10 Questions from Feel More - Jack Albert Cook

In the run up to the launch of Feel and Feel More we’re spending some quality time with our brilliant cast and creative team. We threw our ten challenging questions at Feel More writer Jack Albert Cook who brings us a bit closer to his piece “Luke” performed by Ben Fensome

1. Introduce yourself and tell us a bit about you.
   My name is Jack Albert Cook and I am one of the writers for Feel More! I’m a born a raised Geordie, but for some reason the accent has evaded me (most people think I’m Welsh). I have been writing for about 4 years now, having done a BA in Drama and a MA in Scriptwriting at Bath Spa. I moved to London just over a year ago and have had the best time so far!

2. How do you feel today?
   You know what, I thought I’d be hungover, but I actually fresh as a daisy. So I’m in a great mood!

3. Tell us a bit about your character in “Feel More”
   My character is a bit of weirdo, but weird people are the best. He’s warm, funny and emotional as heck. He’s bloody brave as well.

4. What’s the best thing you’ve seen at the theatre and why?
   Oh god…it is probably a toss-up between The Inheritance and Callisto: A Queer Epic. Both made me ugly cry, but in the best way. The Inheritance blew me away, especially the writing. I still don’t understand how Matthew Lopez wrote that. Callisto was so beautifully acted and captured so much emotion and heart in it. The last scene absolutely broke me and brought me back to life all at once.

5. If you could be any sort of biscuit what would it be?
   Ringtons Ginger Snap. Hands down.

6. What are your 3 favourite songs and why?

   “Pure Shores” by All Saints…epic ethereal gold.

   “All Fired Up” by Matt Corby…I want this to be my first dance song at my wedding to my non-existent partner.

   “How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful” by Florence and the Machine…blew my mind when I first heard it and it still has the same effect now (the brass section at the end is actual brilliance).

7. Do you have any pre-show superstitions or rituals?
   Because I’m a writer, the fear of seeing my work on stage for the first time is a lot, so a large glass of wine is probably my pre-show ritual.

8. What would the title of your autobiography be?

   Memoirs of a Gay-Sha: Jack Cook’s Journey, I’M STILL HERE.

9. What do you like most about the world of Feel / Feel More and why do think people should buy a ticket?

   It’s real, it’s everyone and there is something in it for every person who sees it to relate to. It’s shattering and funny and full to the brim with heart. I think it shows people that they’re not alone in a way too. It’s like watching the world being reflected back at you.

10. Tell us something surprising about you that people might not know.

    When I was 17, I came ridiculously close to legally putting ‘Gatsby’ in my name because I loved the book so much. Thank god I didn’t.

---

Jack is the writer of “Luke” in “Feel More” which is directed by Jess Barton and performed at The Space, London this February. Tickets are on Sale Now. We’re still working on a way to insert “Pure Shores” onto the “Feel” Spotify playlist. (Jack’s still trying to work out which of the Appleton sisters he’s going to be) You can follow Jack on Twitter @JackAlbertCook

Proforca Theatre Company is a fringe theatre company based in London. You can find us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @ProforcaTheatre. Tickets for “Feel” and “Feel More” with its new prequel “Before Feel” are on sale now from space.org.uk

10 Questions from Feel More - Ben Fensome

In the run up to the launch of Feel and Feel More we’re spending some time with our brilliant cast and creative team. Next up is the very talented Ben Fensome who chats to us about his role as “Luke” in Feel More in a great new piece written by Jack Albert Cook.

1. Describe yourself in Five Words
   I am tall and messy.

2. How do you feel today? ·      
   Good thanks! I’m very much looking forward to reading the monologue Jack Albert Cook is writing for me.

3. What actor do you most admire and why?
   Got to be Meryl. I wrote a whole blog once watching all her films and still not bored.

4. If you could play any role that you haven’t played so far, what would it be and why?
   I’d be positively terrible at it, but I’d love a crack at Coriolanus. Something about that hot-headed, hyper-masculine, proud, soldier thing that is completely alien to me I’d like to explore.

