It's the last day of mFEST and we are going to finish with a bang, literally Calvin Harris will be doing a DJ set in the macRobert marquee, followed by fireworks from the Wallace Monument. Providing the warm-up set will be Jonny Whoop who will also be doing a free DJ workshop from 6.30 - 7.30pm in the marquee which you can still catch if you're quick!
Controlled Falling is presented by Australian company ThisSideUp Acrobatics. Following sold out seasons and standing ovations across Europe audiences should prepared to be mesmerised by this thrilling and sophisticated circus experiment. Mon 2 Aug 8pm macRobert Mainhouse Tickets £12 .50 / £10 conc. / £8.50 U18s
Rent tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians in New York. Rent depicts the highs and lows of life, death, love, friendship and creativity, which has made the show a global success. Mon 2 Aug 7.45pm macRobert Playhouse Tickets £7 / £6 conc. / £5 U18s
There are 2 films on tonight Osama at 7.30pm and finishing off the festival Little Miss Sunshine at 11pm.
For more information call the box office on check out the website, www.m-fest.org
We at m-FEST headquarters can not believe it is day 3 already. This is the first time we have had a minute to stop and give you an update. From street theatre to Tinchy Stryder via the Mad Hatter's Tea Party to it's been amazing so far but it's far from over yet.....
Controlled Falling Project, the bold and gravity defying circus from Australian company ThisSideUp have been a huge hit so far, receiving rave reviews from audiences. You can still catch them tomorrow at 4.45pm in the mainhouse.
Also wowing audiences are musical comedy sensations The Axis of Awesome. Catch their last performance of mFEST tonight in the comedy marquee.
Some fantastic theatre today, including Rent at 7.45pm in the mainhouse, which tells the story of impoverished young artist and musicians struggling to survive in New York. We Experiments, a promenade performace through an increasingly Orwellian society until a mischievous crew of misfits rebel. Red at 10pm, which has everything, live bands + film + theatre + storytelling + design. Created by the young people of mPOWER and supported by the young people of mPOWER and supported by the Youth Music Theatre Scotland.
There are also some great films on today. The sharp and likeable update of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew,10 Things I Hate About you which stars Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles. at 8.30pm. Finishing off the evening is 'Pan's Labyrinth' at 11pm, inspired by the Brothers Grimm, Guillermo del Toro unleashes his dark imagination in which young Ofelia discovers a mysterious labyrinth that seems to offer escape from the cruelty of her stepfather.
For more of what is going on at mFEST including free live music at the Tolbooth New Music Stage and the free workshops running check out the website www.m-fest.org To book tickets call the box office on 01786 466666
Feisty Glaswegian Susan Calman swapped a job in corporate law to tell jokes and has since proven to be one of the fastest rising stars in comedy, reaching the semi-finals of the BBC New Comedy Awards So You Think You’re Funny? In 2005 and was a finalist in the Funny Women Competition in 2006. She won Best New Comedian at the Real Radio Awards becoming compere at Glasgow's comedy Club The Stand in the process.
mFEST caught up for a chat with Susan who's performing at the mFEST comedy marquee on Sat 31 July.
mFEST: Trust you're looking forward to mFEST, You were selected by the festival young programming team at mFEST - Do you notice a lot of young people at your shows?
Susan: Yes a lot of young people come to comedy. It has become more "sexy" what with Mock the Week and Michael McIntyre's comedy roadshow.
mFEST: Do you tailor your stand up for different audiences? As the crowd will be a bit younger?
Susan: I hope that what I say will be appropriate for all ages although if the crowd are younger I tend not to talk about my old betamax video recorder much.
mFEST: Who else inspires you in Comedy?
Susan: Tina Fey, French and Saunders, Victoria Wood, Sandi Toksvig - all tremendously funny women.
mFEST: Daniel Sloss is one of younger comics at mFEST - how do you think younger comedians, such as yourself, differ from the old guard?
Susan: We all have the same aim, to make people laugh. Younger comics tend to still be quite excited about doing comedy, though who have been around more can be a bit jaded!
mFEST: What's the best joke you've heard about a Scotsman/woman?
Susan: I can't think of one!
mFEST: You have the keys to a time machine. You can go back in time and perform on stage at a venue with an artist of your choice. Who, where would it be and why?
Susan: Judy Garland, anytime, anywhere. I love her music so much that it would be a pleasure to just be on stage with her.
mFEST: There is a lot going on this year at mFEST. Will you have a chance to check anything else out?
Susan: I don't think so! The Edinburgh festival starts on the 4th August and I'll be moving through before that. I barely have time to ensure I pack enough clothes for the month.
