more extreme situations to be found in many an inner-city playground or ‘low-life’ deprived area. I was warned beforehand that there would be ‘language’. So what? That’s life! But I never really discovered the thrust of this play. I thought the reference to Tracy Emin, when Spike [Danny Bayford] produced his own piece of detritus [s***] for his teacher to assess, was probably the central theme. There was indeed scarcely five minutes when ‘crap’ [my substitution; for some reason this is approved when the original is not] was not in some character’s mouth.
Well! Playground, pub and site language now invades, if it does not pervade, society. There was a time when one apologised to a lady for using it, just like removing one’s hat when entering a room. But times change! This became more than a point as the youngsters were caught up in this play within a play, where the films they watch are the life they live and vice-versa. There was some telling camera work and much credit must go to the convincing way the ‘signing’ was carried out by the deaf girl and her worker, but also to the whole cast in the opening dance scene.
Sound effects were always effective and appropriate, as was the lighting. Lead parts Dillon [Tom Pearson] and King [Tom Harris] were particularly strong and well cast. Most of the main characters were well-coached in delivery, which could well be emulated by all, but I confess that it’s a massive task to juggle the sloppy utterances of the back-street kids with the articulation and projection necessary to satisfy the audience as to its content. The 12-year-old who accompanied me said it had the right feel!
I can’t say I enjoyed the play, but there was plenty of humour displayed and all credit to the players. As ‘King’ said – “It’s the end of the world for God’s sake: there’s nothing there!” leaving his young protégé perplexed. Was it worth the trouble? God knows!
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