5. What’s the best thing about living in London?
   World class West End theatre, if that’s too expensive tonnes of excellent fringe theatre, if that’s too expensive, plenty of amazing free galleries/culture to take advantage of.

6. What scares and excites you most about acting?
   I’m mostly scared of not being able to (for whatever reason) tell a character’s story believably. Most excited by those rare transcendent moments where everything seems to align, and you really feel in sync with the character, the other performers and the audience.

7. What’s been the most challenging thing you’ve ever done on stage?
   I co-wrote a play with a friend from drama school in which we played a couple from the age of 21, every seven years (the title incidentally), up to when they are 86. Ageing a character through a very subtle physicality was a huge challenge and surprisingly was a lot more of an emotional process to both ourselves and the audience than we first realised, but it proved to be an extremely rewarding experience.

8. What’s your favourite line from any piece of theatre?
   It scares me how much I relate to: “I will do such things - what they are yet I know not - but they shall be the terrors of the earth!” from King Lear on a daily basis.

9. ·What do you like most about the world of Feel / Feel More and why do think people should buy a ticket?
   For Feel More I love the idea of taking little snapshots at a group of disparate people and what it will reveal about life in London at this fairly tumultuous time whilst also being funny.

10. Tell us something surprising about you that people might not know.

    A couple years ago I did my Grade 2 piano exam (alongside all the 7 year olds) and plan this year to do my Grade 3.

---

Ben is an actor and writer based in London and plays “Luke” in “Feel More” written by Jack Albert Cook. we’re lining him him up for a super masculine starring role in a future production of Coriolanus. Find out more about Luke and a night to remember by buying tickets for Feel More on sale now. You can follow Ben on Twitter "@BenFensome

Proforca Theatre Company are a theatre company based in London. You can find out more about the world of Feel by James Lewis by visiting our website or following us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram @ProforcaTheatre

Proforca Blog - Alex Knott, Writer - "Feel More"

In the run up to our February 2019 productions of #ProforcaFeel and #FeelMore we threw open the doors of the Proforca Blog to our new collaborators, writers and Production Team. Taking over the blog for a look at crafting a “Feel More” monologue is the brilliant Alex Knott!

It was the middle of last summer, at the height of the Edinburgh Fringe, when David first mentions Brenda to me. 

(Get me, sounds like I’m writing Breakfast at Tiffany’s).

Me, a little bleary eyed, more than a little exhausted and running on fumes, the manic flyering energy that most Fringe participants generate and the Underbelly gin. David, looking far more composed, with a cup of tea in front of him that I will later discover seems to materialise literally wherever he goes.

 David is explaining the idea behind the ‘Feel’ universe.  - “It’s like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but for theatre”.

This idea of an interconnected world, or maybe, better, one interconnected story, all branching off from James Lewis’ initial play, seems like it provides an almost endless supply of opportunities to the writers involved. The idea of the basis of the project being on a tube platform is immediately intriguing. 

This is a project about the way we live now, about our generation, about how Millennials fail to connect with one another. It is, certainly a play for now, and is added more irony and poignancy by the fact that ‘Feel’ is set in the run up to the EU referendum. Now, in the wake of that decision, and with so many of the most crucial decisions teetering on the edge, that play is going to feel like something of a harrowing warning. A warning that, possibly, we’re far too late to heed.

“There’s any number of strands in the play that writers could pick up on. Stories that could be told.”

Possibilities.

“There’s a woman at the station. She’s never seen, only mentioned. Brenda from UKIP.”

That’s the only mention of Brenda that day. For now. 

Jump forward to a morning in mid-November, on the first day of the projects. Both projects. This is where the teams behind ‘Feel’ and ‘Feel More’ (the series of stories from the world of Feel, all written by new playwrights) will meet and hear the play out loud for the first time. I mention to David that with our names laid out on cards, in front of our allocated chairs, it feels like we’re making Broadchurch. 