Susan Calman will be appearing at the mFEST comedy marquee on Sat 31 July at 9.30pm.
Tickets: £10 / £8 conc. / £7 U18s To buy tickets call our box office on 01786 466666 or online at www.m-fest.org
Acoustic 4 man guitar band Kassidy are featuring heavily on festival line-ups this summer from T in the Park to Reading and Leeds to mFEST. mFEST caught up with them to find out what audiences should expect from them this weekend.
mFEST: Good afternoon Kassidy. How are you and what are you doing today?
KASSIDY: Good thank you, we are getting ready for some shows. Leaving tomorrow morning.
mFEST: You have drawn comparisons with the likes of Kings of Leon and Fleet Foxes. What do you guys listen to?
KASSIDY: Lots of music from Robert Johnston, Nick Cave to Rachmaninov and N.W.A. Listen to lots of music.
mFEST: Can you sum up your sound in three words?
KASSIDY: Acoustic harmony music.
mFEST: You served your musical apprenticeship on the much respected Glasgow Music Circuit. What of any influence did the Glasgow scene have on the music you produce today?
KASSIDY: We don't take any influence from Glasgow’s music scene.
mFEST: Trust you're looking forward to mFEST, you were selected by the festival young programming team at mFEST - have you noticed a lot of U18s at your UK shows and why do you think the kids love your music so much?
KASSIDY: There are younger kids who come to see us with their parents and I think the parents feel reminiscent of their past and the younger people just see it as new music.
mFEST: You share the same management company as the likes of Sharleen Spiteri and Primal Scream: have they had any wise words to offer you when starting out?
KASSIDY: Nothing really just to enjoy ourselves.
mFEST: You are our headliners on the New Music stage on Saturday – what can we expect from your set?
KASSIDY: Some loud acoustic guitar.
mFEST: The Festival is a mishmash of Music, Comedy, Theatre, Dance and Film – anything caught your eye on the programme so far?
KASSIDY: I'm sure it will, we will check out the site and plan our trip!
Kassidy will be on The Tolbooth New Music Stage on Saturday 31st July situated in the grounds of Stirling University.
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart are a New York four-piece who play genius noisy pop songs with boy/girl vocals, blissful melodies, fuzz guitar and blistering drums. Despite only having been together for a couple of years, The New York city quartet are one of the buzz American bands of the moment. Don’t miss them on their only Scottish festival date of the summer!
mFEST Caught up with lead singer Kip Berman to find out just how much Scottish music means to him.
mFEST: Trust you're looking forward to mFEST, You were selected by the festival young programming team at mFEST - Do you think you've got a big following with people under 18 years old?
Kip: We're pretty grateful they invited us to play and excited-- but perhaps they saw our name and thought we were a screamo band? We're more emotional softcore.
mFEST: Are you performing any new material at mFEST and can we expect any surprises from your set list?
Kip: We'll hopefully be playing a couple new songs. There are two we've been playing of late-- one's tentatively titled, "Heaven's Gonna Happen Now" and the other is called, "The Heart in Your Heartbreak."
mFEST: Your Debut album was a word of mouth sensation on the Indie Club scene in the UK. What can we expect from your next record?
Kip: We haven't started recording yet, so it's too early to say. But I like how Titus Andronicus found the thing that made them Titus Andronicus and just totally went all-in on their second record. They didn't play it safe or care if they failed. I thought I knew and loved Titus Andronicus before, but they really became Titus Andronicus on "The Monitor." Our sound is different (we're not going to make a concept album about the American Civil War with several 8 minute songs), but I like that idea of being unafraid, going deeper into what makes you the band you are and stripping away the things that aren't a part of that.
mFEST: You have the keys to a time machine. You can go back in time and perform on stage at venue with an artist of your choice. Who, where would it be and why?
Kip: T. Rex! I think Marc Bolan would be a cool guy to hang out with. I like how he sings and just everything about him.
mFEST: Will you be taking time out of your busy schedule to meet up with old friends from Scotland while you're in town? Maybe a trip to Monorail?!
Kip: Definitely, Monorail Records is the best. I hope Stephen isn't creeped out by us-- we just like his music and what he stands for. He takes his time, only puts out stuff that he believes in and has been making records for 25 years and never done anything less than wonderful.
Also, the food in the cafe is epic and it's always the happiest time of tour just to go buy some records, pay our respects and have a relaxing vegan meal. It's not a secret that the musical tradition of Glasgow (Orange Juice, The Wake, Teenage Fanclub, The Pastels, The Vaselines, Close Lobsters, Strawberry Switchblade, Belle and Sebastian, Aztec Camera) is very important to us. I know people fetishize Brooklyn and New York, but I never cease to be surprised that half the records I like are from Glasgow.
mFEST: You regularly cite Scottish bands as a particular influence on your sound. However I hear a lot of Creation Records/Sarah Records in your sound. What is it you think makes Scotland's musical heritage so special?
