Big Fish the musical is heading to Northwich Memorial Court later this month from Mid Cheshire Musical Theatre Company and our editor, Paul Downham has been speaking to director Louise Colohan to find out what we can expect from this lessor known musical.
Mid Cheshire Musical Theatre Company have once again opted to produce a lesser known musical after the success of Sunshine on Leith 12 months ago and American Idiot earlier this year, which both gained huge critical acclaim. This year they bring us Big Fish, tell us about the storyline?
Big Fish tells us the story of Edward Bloom, a seemingly ordinary man who, through the tales he tells his son, appears to have led a life full of magic, wonder, love and adventure. As an ailing Edward seeks to reconcile with his now grown-up son, we are led to question what is fantasy and what is reality and what it means to have lived a good life.
Do the society consult with you as director as to their next choice of show?
The society have a committee dedicated to making their choice for the next show. I am fortunate that their decisions always seem to align with my own ambitions.
Did the fact Big Fish is a lessor know show lead to a greater interest in auditions?
I find that performers are often drawn to shows and characters that allow them to put their own interpretation on a role, so it doesn’t surprise me that a first North West production such as Big Fish attracted such a large amount of interest.
You get to rehearse at the glorious Northwich Plaza, does it make a difference being able to rehearse on a full-sized stage as opposed to somewhere like a church hall or community centre as other societies do?
The venue is inspiring as a place to work, and I feel we get a “show level” of performance much sooner than in a smaller space. That being said we must always remember that the stage upon which we rehearse is not the final destination of the show and last minute changes can always be anticipated.
You had bagpipes in Sunshine on Leith, cast breaking the fourth wall for American Idiot. Do you have any teasers for this show?
No bagpipes this time around but in a show based around fantastical tales the audience should prepare themselves for an immersive experience with explosions, puppetry and magic in abundance.
You have gained a reputation for the innovative use of projections in your productions. Will we be seeing this continue?
In Big Fish we have looked to push the boundaries even further. Again, I have been aided and abetted by the brilliance of Simon Matthews to breathe life into Edwards stories, From tornadoes and floods to circuses and caves we hope that the technology used will allow the audience to truly feel part of the narrative. On a more personal note, I have found that the use of projections allows for slicker scene changes and a heightened sense of reality.
Of all the roles in the show, do you have a favourite?
Every character on stage plays a vital part in the story so it is impossible to choose a favourite. As director I have to ensure no favouritism comes into my process!
On the same subject, do you have a favourite song in the show?
I love “How It Ends”. To avoid spoilers, I will just say that this is when some of the show’s mysteries are ended, and we finally meet the man behind the myth. I hope the audience will be as emotionally affected by this as we have been creating it.
There is a rumour going round that this is your last show directing with Mid Cheshire. Please tell us this is not true?
For now, I am afraid this is true. After Big Fish I am directing the play Blood Brothers for Congleton Players and then will be taking a sabbatical to focus on a return to acting and singing. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sarah and everyone at MCMTC for their support and dedication over the last few years.
Finally, why should we book to see Big Fish later this month?
I think the Big Fish represents musical theatre in its purest form. A true family friendly musical that transports the viewer to a place of wonder and excitement. The creative team and the cast have worked hard to make us fall in love with these characters and their wondrous journey and we want a full theatre to come and experience what I hope will be a memorable show.
North West End UK has long supported amateur theatre companies equally alongside professional companies and we encourage you to support such productions when they visit your local venues.
Big Fish plays at Northwich Memorial Court from the 21st – 24th September and tickets can be found at https://midcheshiremusicals.org.uk/