+3 Interview: Merrily We Roll Along

Posted in EdFestivals 2017, Plus 3 2017 - Features, Written Interviews by

“This is a classic piece of theatre which deserves to be brought in front of audiences again.”

WHO: Paul Murphie, Producer/Director

WHAT: “Kaufman and Hart’s groundbreaking play sees its first revival in decades, telling the story of Richard Niles, a playwright who seemingly has it all – but what sacrifices has he made for fame? The play travels back in time, beginning in 1934 at the peak of Niles’ success, through the Great Depression and the roaring 20s, while he abandons his principles to fulfil his ambitions. The play that inspired the iconic Sondheim musical, this is a story of friendship, aspiration and betrayal, set in a glittering age of American culture.”

WHERE: theSpace @ Symposium Hall (Venue 43)

WHEN: 13:10 (90 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

This is our first time at the Fringe as Our Time Theatre company. We are a brand new theatre company based in Edinburgh and are super excited to take part in the 2017 Edinburgh Festival Fringe!

Tell us about your show.

Our show is a brand new adaptation of the 1934 play, Merrily We Roll Along, originally written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. We have been working with U.S producer and director, Christopher Hart (who is the son of Moss Hart!), to create this adaptation – and we are extremely excited and proud to be producing the first revival of this play in decades. Many people will be familiar with the 1980s Sondheim musical of the same name, which was based on the original 1934, although with some changes to the characters, storyline and era in which it was set.

We believe this is a classic piece of theatre which deserves to be brought in front of audiences again. It was a groundbreaking play when first released due to the reverse structure in which it is told – as we move forward in the play but backwards in time ,we see snapshots of our protagonist’s life, the important events and decisions that led him to where he is when we first meet him in 1934. This play is truly unique, charming, clever and thought-provoking; a moving story set in the glittering era of 1920s America, packed full of sensational drama as well as sparkling comedy with a poignant message.

We are Our Time Theatre, a new venture with the aim of providing actors with opportunities for creative and professional self-development, through the production and performance of new or lesser known work: which in turn, we want to bring to greater cultural prominence to audiences.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

We are planning to see as many shows as possible during the Fringe and are very excited that we are in Edinburgh for the whole summer. We would recommend that audiences see as much as possible – there are a many great and wonderful (and weird!) things to see! We love the whole atmosphere of the Fringe, and our favourite thing to do is get out the Royal Mile and see what flyers we pick up! One show we will not be missing this year is “It Shoulda Been You” – a musical being put on by our good friends at Room 29 Theatre!

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