Kip: I think there's a few definite traditions, and they're all cool in their own right. You have the Orange Juice/Josef K tradition, which celebrates a different idea of masculinity, it's clever and romantic and unabashedly pop. And then you have the Jesus and Mary Chain side of things (though technically they're from East Kilbride, i think?) which is this dark, noisy and combative super cool aesthetic. The Pastels brilliance is combining the noise and primal art/rock of The Velvet Undergound with the charming, playful and seductive qualities of Jonathan Richman.
It was once explained to me that the American West Coast was hugely influential in Scotland in the late 70s and 1980s, sort of as a way to reject English cultural influence and possibly simply due to the exotic-ness of California in a northern industrial city. Bands like Teenage Fanclub sound like The Byrds with a bunch of fuzz pedals. There's something really American in that sound, but for whatever reason it sounds better coming from Glasgow. It's not imitation, but re-imagining-- it never feels fake. So yeah, I don't know-- there's just so much musically to draw inspiration from--and that's not even getting into the "idealized pop" side of things like The Associates or Aztec Camera. Even contemporary stuff is quality-- Franz Ferdinand was huge on the radio in America without ever sounding like the kind of band that could be. So yeah, in conclusion, bands from Glasgow are the coolest and I have no idea why.
mFEST: Thank you and see you at mFEST guys!!
Kip: Thank you! We're excited to get to come to Stirling and play the festival!
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart play The Tolbooth on Saturday 31 July at 8pm with support from Astral Planes and Three Blind Wolves
Tickets: £15 /£12.50 conc. / £10 U18s
For tickets call our box office on 01786 466666 or online at www.m-fest.org
Amazing line-up for Albert Halls gig on Saturday 31st July...
Pearl and the Puppets are performing along side Tinchy Stryder and Daisy Dares You at the Albert Halls on Saturday 31st July. mFEST caught up with Pearl and asked if she is looking playing alongside the grim-goes pop Tinchy Stryder and rising start Daisy Dares You.
Pearl: “Yes! Daisy Dares You seems lovely with great songs and I can't get Tinchy's music out of my head! Will be great to play along with both of them. They are very talented artists.”
mFEST: Trust you're looking forward to mFEST,You were selected by the festival young programming team at mFEST - have you noticed a lot of U18s at your UK shows and why do you think the kids love your music so much?
Pearl: It's strange...I wasn't doing many under 18 shows because the venues wouldn't have the license....but I recently did a few at the beginning of the year and I couldn't believe the crowd that showed up! Glad they like it though. A lot of people contact me on the networking sites saying they can relate to the songs. It puts a smile on my face :)
Three years ago Pearl was studying to be a primary school teacher and working in Woolworths. Something had to give. Pearl bought a guitar and abandoned her degree at Glasgow University.
mFEST: You served your musical apprenticeship on the much respected Glasgow Music Circuit. What of any influence did the Glasgow scene have on the music you produce today?
‘I suppose Glasgow has a big influence as the songs are about situations I've been in or things I've experienced or witnessed. There are a few songs with Scottish words in them and I didn't even realise.’
In three years Pearl has gone from shopgirl to supporting one of music’s biggest legends,
mFEST: So… we're all dying to know…. Tell us about supporting Elton John? You share the same management company right? What did it feel like going on stage before such a legend?
Pearl: Yeah. He is sort of the boss of the company. Very much involved with the artists which is really cool!
Woolworths Pick’n’Mix counter’s loss was definitely our gain!
Tinchy Stryder, Pearl and The Puppets and Daisy Dares You Sat 31 July 8pm Albert Halls Tickets: £20 /£17.50 conc. / £15 U18s
So as the days tick closer to mEST you will realise we have so much going on over the weekend that you would be daft to miss out! With a massive selection of music, drama, film and dance - like we keep telling you; there really is something for everyone! But don’t think for a moment that everything over the weekend requires you spending a fortune. As you saw in our previous blog we have lots of free workshops happening over the weekend that you can sign up to participate in. Remember though, first come, first served! However, if you do not manage to make it to the workshops we also have lots of street theatre going on around the university grounds to keep you entertained.
On Monday we have Chipolatas. Established in 1992, The Chipolatas present unique performances incorporating high-octane circus skills, music, theatre and dance. Blending accordion and acoustic rhythms with hip-hop and street style, their performances and inspiration are embedded in worldwide culture.
