Describe Lovers Anonymous in three words.
Funny, awkward, hopeful
What was your inspiration for creating the show?
Our initial inspiration came from Shakespeare’s sonnets! We wanted to explore all the different types of love that are expressed in his sonnets in a modern context, and the group counselling framing seemed an exciting and fun way to do this.
Why love?
Love is something we all experience in different ways. No two individuals, couples, families or friendships express love in the same way. We wanted to explore, and celebrate, the diverse ways in which people experience and share their love. We also wanted to explore the complexities of love as we approach the third decade of the 21st century. There have never been so many options open for people to express love on their own terms, which we love, but we are seeing increasing resistance and opposition to people loving in their own way, which is a scary prospect and something we wanted to challenge.
The show is described a ‘unique, immersive, theatrical experience’ – break that down for us…
First of all, we don’t think there is anything like this show out there at the moment. It feels new. We use “immersive” carefully, but we are taking the audience out of a traditional theatre space divided into audience and actors, and into a real-life Lovers Anonymous session. They are part of the group, not just passive observers – we think of it a bit like a roller-coaster where the audience are in the carriage with the actors experiencing the highs, lows and laughs with them. It is less of a show, more an experience that will hopefully stay with them long after the session has finished.
As an audience do I have to get involved or can I just watch?
Of course you can just watch! Just expect to be sat in a circle, and you’ll probably have an opportunity to get to know your neighbour…
What made you want to create work that challenges the “normal” actor / audience relationship?
For us, this is the most exciting form of theatre. When our expectations of what theatre is are broken down and suddenly we’re confronted as spectators to think about what we’re seeing in a different, active way. Making the audience part of the action and part of the discussion is the best way to show them different perspectives, and that’s what we are trying to do!
What do you want the audience to chat about in the bar afterwards?
Well, first of all we want them to enjoy Clifford & The Lonely Tones’ short acoustic set. After that…we want them simply to talk to each other about their experiences of love! Have you ever had your heart broken? Who was your first kiss? These would be great conversation starters!
Do you have any advice for emerging theatre makers trying this style of work?
Get yourself out of a traditional theatre space. Find a place where you would never expect ‘theatre’ to happen. Pick a stimulus to get the ideas flowing and get stuck in. Surround yourself with positive people who want to be creative with you. Be honest with each other, and make sure you have some willing friends and family to be you test audience!
Lovers Anonymous runs from 9 Jul – 19 Jul