Introducing Alison Flevill – Jaime – All Because Of Molly
Alison plays Jaime in All Because Of Molly – she joined us after answering an open casting call.
She was asked to write something about why she wanted to get involved with us and our production of All Because Of Molly and her experience so far.
“So here we are then… one more day of full rehearsals left and we will be standing on stage in front of our first main audience. The nerves and excitement are starting to set in.
In All Because Of Molly, I play the character of ‘Jaime’ and have thoroughly loved giving her life. All Because of Molly has been a great challenge as I have had to play Jaime throughout 20 years of her life; from schoolgirl to teen to adult. We had our first run in front of a small audience last Friday and the feedback was well received. Now we have the difficult task of tying up all loose ends and really perfecting our performances. I have had a great experience working with the cast and crew, from getting to know each other to rehearsing with a wonderful and talented group of actors. I am completely proud of what we have all achieved (actors/director/crew) and cannot wait to be taking to the Lowry stage.”
Introducing Laura Lindsay – Casey – All Because Of Molly
Laura plays Casey in All Because Of Molly – she joined us after answering an open casting call.
She was asked to write something about why she wanted to get involved with us and our production of All Because Of Molly and her experience so far.
“I was really keen to be part of an Organised Chaos production as I heard from friends in the industry in Manchester that they specialised in new writing and had a reputation for selecting quality scripts. I loved All Because of Molly from the first reading and have really enjoyed working on it in rehearsal. James (the director) has encouraged a really collaborative way of working, so as a cast we have all enjoyed being part of the creative process. The play has only 4 cast members, but there are 25 characters which span 20 years of narrative, in locations as varied as a school playground, nightclub and a field, so it has been a real challenge to create a clear narrative with seamless transitions – but it is a challenge that we have all relished. The focus has very much been on clarity and truthfulness of acting and just simply telling the story – this is the sort of theatre I love.
I love the part of Casey and I really relate to her sense of humour and frequent use of sarcasm. I’ve loved getting under her skin and understanding her complex backstory which gives the play real resonance. The centre of the story is a simple theme – the bounds of friendship – but it is one that is sympathetically told and to which we can all connect.”
Introducing Christabel Brown – Juror One – All Because Of Molly
Christabel plays Molly, Stevie, Sarah, Mr Taylor, Manny, Bridget, Fran, Bar Girl, Shyko, Kate, Naomi, Molly, Alex in All Because Of Molly – she joined us after answering an open casting call.
“A year ago I took part in the original rehearsed reading of All Because Of Molly written by Paul Ferguson and directed by Martin Jameson. Although we only had a day to rehearse and only did one performance I absolutely loved the play and especially the character I had played. It was very well received by the audience and I knew that it would go further and in the future become a full production. When I heard that Organised Chaos were going to Produce the show I jumped at the chance to audition for it and luckily for me I was chosen to be in the play. I am delighted to be playing the same part as last time, Juror 1, which is multi-role part consisting of 12 characters of not only varying ages but also varying genders! It can be very challenging at times especially as sometimes I have to switch between characters very quickly but mostly it is great fun! It has been an intensive rehearsal process but I am thoroughly enjoying working with the rest of the cast and our brilliant director! I can’t wait to perform at the Lowry Studio (it is a first for me as well as Organised Chaos) and I am excited to embark on our little North West tour!”
Introducing Tamira Hamam – Juror Two – All Because Of Molly
Tamira plays Claire, Mikey, Mrs Shopland, Claire, Julia, Catherine, Sam, Man in the club, Deedee, Emily, Jenny, Caroline, George in All Because Of Molly – she joined us after answering an open casting call.