Conflux is an extraordinary series of large scale street performances who will also be attending mEST. Brought to you by internationally acclaimed director Hilary Westlake, Conflux involves a cast of 16 acrobatic and musical performers from across Scotland.
More street theatre events include;
On Friday and Saturday, Monika and Isabella are two real life statues who delight and surprise audiences of young and old alike. On Friday, Sunday and Monday things start to heat up as we have Ross Thifaryian, a spectacular fire eating street performer. Also on Friday and Saturday, Lorna Strachan will be providing face painting for anyone in the festival mood. Lorna is currently recognised as the foremost face painter in Scotland, ranked 9th in the world (2008-2009 world championships in Austria) and was the only authorized face painter in the ‘zone’ at the Edinburgh Fringe Street Festival last year.
Remember entry to the university grounds over the weekend is free! So come along and have a nosy, pick up a brochure and see what’s on. Try not to have too much fun!
For more information on mFEST phone our box office on 01786 466666.
Well, needless to say Mfest will be kicking off with a great start and I know you’re all probably excited about the fab shows and events going on over the festival, but there’s so much more going on like workshops to try something new, and they’re FREE!!!
I know when you read “there’s something for everyone…” you think aye right they can’t cater for everyone well believe me the mFEST guys have made sure there’s a little bit of everything for you to try out. If you’re like me and love anything that gets the creative juices flowing you’ll love the variety we have to offer, from play writing with Douglas Maxwell who’ll assist aspiring writers to DJing with Jonny Whoop who’ll teach you the basic DJ techniques. Want to learn to beatbox? There’s even a session with Ruari Sutherland who’ll get you spitting out some pretty sick beats. There’s so much more going on over the festival that you’ll not wanna miss out on so take a wee walk around or pop into the macbob and we’ll fill you in!
For more info pop in to see us at macrobert, check out www.m-fest.org or call us on 01786 466666
Are you all geared up for mFEST then? You do know it’s only three weeks away! But good news macrobert friends if you aren’t quite as organised as you should be, because the mpower team have created a lovely Stand by Pass just for you.
So if you can’t quite decide who and what to spend your money on, this fantastic pass may just be the choice for you! It allows you to pick six events from the line up over the festival where you are guaranteed a space. You will then receive your festival pass which will allow you entry to any of the acts performing over the weekend for free, subject to availability when you turn up.
The Festival Passes cost £100 full / £85 concession / £70 under 18s – and guess what... Only a limited number are available, 300 to be exact! So book now to avoid disappointment.
Some of the headline acts are Chart topping Tinchy Stryder playing the Albert Halls on July 31st. We also have Hadouken! performing at the Tolbooth with special guest New Young Pony Club and Unicorn Kid on Friday 30th July. Plus just recently announced this week added to the line-up was Calvin Harris! He will be doing a DJ set with special guests on Monday 2nd August.
(Clip of Hadouken!)
If music isn’t your thing we have Daniel Sloss, Susan Calman, Jarlath Regan and Axis of Awesome, (to name but a few) they are all taking to the stage at the Mfest comedy marquee.
(Clip of Daniel Sloss) Or you can choose from a selection of dance or drama. La Fura dels Baus will present an intense physical dance performance exploring growing up, freedom, independence and the society we live in today. While Controlled Falling Project are a gravity defying circus act, that will really make you feel energised! On the drama front we have Apples, where you can enter the chaotic world of Adam & Eve – on a council estate where cheap booze flows as freely as the wild experiences of the teenagers that live there.
(Clip of Controlled Falling Project)
Plus if you just fancy escaping for the weekend but with nothing too full on, we have a large selection of films on over the mFEST weekend, such as Pan’s Labyrinth, 10 Things I Hate About You and Little Miss Sunshine. They will either be shown in our lovely filmhouse or our outdoor cinema! Yes that’s right! So feel free to bring your picnic, grab your blanket and snuggle up and enjoy our screenings just for you!
Interested? If so then call our box office on 01786 466666 for more information on our Festival Pass, or any of the mFEST performances.
Get ‘Ready for the Weekend’ as the self-proclaimed king of electro-pop Calvin Harris likes to say. Calvin will be getting behind the decks at mFEST for an exclusive DJ set and ironically, it’s a Monday night; but I’m sure that won’t bother the young people at the festival.
mFEST Young Programmer Rhian Campbell, 15, said:
“We’re absolutely delighted Calvin Harris has agreed to DJ at the closing party, he was one of the first acts we went to see live ahead of programming the festival, and the first we approached last year to play; to have actually booked him now is a major achievement.”