That’s not a bad shout, to be honest, as there is something televisual in the style, the energy of the play. It wouldn’t make a bad TV series. Or radio play. This is where the possibilities are endless. Stories could continue to populate this world. A whole world of disconnected Londoners. Born and bred Londoners, or those who simply find themselves in this city for better of worse. The opportunity to tell a thousand lonely stories. There isn’t a clear endpoint for a project like that.

By this point, David has asked me to pick up the story of the woman from UKIP. I didn’t want to write a monologue criticising the Leave campaign, or trying to get cheap laughs at UKIP’s expense. That would be the simplest option. Instead, I want to try and tell a story that makes you feel for Brenda. Maybe for just a handful of minutes, you can see her side.

“The most important thing is that the monologues are relatable, and that these are people we’d like to spend time with.”

David throws me a look.

“Except Brenda from UKIP.”

Challenge accepted, David. I think to myself.

Now a few weeks down the line, and some words have been written. They’ve yet to be edited, but the page isn’t blank any more. I’ve tried to give Brenda a voice that she’d be proud of.

I don’t believe that theatre is a soapbox; it isn’t there to shout politics at an audience through a loudhailer – so you’ll have to buy a ticket to see what a coconut shy and game show prizes might have to do with Brexit or UKIP. 

The words are going to be spoken by Demelza O’Sullivan. There’s a date in the diary. The show is going on. From that initial conversation in Edinburgh, the woman at the train station has some words to speak. Soon it’ll be out of my hands, and into Demelza’s, to discover if she has a voice.

---

Alex Knott is a Director, Actor and Writer who lives in London. When he’s not wondering where all the tea is coming from he is a writer and director with Bag of Beard and Boxless Theatre. You can follow Alex on Twitter @AlexKnott95

Proforca Theatre Company are a fringe theatre company based in London - our productions of “Feel” and “Feel More” head to The Space, London from Feb 5th to 17th 2019. Tickets for all performances are on sale NOW. For more information follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @ProforcaTheatre #TeamFeel.

10 Questions from Feel More - Demelza O'Sullivan

Brenda lives! In the run up to the launch of Feel and Feel More we’re spending time with our brilliant cast and creative team. First up (and repping for the Midlands!) We have the brilliant Demelza O’Sullivan who features as “Brenda” in “Feel More” by the equally brilliant Alexander Knott. Find out about Demelza right here!

1. Describe yourself in Five Words
   Shy, strong-willed, clumsy, daft, generous…

2. How would those that know you best describe you?

   I actually think I’m quite an introvert but my friends always describe me as ‘bonkers’ (I can’t think why!) It’s probably because I’m always up for a laugh and will try pretty much anything once. I am also a risk taker and try to live by the motto ‘To live in fear is not to live at all’ as Corey Feldman once said in the classic 80’s film ‘License to Drive.’ I do have a problem with starting conversations with people I don’t know though as I am a bit socially awkward.

3. What actor do you most admire and why?

   I love Emma Thompson. Not only is she an amazing actress but I was also very lucky to meet her recently. She was so charming and friendly; she spoke to every single person in the room and made everyone feel really important. She’s also has the most amazing skin!

4. What’s the best thing you’ve seen at the theatre and why?

   I go to the theatre a lot but I recently saw ‘The Lieutenant of Inishmore’ by Martin McDonagh at the Noel Coward theatre and it was brilliant. It has been my favourite play since I read it at college and I’ve always wanted to see it on stage. It was the funniest thing I’ve seen in a very long time, so much funnier than when I read the script to myself as I can’t do the Irish accent. The acting from all of the actors was superb but it did have a very handsome actor in the lead role…

5. If you could play any theatre role yet you haven’t, what would it be and why?

   I love musicals; I grew up watching them because my mom was a big fan. I never really get to play happy, funny characters so I would love to play Dolly in ‘Hello Dolly.’ I’m not musical theatre trained so would probably get booed off the stage but the character of Dolly is just so scheming and hilarious. I love Barbara Streisand and the film version is one of my favourite films. I remember watching it over and over as a child. It’s the film that made me want to act. 

