Posts with the label Freya Parks
Showing posts with label Freya Parks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Freya Parks. Show all posts
Thursday, 24 May 2018
In Conversation With... Freya Parks | Teddy | Interview
Teddy runs at the Vaults until June 3rd, it is an innovative show which not only showcases the actors on stage, but also the musicians. One of whom is Freya Parks who talked to us all about her experience with the show...
Teddy is such a fun show, it must be amazing to be a part of! Have you had a favourite moment so far?
Yeah it's a complete dream to be playing rock 'n' roll on a stage!
Yeah it's a complete dream to be playing rock 'n' roll on a stage!
Looking back I think my favourite moment was probably when everything came together the first time we performed to an audience. That was when we all realised how wild and intricate and special what we'd created really was. That's always a good feeling.
For anyone that hasn't seen the show, can you explain what it's about and how you fit into it?
For anyone that hasn't seen the show, can you explain what it's about and how you fit into it?
It's about a Teddy boy and Teddy girl (Teddy and Josie) and the adventures they have during a rainy Saturday night in Elephant and Castle in 1956. After their paths cross, they discover they're both massive fans of an American band called Johnny Valentine & the Broken Hearts and so do anything they can however risky to get into their gig. Then everything kicks off...
I play Jenny O'Malley, the bassist, a lady with sass who keeps her boys (fellow band mates) in line!
Teddy is set in the 50s, if you could transport to any other era, when would you go to and why?
Teddy is set in the 50s, if you could transport to any other era, when would you go to and why?
I could quite easily spend every night at a Weimar Cabaret in the 20s. Thinking about it, the 20s and 50s were both quite wild times as there was a similar post-war attitude of making the best from nothing, living in the moment and partying amongst the rubble. They must've been exhilarating times to live in.
You not only get to play live during the show, but also after the show. What's been your best audience reaction post-show?
You not only get to play live during the show, but also after the show. What's been your best audience reaction post-show?
The audiences always impress us with their dancing but there was one particular Friday night during our cover of Johnny B. Goode when a guy - who was joyously reliving his youth - jumped up onto Johnny Valentine's platform, grabbed the microphone and sang the rest of the song to perfection! I'm really glad there's video footage...
In 5 words, can you tell us why people should come and see Teddy?
Female-empowering, gritty, nostalgic, heartfelt....ROCKIN'!!!
If you had a magic wand, which show would you do next?
Female-empowering, gritty, nostalgic, heartfelt....ROCKIN'!!!
If you had a magic wand, which show would you do next?
I recently read Teeth 'n' Smiles by David Hare. It's a bit like Teddy but a decade later! I'd love to have a bash at that.
What's your number one piece of advice for aspiring performers?
What's your number one piece of advice for aspiring performers?
If it's really what you want to do, keep going no matter what and whenever you hit a lull, surround yourself with other creative things - just keep your mind active! You never know what's round the corner.
Thank you so much Freya for taking the time to do this interview. Teddy runs at The Vaults until 3rd June.
Thank you so much Freya for taking the time to do this interview. Teddy runs at The Vaults until 3rd June.
Friday, 6 April 2018
Teddy, The Vaults | Review
Teddy
The Vaults
Reviewed on Thursday 5th April 2018 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Personally, I think The Vaults is one of the most brilliant venues in London. Not only because it's home to some wonderful shows but because it is so versatile. Every time I've visited the mystical underground theatre, I've been overwhelmed by how different it looks. Set designer Max Dorey has done an outstanding job of transforming the space for Teddy into a cool, rustic, junkyard with so much to look at. From a (creepy) doll in the corner, to a car bumper, to a giant T, every detail has been meticulously picked out and the small space feels vast but homely at the same time.
Now onto the show. Teddy tells the story of two young teens, Josie and Teddy who are out for a good night in London town. It's a story about the birth of new music and the rebellious youths of 1956. Featuring a live onstage band 'Johnny Valentine and the Broken Hearts', this show is fresh, exciting and energetic.
The ridiculously talented duo Molly Chesworth (Josie) and George Parker (Teddy) take on this unique script with such ease and grace that it seems they were born to play the roles. The story is written using rhyme as well as normal speech which makes it jumpy but lyrical at the same time. Both actors speak the poetic text so naturally that you forget it's not a 'normal' way of speaking. Adding to this, they also take on the roles of all the other characters. Twisting and contorting their bodies and voices to become the other people they are very effective.
The story line is pretty simple and I must admit that I did find the first half dragged somewhat but the second act has a Bonnie and Clyde feel and there are unexpected twists and turns. If I were to change something, I would cut some of the earlier dialogue and make the show 90 or so minutes straight thought. I think this would keep the pace going and not allow time for our minds to wander.
Tom Jackson Greaves' and Eleanor Rhode's choreography is perfectly fitting with the show and had me out of breath just watching! The movements work very well in the small space and manage to convey the excitement of the era of change in terms of clothes, music and everything else.
The onstage band are wonderful. Made up of Freya Parks, Dylan Wood, Andrew Gallo and Harrison White, they provide a soundtrack of original music (by Dougal Irvine) which has us tapping our feet and feeling truly immersed in the era. The post-show gig is an innovative and joyous way to end your night- I'd definitely pay to see Johnny Valentine and the Broken Hearts on a sold out arena tour!
Teddy is an innovative show which uses everything it has to it's advantage whilst showcasing fantastic musicians, incredible actors and an exciting story. Like nothing else I've recently seen, Teddy is the refreshing show you need to get a ticket for. Get "ready Teddy to go" along to The Vaults and don't miss this show!
Teddy runs at The Vaults until June 3rd 2018
photo credit: Scott Rylander
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