Given his history of endearingly shameless self-promotion (well, what do you expect with debut album entitled I Created Disco!), it’s safe to expect a few of Harris’s own dance floor-filling tunes to be dropped into the set – including recent smash hits ‘Ready For the Weekend’ and ‘I’m Not Alone’, as well as ‘Dance Wiv Me’, the collaboration that finally sent Dizzee Rascal stratospheric.
The‘I Created Disco star’ has come a long way since he took over the nation’s music charts in 2007 with his stunning debut album “I Created Disco”, a bold statement of intent that gave the UK dance scene a much needed shot in the arm before crossing over to massive commercial and critical acclaim, while singles “Acceptable in the Eighties” and “The Girls” took over the country's clubs as well as the charts, proving that whilst the young man from Dumfries may not have exactly created disco he had certainly reinvented it for a new generation of music lovers.
“What I’m into at the moment”, says Calvin Harris, “is the idea of stadium dance. Playing football stadiums with massive riffs, big hands-in-the-air rave anthems. The whole ‘minimal’ thing has passed, for me.”
A bold ambition, but such boldness is justifiable, coming from a man who ascended from the bedroom to the big time in the blink of an eye. At least, that’s how it appeared from the outside, back there in 2007.
He may have barely turned 23 when he first hit the charts, but Calvin Harris had been making music, legend has it, since the age of 15 on an old Amiga computer in the Scottish town of Dumfries, when he wasn’t stacking shelves at the local Marks & Spencer.
Tickets will fly out the door for this one, so make sure you’re not disappointed for what is sure to be a closing party to remember for the first festival to be planned and programmed by young people in Scotland.
Calvin Harris DJ Set – Mon 2 Aug, macrobert marquee. Tickets: £20/£17.50 conc./£15 U18s
mFEST caught up for a scoop with NYPC guitarist Andy Spence....
mFEST: Good morning Andy, Trust you're looking forward to mFEST! You were selected by the festival young programming team. Generally speaking Do you have a big U18s following in the UK?
Andy: Hello, yes of course! Well we used to have lots of U18 fans but I think some of them may be a bit older now. hopefully we've gained some new ones from this album.
mFEST: You released and produced 'The Optimist' yourselves: Was there a particular reason behind how this experience differed from previously working with Modular?
Andy: We weren't happy with the way things went on Modular so when they told us they didn't have any money left we decided to do it ourselves. It was much harder work than we expected but we don't regret it cos we get to do things all our own way.
mFEST: Widely regarded as your bonafide hit, ‘Ice Cream’ was a slice of Disco brilliance. Do you ever 'do a Nirvana' and just not bother playing it?
Andy: Yes the hit that never charted but everyone knows! Weird. We have left it off a coupel of times but it still stands up as a great song so it's crazy not to indulge.
mFEST: Who are you looking forward to seeing at mFEST?
Andy: Darwin Deez is really fun to watch. I think it's a great debut he's made.
mFEST: If you had a message for young people trying to get forward with a career in music, what would it be and why?
Andy: Careers are for people with real jobs. Music should be enjoyed and if you can live off it too then you've done very well.
mFEST: You have the keys to a time machine. You can go back in time and perform on stage at a venue with an artist of your choice. Who and where would it be and why?
Andy: Chic in 1979 at Studio 54. Possibly the best Disco band of all time in possibly the best Disco of all time.
New Young Pony Club Play the Albert Halls on Friday 30 July with Hadouken!, Darwin Deez and Unicorn Kid.
Friday 25 June 2010
Interview with Richard Milward
-Why did you write the original novel? Is it in any way autobiographical?
I started writing Apples at 19 - so, having just left school, I was desperate to get all my angst-riddled adolescent stories off my chest. I was interested in writing about fifteen year-olds, since it seemed like such a crazy age - girls are suddenly becoming more womanlike and mature in their tastes in men, while fifteen year-old lads seem to lag behind their female counterparts, still booting footballs or booting up their computers of an evening.
I tend to describe Apples as an 'anti macho fairy tale' - the main reason I wrote it was to point the finger at certain aggressive, hot-blooded males you see in Boro, and all over the world - the type that try to force girls into bed, or force their fists on weaker males.
The novel itself is a magical mix of autobiography, overheard conversations, and pure imagination. In a way, I see myself as having a split personality, sharing an equal amount of traits of both Adam and Eve, the two leads. Writing is a weird occupation, in that you have to force yourself to be reclusive at times, whilst also scouring the outside world for inspiration. I guess Apples sums up the two mindsets.
-In what way have your stories and writing style developed as you moved from Apples to your second and third novels?
