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.

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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

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!

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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

10 Questions from Feel / More with Kieran Faulkner

We sat down with some of our brilliant cast and crew prior to our production of "Feel / More" which returns to the King's Head Theatre next week! We'd love to take this opportunity to introduce you to Kieran Faulkner who features as "Charlie" in a piece by the writer of "Feel" James Lewis. We sat down and gave him our "10 Question Challenge" and here's what he had to say for himself! 

1) Describe yourself in 5 words
Actor, gig lover, professional sleeper

2) Tell us a bit about your character and what you like most about them?
Charlie is a regular guy who has an average 9-5 life and never does anything particularly strange. When he considers doing something completely out of the ordinary it makes him reconsider everything. He's great at looking at the bigger picture and evaluating things fairly which I like. He's also quite cheeky which I really like. 

3) What is it that you like most about Feel / More and why do you think people should buy a ticket?
Sometimes an evening of monologues has the potential to be a mixed bag but I think Feel / More works with every single one. What I like most is the warmth and honesty of each speech. It shows through in absolute spades in the way that good writing should. If you buy a ticket you won't be disappointed. 

4) What's your favourite theatre production and why?
That's a toughie. It's very hard to pick just one. Straight play would probably be Angels in America. The revival at the national last year blew my mind. Musical would have to be Les Mis, its something I performed in youth theatre several times and I have a very personal connection to it

5) If you could play only one more role for the rest of your life what would it be and why?
If I could play Bottom from "A Midsummer Nights Dream" forever and ever I would be very happy. Its just so utterly silly and amazingly fun to play, plus you get to wear a cute pair of donkey ears which is a bonus. I'd love to do it again if not forever

6) Whats the best piece of direction you've been given?
One piece of direction that stands out was when I was told to be "more like Hugh grant" during an audition. I didn't get the part so obviously I need to rewatch Notting Hill

7) Which actor do you admire and why?
Once again too many to name. If pushed I'd say Ian McKellen. To do this for that long and to be that consistently good for that whole length of time is something I could only aspire to. That and I really wanna play Magneto...

8) What would the title of your autobiography be? 
"Playing Pretend" (Plus at least 200 pages would be dedicated to useless advice like surviving moshpits, how to get the best out of a Tesco meal deal etc...

9) If you could be any sort of biscuit, what sort of biscuit would you be? 
Those chocolate ones with the wrapping you get in selection boxes. Once you get rid of the awkward fiddly wrapping there's something really nice on the inside

10) Tell us something about you which we might not already know?
I once worked security for the Royal Family. It was at Royal ascot. Somebody bought me a gin and tonic. That was the only good part of the day.

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Kieran is an actor from London and takes on the role of "Charlie" in Feel / More written by James Lewis on June 10 / 11. When he's not wanting to be one of the X Men you can also catch him in Sweeney Todd this summer in Edinburgh. You can follow Kieran on Twitter @KEFaulkner93. You can also follow Proforca on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @ProforcaTheatre and via our website at www.proforca.co.uk. 

10 Questions from Feel / More - Malcolm Jeffries

We sat down with some of our brilliant cast and crew prior to our production of "Feel / More" which returns to the King's Head Theatre next week! We'd love to take this opportunity to introduce you to Malcom Jeffries who features as "Angelo" in a piece by the very talented Simon Marshall and asked him some leading questions about his role, his life as an actor, and some random wildcards to see how he'd cope with some tough questioning!

1) How would your friends introduce you? 
He’s alright when you get to know him . 

2) Tell us a bit about your character and what you like most about them?
Angelo is a lovely guy. A little disconnected from the world being the son of an immigrant. With the result being he’s nor quite sure where he fits in. But despite this fact, even because of it he longs to connect with people. His job as an Uber driver means he can indulge his love of life and people and life a little of their lives. 

3) What is it that you like most about Feel / More and why do you think people should buy a ticket?
In this modern connected world we are in fact more distant and disconnected from each other. Feel/More paints these individuals who are a little lost in some way. These stories illustrate that we all just want to be noticed. To belong. To love and be loved. 

4) If you could play any role yet that you haven’t what would it be and why?
Tough question. I’m a big Beckett fan so any character in one of his play. Also Richard III would be wonderful to play. 

5) What's the best piece of advice you've been given?
Be simple. 

6) If you could swap lives with someone for the day who would it be and why?
I wouldn’t swap my life. I’m doing exactly what I want.

7) What scares you and excites you most about acting?
I’m not sure I ever feel scared by acting. When I played Macbeth I do remember thinking I could never do it. It’s such a big role. It’s such a lot of lines. I do remember on numerous occasions I was going to call the director and tell him I just wasn’t up to it and had to pull out. But then I always thought if it scared me that much I should do it just to overcome. Just to prove it wasn’t that scary. 

As far as excited me. Well, I just love the fear of getting up with the text. Working with other actors and directors. For me it’s truly a team effort. I love making mistakes. They teach you so much. But it having the courage to try and knowing that failure is nothing wrong. My favourite Beckett quote is ‘Try again. Fail again. Fail better’. 

8) What's the most challenging thing you've done on stage that you're most proud of?
Macbeth was a massive challenge and supremely enjoyable. But to be honest I’m so proud of my work with Angelo in Feel/More. I mean that honestly. I was so very lucky to have the part written for me by the fantastic playwright Simon Marshall. Plus the creative duo of Erin Read directing and David Brady as artistic director ensured that the character and the production really shone  

9) If you were president for a day, what three laws would you enact? 
Ban nuclear weapons. Unlimited funding for the NHS. Make crisps free for all

10) What three luxury items would you take to a desert island? 
A clockwork/solar powered radio

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Malcolm is an actor from London and originates the role of "Angelo" in Feel / More written by Simon Marshall on June 10 / 11. He f**king loves crisps. You can follow Malcolm on Twitter @malcolmjeffries. You can also follow Proforca on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @ProforcaTheatre and via our website at www.proforca.co.uk. 

Malcolm also features as "Guardian" in Reading Gaol July 23rd - August 2nd at TheatreN16 - for more information on that production visit www.proforca.co.uk/ReadingGaol2. Tickets are available now and can be found at our website at www.proforca.co.uk/boxoffice 

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! 

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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 

Erin Read - Associate Director

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. Erin Read is an actress, one of Proforca's Associate Directors, and the Director of "Feel+ (Feel More) .  

Erin moved to London to pursue a career in acting and to begin studying drama at Queen Mary University of London. Roles include the short films 'Unforgettable', 'Performance' ‘The Straggler’ and the award winning ‘Extra Time’ (2015).

Her passion for acting music, singing and dancing has led her to explore every part of the theatre.  In 2015, she was the Assistant Musical Director for ‘The King and I’ (The Riverhead Theatre) and ‘Oliver’ (The Embassy Theatre) and she assisted with the singing coaching and acted in productions of ‘Fame’ and ‘Footloose’ (2011 & 2012 respectively) at The Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent.

For Proforca Theatre Company, Erin was Musical Director / Assistant Director for "Saucy Jack & The Space Vixens" (Nov 2016) and Producer for the workshop productions of "Feel" (2017) and Producer for "The Ballad of Reading Gaol" (Nov 2017). Her acting roles also include “Cecily” in our production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” (Sept 2017). Erin is Proforca's first Associate Director.

Twitter: @eoread7

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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.