The Cast: William

DYLAN: William

Name: Dylan Marsh
Course: English and Theatre Studies
Brief Summary of Character: erratic, nervous, gawky, and more layers than any onion you've ever encountered.
In what ways are you similar to your character? I am him. No acting is required for me in this role.
Last place you went on a night out: Not generally one for nightlife. Went out with the cast to Hi-Fi on our first rehearsal. Also went to see Everything Everything with my parents last week!
Your favourite song? Mr.Blue Sky by ELO
If you could be someone for a day: David Bowie
Secret tattoos and piercings: none
Widely unknown fact about you: I briefly considered going out as a stand up comedian (ill-advised)
Drink of choice: Peroni
Guilty pleasure: James Blunt (seen him live)
Favourite line from the play: she'll get a haircut like Jennifer Anniston or something. That'll be better than being dead I think.

The Cast: Lilly

ANNA: Lilly

Name: Anna 

Course: Environmental Science

Give a brief summary of your character: She's the sexually-assured, exciting, self-destructive, well-meaning catalyst

In what ways do you consider yourself similar to your character: I am also scared of dogs.

Wheres the last place you went on a night out? Not last but definitely best: Dilation at Beaverworks

Your favourite song: Billie Jean - Michael Jackson 

If you could be someone for a day, who would it be and why? Obama so I could sort some shit out!

Do you have any secret tattoos/piercings etc? Took out my tongue piercing the day before Uni, was definitely time

Tell a fact that is widely unknown about you? I can play grade 8 cello 

Drink of choice: Anything with rum

Guilty Pleasure: Kinder Bueno Milkshakes from Afterz in Hyde Park 

Favourite Line/scene from the play: Scene 2 for comedy factor

The Cast: Chadwick + Bennett

NICK: Chadwick

Name: Nick
Course: Theatre and Performance
Give a brief summary about your character (in your own words): Kanye west incarnate 
In what ways do you consider yourself similar to your character? We look the same when I play him
Where's the last place you went on a night out? Warehouse 
Your favourite song? Walt Grace's submarine test by John Mayer 
If you could be someone for a day, who would it be and why? Russell Brand, so I could throw myself off a high building and make the world a better place
Do you have any secret tattoos/piercings etc? I used to have my left ear pierced 
Tell a fact that is widely unknown about you? I used to live in Switzerland when I was 5
Drink of choice: Webber Martini 
Guilty pleasure: Scrubs quotes 
Favourite line/scene from the play: The 4th scene (not to give anything away)

JACK: Bennett

Name: Jack 
Course: History
Give a brief summary your character: A sadistic guy whose outward confidence hides his inner frustrations
In what ways do you consider yourself similar to your character: None really
Wheres the last place you went on a night out? Warehouse
Your favourite song: Changes but probably James Blake feat Chance the Rapper Life round here at the moment
If you could be someone for a day, who would it be and why? Brian Blessed for obvious reasons
Do you have any secret tattoos/piercings etc? No
Tell a fact that is widely unknown about you? the thought of a cup of tea repulses me
Drink of choice: Old Fashioned
Guilty Pleasure: Made in Chelsea
Favourite Line/scene from the play: Holy Fucking moly on a horse...

The Cast: Tanya + Cissy

JO: Tanya

Name: Jo
Course: English and theatre
Give a brief summary about your character: warm-hearted, keen, teary, hopeless romantic. Bit of a wimp. Likes wine gums.
In what ways do you consider yourself similar to your character: I've been horribly typecast. But in real life I usually finish my sentences. Also was a bit in love with a teacher at school.. Not easy!
Where's the last place you went on a night out? Warehouse (recurring theme here)
Your fave song: A Case Of You by Joni Mitchell/James Blake
If you could be someone for a day, who would it be and why? Dr Who's assistant. Matt smith. 
Do you have any secret tattoos/piercings etc? Just earsTell a fact that is widely unknown about you? I'm a descendent of a cheeky Spanish Pirate 

Drink of choice: Red Wine or Rum and ginger beer

Guilty pleasure: toblerone, 13: 'YOU'RE SUCH A-'

LILY: Cissy

Name: Lily

Course: Cinema and Photography

Give a Brief summary about your character: A bitch. But not really a bitch.

In what ways do you consider yourself similar to your character? Hopefully we're not too similar, but I think everybody can identify with her insecurities and the pressure she is put under. And she's quite dry and sarcastic, which I like.

Where's the last place you went on a night out? Warehouse

Your favourite song? L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole (cause it's in The Parent Trap- best movie everrrrr)

If you could be someone for a day, who would it be and why? I would be Nick because it would be so amazing to get to be in the tealights for a day.

Do you have any secret tattoos/piercings etc? Ear piercings and a wrist tattoo (cause I am v. edgy)

Tell a fact that is widely unknown about you: Did my Grade 8 ballet a few years ago (before i was way cool and edgy)

Drink of choice: Vodka and cranberry juice (classy)

Guilty pleasure: Harry Styles. You know why.

Favorite line/scene from the play: 'Just having a bit of a dance'

The Cast: Dr Harvey + Nicholas

In the countdown to the production we're giving you sneak previews of our gorgeous cast:

DAVE: Dr Harvey

Name: Dave  

Course: Theatre and Performance

Brief Character Summary: An inquisitive and caring teen psychologist. 

Character Similarities: I think I'd make a pretty good therapist.  

Last place I went on a night out: Last big one was seeing the Pixies in Paris.

Favourite song: Milk Teeth by Japanese Voyeurs

Person for a day: Samuel L Jackson. No question.

Do you have any secret tattoos/piercings?: I do not.

Widely unknown fact: I was born with a jet black mohawk.

Drink of choice: Good scotch.