I think my writing's become more experimental, in a way. While the word 'experimental' has connotations of chin-stroking pretension, I reckon a lot of contemporary authors fail to get the most out of the form. Literature's a powerful medium, in that you're painting pictures in peoples' heads with just black symbols on white paper - but it seems authors experiment much less with the medium than - say - an artist might. Like, with art, you're actively encouraged to experiment wildly - with literature, the first thing you learn about it at school are all the 'rules' (grammar, spelling, etc).
At the moment, my writing seems to be getting more surrealistic and dreamlike, and yet more honest at the same time. I've become more comfortable with relaying genuine scenes from my own life - like crapping myself in a nightclub (in 'Ten Storey Love Song'), nibbling Es on toast, as well as trying to get to bottom of my own love lifes, etc.
- How did the idea for the adaptation come about?
It was John Retallack from Company of Angels (who are co-producing the play with Northern Stage) who got in touch with me, after reading Apples. This was maybe in 2007, or 2008. I'd never really thought of it as a play before - especially since I'd never been to the theatre before, to see a 'proper' play anyway. I'd been to pantos, Grease, and all that when I was young, but never to see 'serious' drama. But, after talking with John, I could see how the book might lend itself well to the stage, especially with it being full of first-person monologues. We largely lifted the script straight from the pages of the book, so the play's structured almost like a slew of smog-monstrous Shakespearian soliloquies. It's like a heightened, distilled version of the novel.
- How involved have you been in the adaptation process? Is there anything you had to change/ add for the adaptation?
I've been involved quite a lot. At first, me and John Retallack met up over the course of a few months, chopping away at my novel, trying to get the word count slimmed down, without losing the narrative arc or the flavour of the prose. Mostly the script's made up of words lifted straight from the book, so it was always going to stay pretty true to the novel. Here and there, I added a few nuts and bolts (like extra dialogue), to help pad out certain holey bits. On the whole, though, it was a case of John meticulously chipping away at the novel, with me as his sidekick. I was on hand to explain a few of Boro's barmier phrases, as well as patch up the holes.
As for changes, I was already aware we'd have to drop a lot of scenes and characters, but I still think the adaptation stays true to the overall narrative arc, and - more importantly - true to the language of the kids in the story.
-What is it like seeing your book performed? Is it how you envisioned it would be?
Now and then I get a bit of deja vu, watching strangers act out certain things that have happened to me. It's like looking at a moving, all singing, all dancing photo-album of good and bad memories. In fairness, about half the story's based on my own experiences or observations, and the other half's pure imagination (eg: I've been known to obsessively shut things lots and lots of times, like Adam, but I promise I've never been caught knocking one out in my attic), so it's not like someone acting out my memoirs word-for-word. Now and then, when I've been watching the cast rehearse, a certain scene might unlock some memory I had lurking about in my brain. Because of that, I find it hard to watch the play objectively - my mind keeps wandering off to my own past, rather than focusing on what's going on in the present. It'll be interesting to see what people make of it, especially those who haven't clapped eyes on the book.
-Do you think it’s important that North East actors have been cast?
Definitely. Not only does the North East have its own unique sense of humour and sensibilities, it's got some of the best accents in the country. Obviously it's important for the cast to ring true to the characters in the book, and I reckon they've pulled it off. I mean, audiences in the South of England might not be able to distinguish a Geordie accent from a Teesside accent but, with the play opening in Middlesbrough, it's important to convince the home crowd of its authenticity. If we win over the Boro audience, it should be able to fare well anywhere.
-Have you had any input in the direction of the piece?
Not so much with the direction, though I've been on hand to clear anything up that might need explaining, from the text. I was a lot more involved with the adaptation of the novel - but, because I haven't seen much theatre myself, I've been happy to hand over the reigns to the directors, at the rehearsals. Like I mentioned, I find it hard to watch the thing objectively, so I tend to keep shtum when they're rehearsing. I'm usually in a bit of a world of my own.
-Do you think this is just a play for young people?
Not at all. It's a play for anyone who's been young. It'll definitely appeal to younger audiences - I don't know many (in fact, any) teenagers that go to the theatre, but hopefully the folk that come and see Apples will be pleasantly surprised. The play's got a great mix of surrrealism, comedy (a combination of childlike humour and the blackest black comedy), and crushing violence - I reckon it'll be pretty intense.
-What has your role as scenic artist involved?
I've been lending my brush and acrylics to the backdrops, and to the 6 chairs and various props used in the play. When me and John were adapting the play, John came to see my degree show at Byam Shaw art college (I studied fine art down London) - I painted this small room to create a Day-Glo 'Garden of Earthly Delight'. My artwork definitely links in with my writing (it's a bit comic/absurd/colourful), so I guess it makes sense for me to slap some paint on the backdrops.
- How do you feel about the premiere of ‘Apples the play’ taking place at The Empire Nightclub in Middlesbrough?