6. What scares and excites you most about acting?

   The most exciting thing about acting is the uncertainty of it all. You never know what role you are going to play next and it’s so much fun getting to meet new people all of the time. I love theatre because of the adrenalin rush you get before each performance – there’s nothing else like it. The scariest thing is also the uncertainty of it all! The continual search for work and not knowing whether you are going to be able to afford to pay the rent next month is difficult.

7. What’s been the most challenging thing you’ve done on stage?

   I recently played the character of ‘Maggie’ in Anna Jordan’s ‘Yen’ which was an amazing but challenging role to play. She is a diabetic, alcoholic mother who leaves her young sons on their own in a flat to fend for themselves. It was a physically and emotionally demanding role in which I had to swear a lot and also smoke for the first time ever. I learned a few new words! I also set fire to my eyelashes but I don’t really talk about that part…

8.  If you could swap lives with anyone for the day who would it be and why?

   I would like to swap lives for a day with Eleanor Tomlinson who plays the character of ‘Demelza’ in BBC’s Poldark. Obviously this is because my name is Demelza and not for any other reason, DEFINITELY not because Aidan Turner plays Ross Poldark…ahem…moving swiftly on!

9. What do you like most about the world of Feel / Feel More and why do think people should buy a ticket?

   I love how Feel / Feel More tell stories that are relevant to today’s society. Sometimes the themes are ones that we don’t often talk about, like loneliness or depression, but people are out there feeling these things and their stories need to be told. There are also heartwarming stories to be heard about love and happiness. I love how the writers create characters that the audience can relate to and empathise with. You really do find yourself getting drawn in to their worlds. There is something there for everyone and that’s what drew me to the project. If I wasn’t in it, I would definitely be watching it so get a ticket before they sell out!

10. Tell us something about you which people might not know…
    I am one of twelve children!

---

When she’s not setting fire to her eyelashes outside Aidan Turner’s dressing room in the hope that he’ll make better wife choices in the future, you can catch the brilliant Demelza as “Brenda” in “Feel More” at The Space this February. Tickets for “Feel” and “Feel More” are on sale now from www.proforca.co.uk/boxoffice.

You can find Demelza on Twitter @DemelzaO and you can also follow Proforca Theatre Company on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @ProforcaTheatre. Our web address is www.proforca.co.uk

Director's Blog - All The Feels

In the run up to our March production of "Feel" and "Feel More" Proforca Artistic Director David Brady takes us behind the scenes and into the rehearsal room for "Feel" written by James Lewis and "Feel More" directed by Erin Read.

Hello - been a while since I wrote one of these and hopefully I'm not too out of practice. Its been a busy few months for all of us at Proforca Towers and its great to be back in the rehearsal room putting together a piece of work again. 

Sometimes there's a project which really captures your imagination and drives you forward, and there's a real sense of excitement in the air, and I think for all of us "Feel" and "Feel More" have captured a mood, (or a feeling, if you like) of something special and that air of anticipation definitely seems to be spreading. 

We're full speed with rehearsals - which is always an exciting time as the work changes and evolves and you get to see new things in the piece which you didn't see before. You 'll have to find out what the potatoes are all about, what exactly happened on December 21st and who is Brenda from UKIP anyway and why is she so awful? Our brilliant actors bring these complex people to life and they're a joy to watch and direct. Aside from some brilliant acting we've stood on Lanzarote, built toys out of Kinder Eggs, worked out who can keep a Malteaser in the air the longest and also discussed the merits of stage pants. Happy Times and Places. 

