Plug-In: Dancing at 3am & Down the alley
The Studio Below, are having a double-bill production hitting on reflection on the complexities of human emotions, the struggles of homelessness, and the power of unexpected connections. These two plays are part of The Liverpool Fringe Festival.
This features two plays, Down the Alley written by, Brian Hutchinson and Dancing at 3am, written by, Fiona Leonard. The two plays are directed by, Julie Broadbent.
Down the AlleyBrian Hutchinson's "Down the Alley" delves deep into the lives of two homeless individuals, Ester and Charles, who find refuge at the back of The Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool. Their encounter begins with Charles, who, battling his inner demons, he intrudes upon Ester's private space. As the story unfolds, we are drawn into the web of their lives, where mental illness and the weight of guilt and grief have propelled them into the unforgiving world of homelessness.
Brian Hutchinson's says about the production:
" guilt and grief can change the lives of two total strangers, tipping them into the world of homelessness," and "A story of how two strangers bound by guilt and grief search for hope and compassion down an alleyway, in the doorway of life," .
Down the Alley, not only brings to light on the harsh realities of homelessness and the different circumstances around it.
We asked Brian about the creative process behind Down the alley, Brian explained:
“The characters in DOWN THE ALLEY are seeking forgiveness for who they are; demanding respect for whom they aspire to be, within this realm of society we call humanity. ESTER is based on an actual person that I saw, living in a shop doorway. She was petting a toy dog. He got inside her mindset, created and moulded ESTER around it. “
Brian added,
“I got into the psyche of characters CHARLES and Ester, imagining myself living their lives. A world of hopelessness and guilt, in this unforgiving reality we call society. I experienced similar events of survival myself, rifling bins after 14-hour shifts, in London, trying to survive the cost of food and rent. I eventually returned to Liverpool, becoming a head chef in a restaurant. The similarities of lifestyle here is the experience of both austerity and opulence; and the contradistinction between them both.”
Dancing at 3am presents a heartwarming story of connection and resilience. This play revolves around two women who, under unusual circumstances, come together over a cup of flour, a bottle of tequila, and a faint melody in the background. At its main foundation, the play explores the loneliness that many women experience and the misconception that drastic actions are the only path to change.
However, as the story unfolds, the two women discover an alternative route to transformation - the courage to reach out to a stranger for help. In a world that often feels isolating and cold, they find that a simple act of kindness, this gesture by a biscuit and an impromptu dance, can be a lifeline. Dancing at 3am, shows how compassion and human connection can unexpectedly brighten even in bad times.
We had the chance to speak with Director Julie Broadbent on her perspective for both plays,
“Both plays have a feeling of being lost in one’s own circumstances (different for each character). These are individuals who feel isolated and are struggling how to deal with this, not knowing how to connect and being unsure what they need. In terms of direction I want to make the audience feel this, have some connection with the characters and understanding. This could be on different levels for different audience members but to leave them thinking, maybe have their own questions or answers is the aim.
I aim to show this with the pace and dynamics of the text, but also with relatable, believable characters. Some of 'Down The Alley' addresses the audience, so will bring them in to the reality of mental illness, homelessness and humanity in some way.
The stage is set, and the stories are waiting. Let the journey begin. This double bill at studio below is part of the Liverpool fringe festival and will take place.
Get your tickets Now!
written by, Amy Brennan
Edited by, Christopher Woodward