I'm absolutely buzzing over it. It's funny, because the Empire features in the first chapter of Apples - when I was writing it, back when I was 19, obviously I had no idea I'd be watching my words being acted out there six years down the line. The opening night's going to be pretty special - it's going to be strange witnessing the outpourings of my brain performed in the place that inspired the writing.
Jon Richardson is one of the sharpest, brightest and most in-demand young comedians on the UK comedy scene at the moment: We caught up with Jon about his plans to perform naked should England win the World Cup and why young people are so important to comedy.
mFEST:You were selected by the festival young programming team at mFEST - Do you notice a lot of young people at your shows?
JR: Doing the podcast and the show on 6music certainly made more young people aware of my comedy. I think there are more young people at stand-up in general than most other shows thanks to its rawness and interactivity.
mFEST: Do you tailor your stand up for different audiences? As the crowd will be a bit younger?
JR:I don’t tailor my act towards anyone in particular but I suppose being in my twenties my material is naturally going to appeal more readily to young people. Young people tend to be much more willing to adapt to different things so they can be easier to perform to. mFEST: You cite Lee Evans as a particular influence. Who else inspires you in Comedy?
JR: I’ve recently got into an American comic called Louis CK, I love the way his brain works. He doesn’t use any tricks or try to blind you with an energetic performance, he just relays his thoughts through a microphone and succeeds in as pure a way as is possible. That is incredibly inspiring. mFEST: Daniel Sloss is one of younger comics at mFEST - how do you think younger comedians, such as yourself, differ from the old guard?
JR: I think it can sometimes be harder for a young comic to succeed, since so much of comedy is about having a unique viewpoint and that’s really something you can only acquire over time. I can sometimes fall prey to over-analysing comedy and age is something that is definitely less important than it can seem. Kevin Bridges is proof that funny is funny regardless of your years, he’s just great.
mFEST: What's the best joke you've heard about a Scotsman?
JR: I can’t think of any jokes about Scotsmen that don’t also involve an Englishman and an Irishman, and in those cases the joke is rarely on the Scotsman. I remember very few jokes, I survive as a comedian by being charming and non-threatening.
mFEST: Will England win the World Cup?
JR: Absolutely not; I will perform naked at mFest if they do. (Well, in just boxers – I lack the bravery to be bold even in this most certain of bets!) mFEST: You have the keys to a time machine. You can go back in time and perform on stage at venue with an artist of your choice. Who, where would it be and why?
JR: I’d love to go back and see some of the music hall comedians, Max Miller and the likes, perform at the Glasgow Empire since there are so many tales of horrific deaths there. Not that I gain any pleasure from watching fellow professionals struggle, you understand? There was something so naughty and yet inclusive about their comedy and I think it would be fun to see how they did it.
mFEST: There is a lot going on this year at mFEST. Will you have a chance to check anything else out?
JR: Unfortunately I’m heading straight to the Edinburgh festival to be judged, poked and scrutinized within an inch of my life when I finish performing at Macrobert. If I could recommend anything to people who are going to be there it would be the screening of 1980s film classic, Labyrinth. It’s a hugely important part of my arsenal for coping with life, a film I have watched when bored, lonely, ill, homesick and so on. It’s like a friend to me. Or as Ludo himself would say, ‘Fffffffrrrrrrriieeeennnnd?’
Led by resident professional Ewan Cameron at macrobert arts centre, We Experiments is a production performed by the innovative macrobert Young Company. We caught up with Director Ewan to find out what we can expect from this brand new piece.
mFEST:You were selected (and commissioned) by the festival young programming team at mFEST – What do you think it was about your production that appealed to our programmers?
Ewan: I think young people like to be challenged - to see things that excite and challenge them. We Experiments is that bit different from a more traditional theatre show because it is designed to be a series of intimate performances in unusual performance spaces.The audience are separated into smaller groups to follow different routes throughout the macrobert and university in search of a missing character. Each audience member experiences a different show as no one person will see all of the same performances!
mFEST:Why did you apply for the Young Persons commission at mFEST?
Ewan: We didn't. The macrobert Young Company are a core group at macrobert. The company believed it was extremely important that they produce a performance for mFEST to both showcase what they do and illustrate how integrated mFEST and the macrobert core groups are for each other.
mFEST:What/who do you cite as creative influences?
Ewan: People, who randomly look at something, find it intriguing so go to it and inquire further. 5 yr olds and cats excel at this. Visually strong and spectacular arts. Other than this I have a wide range of creative influences, including braces, odd socks and brightly coloured underwear... here's a few others:
Guillermo Del Toro; Jim Jarmusch; [film] Derevo; [physical theatre] Spalding Gray [solo performer] Shave Koyczan; [performance poet] Tom Waits... [Musician]... Banksy [artist]...LIFT festival; graffiti arts...
mFEST:What can audiences expect from We Experiments?
