1) Describe Feel in three words.
Real, Relatable, Relationship
2) The show had great success last year- what made you decide to bring it re-vive it again?
We had such a brilliant audience reaction to the piece last time, not only for Feel but for the universe as a whole (which also includes Feel More, also at the Space) – and for us it was a really a groundbreaking piece that did a lot of things for us. Great reviews, taking the show to other venues, and it also helped raise our profile to places we’d have never expected. In the new iteration of the show we wanted to really look at the storytelling again to see what new and interesting places we could take it, fix a few things that we weren’t happy with in the first incarnation, but most of all, make the absolute most of the script and story which seems to have resonated with everyone who has seen the piece. (And its cheeky little sister!)
3) The show is about “millennial love” – how would you describe this?
Living in London is a constant search for more. Not only in terms of life but also in terms of the personal relationships you make in a city with so many people that never stops moving. The “Millennial” love aspect of “Feel” is really captured in that first six period of the relationships in the stories we tell. People looking for someone to make them feel complete in a world that constantly fights for your time and energy. It talks about a lot of things, about how we’re constantly looking for validation from others, how we find and make lasting friendships and connections, not only from the people we meet and fall in love with, but also in the ways they respond to us, and also how you can reach out and hold onto someone else in the hope that they’ll love you back. In some respects it’s that way with the city too. How do you feel connected with a city that demands everything, gives so much, but perhaps not necessarily everything you want and need.
4) You describe Feel and Feel More as part of the “Feel universe” – tell us more…
Feel is part of an “expanded universe” of stories which includes “Feel More” and for the first time “Before Feel”.
“Feel More” is our companion piece to the main show. Six new writers have told seven new stories which all take place in the same universe as the main show. All of the stories are linked, either thematically or directly and take place in the same world and at the same time as the main story. So we get to find out for example about Brenda from UKIP, or Naomi’s sister, which have a direct link to the main story. We also get to tell stories about real issues that consume us every day and Feel More has them all – from Brexit to dating, the things you see in a Wetherspoons at 9am to grief. And Fish. (We’re not kidding!) . Feel More has brilliant writing, lovely, relatable, warm humans, and has been directed by the very brilliant Jess Barton, who is definitely a director to watch (we all think she’s awesome!)
Also in that expanded universe we have “Before Feel” which plays before selected shows on this run. “Before Feel” is a special “Feel More” story which directly links into the main show and for the first time not only sets the scene for the main story but also in terms of themes, really summarises the whole “Feel” universe and leads into the main story. It’s been brilliant to play around with having a “prequel” as well as a sequel, and Arthur Velarde who plays “Alex” has done a great job of capturing some of that millennial, train platform angst at the Space.
5) Do you have a favourite story line?
That’s a little bit like asking me to choose my favourite child! I think there’s something so brilliant in each of the stories we can tell. For me in my role as “showrunner” of the whole project I have the luxury of seeing them all as one story, and that’s the story we’ve all gone through at one point or another. Coming to London, trying to make a life for yourself, and meeting all these brilliant humans that form the rich tapestry of your life. So I love the whole thing, but I can say with some confidence that you’ll come to Feel or Feel More and see something which speaks to you, somewhere.
6) How did Proforca Theatre Company begin?
We began in 2016 with a lovely cast telling a small story (also about the London experience) and wanted to make some great fringe theatre work. It’s been such a brilliant and life affirming journey for us and it’s taken us to places we never thought possible. Our team are always evolving, but we’ve continued to learn and grow and find our place in the fringe theatre world. It’s really been the ride of a lifetime.
7) What’s next for you?
Feel goes on a short regional tour in March after it’s finished at the Space, before we return to London. We’re delighted to say that we’re taking over management of the theatre above the Lion & Unicorn Pub in Kentish Town in March – so our fringe theatre adventures are now only just beginning! We’ve got some really exciting plans and can’t wait to see how they turn out. In the meantime we’ve got the remainder of our run this week at The Space, and I just want to say a massive thank you to Adam, Grace and Keri for being exceptional hosts and letting us tell our stories and being amazing new additions to #TeamFeel. I hope that more and more people will continue to support the venue as they do so much for our fringe community. We’ve had an absolute blast!
Feel, Feel More AND Before Feel
Final performances 16th and 17th February
BOOK HERE