In fact, I can't praise enough our Fab Four - Gemma, Izzy, James and Jonny - not only are they a joy to have in the rehearsal room but they are seriously talented actors. From broad comedy to heartbreaking introspection - they've really got it all between them and their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm in the rehearsal space makes it a joy to work with them. First they'll make you laugh, then they'll make you fall in love with them, and then they'll break your heart. (Bring your tissues!)   

Feel tells the story of four people looking for something, or someone to make them complete. Set in the tumultuous 6 weeks at the start of a relationship, the story takes an emotionally charged look at how the start of something new can challenge your perceptions and what you want from your life, and how you deal with the fact that time isn't necessarily always on your side. (whether that's waiting for a train that never comes or how the universe possibly has a plan up its sleeve for you that you weren't quite expecting)  

One of the joys of the rehearsal process for Feel has been to look at the naturalistic dialogue of the script and see what small nuances we can draw out in each of the characters. Small moments and movements betray what each of the characters are thinking and decisions that they make. Sometimes what the characters don't say is almost as important as what they do, and we hope we're telling a story that will resonate with everyone. The cast have created some really special moments, and i can't wait for you to see them. 

You may have seen that we've also got our fantastic spin-off "Feel More" - which is directed by the super talented Erin Read. It's been brilliant to see these interconnected stories which draw from some of the things we touch on in "Feel" come to life. Not to give too much away, but we've been able to create a little bit of an "expanded universe" so some of the plotlines and themes of "Feel" come to life. Whilst you don't need to see both shows for either to make sense, its been really fun to see how Tom, Jackie, Charlie, Jess, Mona, and Angelo fit into the world of "Feel" - (and its as good as anything that big old Marvel Universe have thrown out there, trust me...)

So hopefully you'll be able to grab a ticket and see these brilliant folk at work telling a story we're very fond of. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to blow up an inflatable double bed. See you at the end of March! 

---

David Brady is the Artistic Director of Proforca Theatre Company and the Director of "Feel" at the Lion and Unicorn Theatre in Kentish Town from March 21-31 and Executive Producer of "Feel More" which is performed March 26 and 27.  Tickets on sale now for all performances from www.proforca.co.uk/boxoffice

You can follow David on Instagram @DavidBrady83 and Proforca Theatre on Twitter, Skype and Instagram @ProforcaTheatre. Proforca's web address is www.proforca.co.uk 

"Feel" - (March 2018) - David Brady (Director / Executive Producer)

In the run up to rehearsals starting for our March 2018 production of "Feel" - we're taking the opportunity to introduce you to our brand new cast and production team. "Feel" is directed by Proforca's Artistic Director David Brady who also acts as Executive Producer for "Feel+" (Feel More).  David is responsible for overseeing the programming, direction and day-to-day management for Proforca's creative projects and is one of our Founding Members.  

For Proforça, credits include "If I Go" - May 2016, (Director / Executive Producer) "Saucy Jack & the Space Vixens" - Nov 2016 (Director / Executive Producer), "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "Reading Gaol for our "Project Wilde" series of productions in Autumn 2017. (Director / Executive Producer)  David was also the Director for the early workshop versions of "Feel" (Director / Executive Producer). 

Also, David is the writer and producer of a number of charity concerts and the Writer / Director of the Pantomimes "Dick Whittington" "Cinderella" and "Aladdin" for corporate performance. 

David originally hails from Coventry in the West Midlands and has lived in London since 2004. He has traveled extensively. His primary career is in Project Management for Global Mobility. He spends a lot of time in a little black box watching actors perform and he says the best part of his job is Proforca giving opportunities to work with some amazing and talented people. 

Instagram: @proforca_david

---

Proforca Theatre Company is a non-professional fringe theatre company, based in London. For more information and tickets, visit our website at www.proforca.co.uk. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @ProforcaTheatre and find out more information about us and our past performances. 