Ewan: We Experiments... is an investigation where audiences, as detectives, meet strange and bizarre characters through a series of intimate performances throughout the buildings. Expect to be taken to places you never knew existed...
mFEST:If you had to describe We Experiments in three words, what would they be?
Ewan: TWISTED - INTRIGUING - MYSTERIOUS -
Alternatively and more accurately -more-confusing-than-driving-through-spaghetti-junction-backwards-and-blindfolded.
mFEST:Apart from your piece who/what are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?
Ewan: Daniel Sloss. I knew him when I did stand up, he was funny, and I wasn't. That's why he's headlining and I'm not doing comedy any more!La Fura Del Baus - because they are, simply, awesome and Fallout.
mFEST: You have the keys to a time machine. You can go back in time, perform on stage at venue and artist of your choice. Who, where would it be and why?
Ewan: Tom Waits, Edinburgh Playhouse July 2008. I'd just be on stage hitting a triangle. Other than the Cookie Monster, Tom Waits is probably one of the world's greatest living artists...Or, Cookie Monster's Monsterpiece Theatre version of Spalding Gray's 'Monster in the Box' c. sometime in the 1980's
We Experiments perform at macrobert Friday 30 July – Sunday 1 August
mFEST will be talking to young members of the festival team in the run up to the festival. We caught up with young marketer Calum MacKay to discuss how the programme launch for mFEST went, and what he’s looking forward to at mFEST.
Calum: The press launch went really well. It was really bustling with press and supporters of the project. And the pastries were good too.
Me and the Documentary Team were kept busy filming the whole thing. Interviewing and getting peoples stressed faces on film. It was really good when we got an interview with Daniel Sloss. He was so funny and can’t wait to see his show at the festival. Telling all the journalists to watch out because ‘in 30 years you’ll all be dead’.
Thankfully the press were not too insulted and we still got published in the papers the next day.
All of the tickets are on sale now so go out and by them! I will certainly be buying a ticket for Axis of Awesome. The Musical comedy sensation that received rave reviews at last years Fringe. They are sure to be bigger and better his year, and with them performing three times over the weekend there’s no excuse for missing them.
Here’s only one of their great songs:
And another one just for fun:
Also on my must see list would have to be the film Time Bandits, You could almost describe it as the Mighty Bush mixed with Clash of the Titans but with dwarfs. Don’t understand how? Well you’ll just have to come along and see.
Here’s the Trailer
Also the highlight of the film program will defiantly be Little Miss Sunshine. Not only because it is one of the funniest films of all time but it is an outdoor screening! This will be the penultimate show at the festival and shall be buzzing with an amazing festival atmosphere, guaranteed!
Charging into the summer with slots at a host of top festivals, Darwin Deez rocks up at mFEST on Friday 30 July with Hadouken!, New Young Pony Club and Unicorn Kid.
We spoke with Darwin and this is what he said....
1. Good afternoon Mr Deez. Where are you today and what are you doing?
hi, thank you it's morning actually! i've been waking up early this week. really early.. like at 3:30 am sometimes. jet laggage! i'm checking my email at my parents' house. enjoying the weather down here in North Carolina this week. It's nice to get out of New York City for a while.
2.You were selected by the festival young programming team - have you noticed a lot of U18s at your UK shows and why do you think the kids love your music so much?
you better believe i'm looking forward to mFEST. tell those young hot-shot programmers "Thank You!" with proper caps and everything. we do attract a young crowd, yes. i think the kids like it because it's fast. and it's pop and it's fun.
3. 'Radar Detector' has been something of an Indie Disco dance floor filler in Scotland. Tell us a bit about the song?
cool! it's a love song about driving around and doing fun things with a very caring, protective girl.
4. A member of the mFEST team caught your last show at King Tuts - without letting the cat out the bag, tell us about your pre show routine!!
we drink each other's urine and slap each other's bums. no, just kidding, we do the same the killers do: put our hands in the middle and freeform a sexy skit from busta rhymes' debut. although the killers don't riff on that same skit. or any busta rhymes skit.
5. Stirling has great a history - one William Wallace triumphed over the English army in 1297 not far from where you will perform. What do you know about Scotland?
not much, but i like the accent. "So I Married an Axe Murderer" is basically all i know about Scotland. "HEEEEAD!"
Our young people were asked to talk about mFEST on BBC's Radio Cafe Culture, have a wee listen and hear about all the hard work these young people have put into this festival for you...