“Well, it’s show week and rehearsals are getting more and more focused and intense as we draw closer to our opening at The Lowry. The cast are so excited to get in the studio and perform our first shows but there’s definitely an air of nervous anticipation in the room! It has been an incredible process to watch the play grow from the script we were initially given to the piece of theatre we have created now, and we can only hope that Paul is going to be pleased with the results and enjoy the show! I can honestly say that I’ve enjoyed my time working with my fellow actors and director James Baker who have been so inspiring in the process of realizing this play and moving it from page to stage. To be able to have freedom to create and make so much of a minimalist set and costume design has been so teaching in terms of what we really need to ‘create theatre’. So much work has been brought to life by imagination, spot-on characterization and brilliant sound, lighting and overall design that we’ve created something which is quite a little treat, I think! Friday’s first ‘taster’ performance of the show went well, and I cannot wait for the house lights to go down on opening night and to see what our first audience makes of the piece! To my fellow actors, break a leg, to Paul, hope it’s wonderful to see the piece up on ‘legs’, and a big thank you to our team and Organized Chaos for helping it all to happen. Let’s make it a cracker!”
Introducing James Baker – Director – All Because Of Molly
James Baker is the director for All Because Of Molly he joined us after answering an open call for a Director.
He was asked to write something about why he wanted to get involved with us and our production of All Because Of Molly and his experience so far.
” ‘Needing a break’ is a cliché and a common saying when climbing your way through the world of theatre eagerly trying to obtain work. However, as with all clichés, they hold some truth. The North West is fast becoming an integral theatre producing region, yet it is still difficult to find opportunities never mind secure the job.
As a director, it isn’t easy, without having a strong network, to secure work. Unfortunately there is still an incestuous element to the art world when it comes to hiring. New talent is often undermined or feared. You’d think with the BBC arriving jobs would be plentiful, but they’re not. Organised Chaos was the remedy. After leaving a successful UK Tour as assistant director, it was perfect timing which allowed me to apply for the position of director for the playAll Because of Molly.
After receiving the script, I began to do a cold read with a friend to prepare my ideas ready for the interview. As I read the opening page I said “This is not me at all… I’m not sure I like the work”. Okay, bare with me. That was until I read the play from beginning to end. First impressions can be wrong and in this instance they were completely wrong. I loved it. It was a simple story thematically about friendship but had many layers dealing with issues I was also interested in discussing. It is having care for the material that leads to a successful direction of the play. If I ended reading with my initials thoughts I would have done the dutiful thing and not applied.
The audition process was fruitful. Having the control and allowance to make the final calls is an Organised Chaos trait. They trust the individuals that they employ. They trust that your decision is fit for purpose, that you have the experience to make the right choices and that you are in control of the project. Both the writer and company have given me freedom to be creative; a rare thing in an industry fast becoming product led.
The cast have been so understanding of my process, accepting and trusting my decisions. However, I work very closely with actors and elicit them to take responsibility for their characters and the story in which they need to communicate to the audience. I can honestly say that everything you will see in the end product has been processed by choices, thoughts, arguments, attacks and challenges. This play has been directed with care and respect by all involved. For this I am proud to be part of Organised Chaos and work with a cast as passionate as myself. “
Owen Rafferty is the Sound Operator for All Because Of Molly, he has already worked with us on our production of Joy With Child last year.
He was asked to write something about why he wanted to get involved with us and his experience so far.
“Having worked with Organised Chaos Productions before, I was already aware of the company, its ethos, and the quality of work it brings to the fringe theatre scene. So it was not a difficult decision when I was asked if I wanted to be sound operator for All Because of Molly. It has already given me the chance to meet and work with some wonderful and talented people, and to develop my own abilities as a sound engineer. Working alongside a more experienced sound designer, to help realise her vision for what the soundscape will be, has been a great learning opportunity. I am also looking forward to the challenge that all the different venues will present from a technical standpoint, as the soundscape will need to be adapted for each one.
Organised Chaos have an ethos of promoting and nurturing new talent, giving people with ambitions in theatre vital experience that they might not get otherwise. If it were not for the opportunity they gave me last year, as sound designer on Joy with Child, I might not have discovered the fringe theatre scene, and how much I enjoy working in it. It is always a privilege to be part of that creative process, and to use sound as a way of bringing another dimension to a script. The best part of this process, for me, is the fact you never really know exactly where it is going to take you. All Because Of Molly is already a great script, but I am looking forward to seeing what we will have added to it by the time we get to our first showings at the Lowry studio.”
Introducing Paul Ferguson – Writer – All Because Of Molly
Paul Ferguson is the writer of All Because Of Molly. We chose his script from the 24:7 Theatre Festivals rehearsed readings in 2010.
