Can you explain the story of FANS?
This is the story of what it means to be a true music fan. The passion, the obsession, the lengths you find yourself prepared to go for that one artist or band who you simply couldn’t imagine your life without. This is the story of four friends and band members from completely different backgrounds, united by their love of music, searching for not only a sound and a philosophy but also a name. Each member has their own ideas and aspirations for the band inspired by their own music hero’s. Chris has an undying love of Green Day, Andrew adores ambient music, Charlie is obsessed with pop icon Madonna and Meghan’s heart is filled with such an expansive and eclectic mix of artists it’s almost impossible for her to choose just one. Whilst this is the story of the band each member has their own individual fan story to tell which explore everything from not fitting in at school and rebelling against your parents to falling in love and finally figuring out who and what it is that you want to be.
Why gig theatre?
Why not gig theatre? Obviously in terms of this particular show it’s the perfect medium to platform a piece which is all about people’s love of music but I love how it seems to be steadfastly becoming our generation’s chosen form of theatre. It was really important to all of the creative team that the show would be accessible to as many people as possible given that music is such a universal art form and gig theatre can provide that place whereby non theatre goers might otherwise feel alienated or unengaged. It’s part of The Six Twenty’s ethos that the kind of theatre they develop and produce is immersive, raucous and fun and there are times throughout the show where we want the audience to feel like they could actually be at a live gig. It’s the culture of it. Most theatre audiences will be used to being asked to switch off their mobile phones, remain silent and seated throughout the performance but we want to encourage our audiences to take photos, sing along and even dance if they want to!
What do you hope audiences will take away from your play?
I hope it leaves them feeling uplifted, longing to listen to that artist they once loved or inspired to pick up that instrument they haven’t played in forever. Most of all I hope it leaves them looking back with fondness to a time or a place in their life that was punctuated by the music.
FANS plays at Canada Water Theatre on Friday 2 November at 7.30pm