In Your Own Words About:

Pink:

What is the general synopsis/ narrative behind ‘Pink’?

‘Pink’ is essentially concerned with the social and environmental influences on mankind exploring the imagination and every-day interactions of six different children who are aged 7-13 years old. The audience are invited to examine a universe which is dark and distorted, yet harrowingly close to reality.   

'Pink' is being shown as theatre in the round. Was this a conscious decision? If so, why and are there any inherent challenges associated with this theatrical form?
Showing 'Pink' as theatre in the round was an absolutely conscious decision. I have always wanted to direct a play which performs to all four sides of a space. The hysterically emotional and physical nature of the play lends itself to this theatrical style. Compared to proscenium arch theatre, actors are expected to use their front to perform (turning your back on the audience is avoided where possible). For theatre in the round though, you have no choice but to turn your back on some audience members and so must question how you can express emotion when the face isn't used. Finally, I haven’t seen much theatre in the round in Cambridge and thought this would be an interesting experimental challenge.

Has anything inspired 'Pink's' narrative or the way you’ve crafted characters?
Dennis Potter, Philip Ridley and Rory Mullarkey were my first dramatic literary sources. ‘Pink’ deals with issues such as child abuse, bullying, and adolescence so documentary, internet and book research has been essential.

The play has no definite plot, nor does it have a clear conclusion. Instead, the play simply displays children characters and their relationships inside a strange little universe.

Your Personality:

What is your most noticeable personality trait?
I’m not sure it’s noticeable, but I can be a worrier. I've been known to be fierce and bold when it comes to my work. I only worry and storm on because I don’t want to let people down. I’m a bit of a workaholic, and sometimes fail to spend quality time relaxing with the people I love. 

What is your idea of happiness?

I always think that if my Dad is happy, then I’m happy. My idea of true happiness is being healthy and surrounding myself with people who care about me as much as I care about them. 

What virtue do you appreciate in others?
Humbleness, honesty and those who bring out the best in me and vice versa.

What do you most deplore in others?
People who try and bring a good man down. Envy and jealousy, although sometimes unavoidable, are not attractive characteristics. 

What is your motto?
“Life is not a rehearsal.”


Interests:

Favourite film? Strangely, ‘Beaches’ by Mary Agnes Donoghue
Favourite novel? The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald
Favourite poem? ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’ by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. 

If you were on a desert island and could only read one author, who would it be?
I’d normally say Shakespeare, but since I’ve read and performed so much of his work I don’t think I'll ever forget it. So, I’ll go with George Orwell. 

Either / Or:

Reading the book or seeing the film first? Reading the book!
Nicki Minaj or Rihanna? Oh God! I did see Rihanna in concert once, so I’ll go with her.
Luck or Money? Luck
Sweet or Savoury? Savoury
Summer or Winter? Winter
E-Book or Physical Book? A physical book, it’s far more satisfying!