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
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!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!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.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.If you could be any sort of biscuit what would it be?
Ringtons Ginger Snap. Hands down.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).
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.What would the title of your autobiography be?
Memoirs of a Gay-Sha: Jack Cook’s Journey, I’M STILL HERE.
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.
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