He was asked to write something about why he wanted to get involved with us and his experience so far.
“I was first introduced to Gayle from Organised Chaos at the 24/7 festival by Martin Jameson, Martin was directing my play at the rehearsed readings. It was an interesting experience for me, pleased to be selected but dissapointed not to be part of the full show scenarios. I have always believed in my work and although it was being recognised; it was hard watching plays when wishing my own was up there. The reading went well, people came, they patted me on the back, they drank, they left…and my play would be put back on the shelf without ever really being seen; until Organised Chaos rang me that is.
I have to admit I was flattered that they liked it, proud that they wanted it and chuffed that they actually did what they said they were going to do and they have never looked back. The business and creative side from day one has been fantastic and a pleasure to be apart of…I wrote a play that was beautiful in my head and thanks to Organised Chaos it will now be beautiful for all to see.”
Introducing Kate Collins – Understudy – All Because Of Molly
Kate Collins as stated above is the Understudy for All Because Of Molly she joined us after answering an open casting call. She is understudy for all of the four roles.
She was asked to write something about why she wanted to get involved with us and our production of All Because Of Molly and her experience so far:
“I wanted to work with organised chaos because they’re a professional company showcasing new material, and discovering upcoming actors. At the audition they made me feel really welcome. They were professional and down to earth, which was what I needed with my bad case of nerves!
When I read ‘All because of Molly’ it grabbed me straight away. I work for an agency as a community support worker, and as part of my job I often come across issues such as the ones raised in this play. It’s a delicate topic that needs more awareness. ‘All because of Molly’ raises awareness of this subject in a moving, realistic way.
The rehearsal process so far has been thoroughly enjoyable. As the understudy I’ve been able to watch rehearsal sessions take place, and see them from a directors perspective, which has been really interesting for me as an Actor. I have also had the opportunity to rehearse multiple roles which has been challenging and fun. The director is easy to work with and has some brilliant ideas, and works with what the actor brings to the scenes and characters.”
Karen Lauke as stated above is the Sound Designer for All Because Of Molly she joined us after answering an open call for a Sound Designer.
She was asked to write something about why she wanted to get involved with us and our production of All Because Of Molly and her experience so far.
“Working in Higher Education as a University Lecturer I believe it to be extremely important to be ‘active’ when teaching students the necessary skills and knowledge of areas they may wish to work in themselves. I am often commissioned to install sound installations or present work as part of a performance within the UK and internationally which I really enjoy doing as you never really stop learning. There is always something challenging about working with new collaborators, in different spaces and with new technology. It keeps you on your toes and ensures that students learn about current trends in the industry through active teaching. However because of the time commitments, it is often difficult to commit to working on large theatre productions that requires you to attend rehearsals, tech runs and to be around to ensure that the sound system and equipment is installed in each of the touring venues correctly.
I have heard a lot of positive comments about the work that Organised Chaos create and have seen great examples of their work. Working as the Sound Designer on the north west tour of All Because of Molly is exciting as most of the venues on the tour I have never worked in previously – so I am looking forward to the challenge! In addition, working with a mix of professionals and recent graduates means there is a wealth of experience but also a bank of young and fresh ideas. The sound design for the production is well underway with recording sessions booked in for the cast and sound effects playing out in the rehearsal studio. I hope that the atmospheric soundscapes will transport the characters on their journey and immerse the audience in the telling of such a simple just beautifully written narration!”
All Because Of Molly
Our production of All Because Of Molly will open at the Lowry in just over three weeks and will then go on to The Continental (Preston), The Lantern Theatre (Liverpool), Square Chapel (Halifax), and Pavilion Arts Centre (Buxton).
We’re really looking forward to taking this fantastic adventure into having our work at these amazing venues and taking our work to a bigger audience.
We hope you will really enjoy the show as much as we do – it really is a brilliant play even if we do say so ourselves. All we can say is make sure you have your tissues ready to laugh and cry!
Over the next few weeks we are going to be bringing you a bit of an insight behind the scenes and introduce you to all the members of our team.
Starting with Karen Lauke – our sound designer