PLEASE NOTE: FEEL IS BEING PERFORMED ON SELECTED DATES AS PART OF THE "FEEL / FEEL+" PERFORMANCE CYCLE. FOR SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE DATES PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE. 

Tickets for all performances go on sale in January 2018. 

Feel - (March 2018) - CAST ANNOUNCED!

After a fantastic response to our call for auditions, we are thrilled and delighted to announce the cast for our March 2018 production of "Feel" and introduce you to our brand new Jamie, Naomi, Karen, and Nick! 

"Feel" is a brand new, modern day love story written by James Lewis which takes a detailed and intense look at the development of two relationships in their very early stages. It tells an emotional story about a search for fulfillment, second-hand love and the hope of one day becoming something better than you are. 

First up, Jamie is played by Jonathon Cooper - who we are delighted to welcome back to Proforca Theatre Company after his very well acclaimed role of "Innocent" in our production of "Reading Gaol." The role of Naomi will be played by Isobel Eadie who is a graduate of Oxford School of Drama. 

Nick will be played by Vincent Bowen, who is also returning to Proforca from his time in "Reading Gaol" where he played the role of "Monster." and fresh from a tour of "Pride and Prejudice" in China we are thrilled to welcome Gemma Wray to the company in the role of Karen. 

"Feel" is directed by Proforca's Artistic Director David Brady.  "I couldn't be happier to welcome Jonny, Isobel, Vincent and Gemma to the company for our March 2018 production of "Feel" - we've spent a lot of time working on and developing the characters and script which we're very proud of and close to and we're really pleased with the results of the casting and development process. I'm really looking forward to working with such a charming and creative bunch of actors in rehearsal and finally introducing the world to Jamie, Naomi, Karen and Nick at long last! 

Rehearsals for "Feel" commence in January 2018 and tickets for all performances go on sale in January. Look out for a proper introduction to each cast member and our cast and production team in the next few days! 

---

Proforca Theatre Company is a non-professional fringe theatre company, based in London. For more information and tickets, visit our website at www.proforca.co.uk. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @ProforcaTheatre and find out more information about us and our past performances. 

PLEASE NOTE: FEEL IS BEING PERFORMED ON SELECTED DATES AS PART OF THE "FEEL / FEEL+" PERFORMANCE CYCLE. FOR SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE DATES PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE. 

Coming March 2018 - "Feel"

We are delighted to announce our very exciting plans for our next production. Coming in March 2018 we are proud to present a brand new piece of original writing entitled "Feel" for a specially extended run of performances. 

“One day, maybe even tomorrow, and maybe only once, I want to wake up and feel it. Feel like today is the day when I'm not going to feel so bloody awful and alone all the time…”

Jamie and Naomi collide on a weekend that will cause them to question everything they ever thought they knew about themselves.

Nick meets Karen and their lives will never be the same again. 

In a world where love can be swiped on a whim and the path of your whole life is determined by the delay of just one train, is there ever the right time to say what you really feel? 

Proforça Theatre Company presents this new piece of writing making its debut in Spring 2018 about a search for fulfilment, second-hand love and the hope of one day becoming something better than you are.

Because sometimes, to follow your heart you have to give it away to someone else.

Feel is written by James Lewis, directed by David Brady and features original Music written for this production by Jason Baker. We are delighted to be returning to the Lion and Unicorn Theatre for this extended run following our 2017 productions of “The Importance of Being Earnest” and “Reading Gaol” Casting and further production team information will be announced in early December. 

---

Proforca Theatre Company is a non-professional fringe theatre company, based in London. For more information and tickets, visit our website at www.proforca.co.uk. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @ProforcaTheatre and find out more information about us and our past performances. 

PLEASE NOTE: FEEL IS BEING PERFORMED ON SELECTED DATES AS PART OF THE "FEEL / FEEL+" PERFORMANCE CYCLE. FOR SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE DATES PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE. 

Running Time : 110 Minutes Approx (15 Minute Interval) 
Contains strong language and adult themes.