Guilty pleasure: Alanis Morissette.

Favourite line/scene from the play: William's closing monologue.

BEN: Nicholas

Name: Ben

Course: Theatre and Performance 

Give a brief summary your character: The more reserved, mature and tactic athletic gentleman.  

In what ways do you consider yourself similar to your character: Both enjoy playing sports and constantly plagued by injuries.

Wheres the last place you went on a night out? London, shoreditch. 

Your favourite song: Daft Punk - Instant Crush feat Julian Casablancas 

If you could be someone for a day, who would it be and why? Usain Bolt so I could feel what is like to run that fast.

Do you have any secret tattoos/piercings etc? Tattoo on my right oblique (Shhhh). 

 Tell a fact that is widely unknown about you: I've broken my nose over 5 times! 

Drink of choice: Dr Gin. (Gordon's) + (Dr. Pepper)

Guilty Pleasure: Love Actually...

Favourite Line/scene from the play: One night in Paris.

Update

With time running out, things are hotting up. Daily rehearsals are producing excellent results, with the cast developing a real affiliation with their characters. Today the directors and producers met at 11am to  discuss set, costume and props, meeting the cast at 12 for a long rehearsal (currently the cast are playing splat as a post-lunch energy boost). We started the morning with some workshopping techniques, focussing on breathing, getting into the mindset of their characters, and hot-seating.

Our fundraiser the other day was also a similar success, with performances from our gorgeous 'Dr' Dave and 'William' Dylan:

Over the next week we will be announcing our ticket sales, as well as giving previews of our cast in preparation for the first show on the 22nd! 

Punk Rock Social Announced!

Today we have announced our social, which we will be hosting in order to boost funds for the production. Starting at 7.30pm, there'll be time to chill, have some drinks, eat some sweets, do an informal quiz and listen to some live music.We'll then be screening The Breakfast Club, which has been influential in our creative process, as well as films such at The History Boys. Tickets are only £3, which is a bargain really, plus we'll be selling popcorn during the film. 

The Breakfast Club

Check out our event on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/637182429646857/?notif_t=plan_user_joined

The First Few Rehearsals

The last few days we have been rehearsing. We have fleshed out the first three scenes, as well as the final scene in an intense rehearsal on Friday in the Raven. Today has been our first experience in the Banham, which despite some complications actually getting into the space, was really exciting. 

The First Read Through

Monday night was the first chance for the cast (bar Dave) to meet each other outside of the audition process. Cramming into Daisy's kitchen we set about our first read through, keeping it relaxed with regular breaks for a chat and drink. 

looking a little worse for wear..

The read through itself went really well, with everyone excited about the script. A few more drinks later and we were off to Hifi for a night of electro-swing! 

The Cast

We have cast the play!

A huge progression, and one that has left us three both emotionally drained and hugely excited. With a total of 70+ auditions, cutting it down first to thirty callbacks, and then to eight choices was no mean fete. Each of us agreed that we easily could have cast at least three separate plays of a decent quality without much trouble.

The auditions themselves took a simple shape. After introductions, we split the dauntingly large group into two more manageable ones and played a couple of 'drama games'. Call them childish, call them done-to-death, but they broke the ice and gave everyone a chance to warm up. We then handed out scripts and designated temporary characters to each person, before sending them away to practice their scenes.

The range of acting styles was brilliant, and transformed the scenes in ways we never even considered. From the hilarious to the offbeat to the occasionally moving, each group brought us something new which left us note-scrawling frantically from the moment they left and the door shut behind them.

Callbacks took a similar structure, but with a couple of games of improvisation to get things moving before the auditions themselves. With less people to audition and us three even more keen to see what range the actors possessed, each group was given more time to go through and repeat their scenes. Consequently, we took AGES. And to those of you who auditioned who are reading this, we apologise and thank-you for sticking it out!

directors Daisy and Bea exhausted after a long day of callbacks...

And, after a lot of praising, arguing, defending and stressing, we came to our amazing final eight:

NICK BECHAM as Chadwicke Meade ANNA DISKI as Lilly Cahill JO LANGDON as Tanya Gleason DYLAN MARSH as William Carlisle DAVE REESON as Dr Richard Harvey JACK BAXTER as Bennett Francis BEN NORTHFIELD as Nicholas Chatman LILY HALL as Cissy Franks

It's been exhausting but we cannot wait to get started.

Fundraiser planning + Set Inspiration

Having spent a summer planning, the Punk Rock Team are reunited in Leeds! Leaping into action, Director Bea Lawrence and Producer Sammy Gooch checked out the Pack Horse for their fundraiser, throwing around ideas of school quizzes, sweets, prizes, film screenings and popcorn (watch this space!).

Bea at the Pack Horse

a potential bookcase

common room chairs

p.e kit

We then headed to Swiss Cottage for set and prop inspiration. The team are currently discussing the era of the play in relation to the scripts modern references, toying with setting the play around the 1980s. Here are some of our favourite pieces from Swiss Cottage:

Punk Rock are looking to collaborate with a Set Designer: if anyone is interested please contact Sammy Gooch, Bea Lawrence or Daisy Fernadez via facebook.

ABOUT PUNK ROCK

'Punk Rock', a play by Simon Stephens, is referenced as 'The History Boys on crack. Stephens' play explores the underlying tensions and potential violence in a group of affluent, articulate sixth-form students in Stockport. Contemporary and unnerving, with elements of The Catcher in the Rye, Lord of the Flies and The Breakfast Club; Punk Rock addresses internal power battles. It is punctuated with comedy, subtle moments of poignancy and interlaced throughout with 80s and 90s punk rock music. Lily Cahill, a newcomer to Stockport, will change the dynamic of a group and spark the latent violence and antagonism simmering beneath the surface.