LPT: We’d love an overview of the story.

It's a three-hander, one-act play set backstage at an open mic night and essentially the story is about two seasoned performers, Mitch and Kate, where on one particular night their well-worn routines are about to irrevocably shift. It is a love story and about the fear of change. Chrissie has taken on the clipboard and is hosting for the first time on this particular night. She has something to prove and becomes hampered by the effects of the changing landscape of Kate and Mitch. It obviously also features some great live music.

LPT: As it's open mike night, are we in for a treat, or are there a few shocking notes?

You are definitely in for a treat with a wonderful selection of songs – old and new. The notes are good, but Mitch is having some trouble remembering some of his lyrics, much to his own frustration and embarrassment.

LPT: Open mic night does seem a very fertile ground for comedy. Would you describe the kind of comedy that works for you as situation comedy?

You are absolutely right, it’s very much a fertile ground for comedy. The humour is quite dark in places, so I would say it is a cross between black and situation comedy. It has been suggested that the play could work well in a TV situation comedy format, with the core characters the same for each episode and introducing ‘guests’, i.e. open mic performers, each new episode. I would be very interested in developing this idea.

LPT: Could you tell us about the themes of the drama.

‘A Different Song’ is essentially an uplifting, feel-good story of love, loneliness and of the need to belong to something that makes us feel connected to others and feel a part of something that’s real and tangible in an increasingly disconnected world.

LPT: Is it laughter all the way or should we be bringing our handkerchiefs?

There’s a lot of laughter, for sure, but I would definitely advise bringing a tissue, if only to wipe away the tears of joy….

LPT: As an established playwright, how does this work fit into the cannon of your work to date?

Much of my work to-date has been Sussex based - I formed a successful collaboration with Brighton-based Beside the Seaside Theatre and wrote three commissioned plays, all of which were produced under the Brighton Fringe umbrella, where I received four awards including an Outstanding Theatre Teapot and an Argus Angel Award. I have recently been tailoring my scripts to one-act, rather than two, as I feel they present the opportunity for a more concise, focused narrative and are a popular choice for fringe and emerging theatre company’s budgets!  I am working on a new comedy entitled ‘About Time’ which centres a group of women who reunite at a Spice Girls themed dance workshop.

LPT: The show is on a tour, (and Londoners will have another opportunity to see it at Canal Café theatre in November).  As you’re from Worthing on the South Coast, how does this feed into the writing?

There is never enough time for writing! I have written, directed and am producing a ‘A Different Song’, which I am thoroughly enjoying, but there is precious little time left for finding a quiet corner to write. A familiar playwright’s cry, I know!

LPT: Are you pleased with the reception you’ve had so far for the drama?

So pleased! We’ve played to sell-out, rapturous audiences in Chichester and Worthing so far, so can’t wait to bring it to London on 5^th, 6^th October (Bread and Roses Theatre) and 22^nd, 23^rd November (Canal Café Theatre).

LPT: Finally, what are you most looking forward to sharing with London audiences?

It's a gentle, uplifting piece which allows the audience to glimpse fragments of what these people have to muster, each night, putting their fragile hearts and egos on the line, both on and off the stage. Success or failure, it's there for the taking, but so is the love, friendship and community. Also, there's good songs well sung, some knitting-ripping and a fair amount of hot cross bun action!

A DIFFERENT SONG

At Bread and Roses Theatre, Clapham

5 & 6 October 5pm

Bookings

At Canal Café Theatre, Little Venice 22 & 23 November 7.30pm

Bookings

A lonely microphone, an unpredictable crowd and a deranged dog…oh, and a spot of knitting-ripping….. It can only be one thing - open mic night. 

Backstage, seasoned performer, Mitch, tunes up against a backdrop of faded dreams and pain, pushed down. Another regular, Kate, is devastated when she hears that Mitch has decided to call it a day. Chrissie's taken over the clipboard and hosting for the first time. She needs it to go well. She needs her star turn to stay. Kate has a new song. The crowd are ready. In this room, on this night, there is hope and there is love.

Following sold-out debut shows at Chichester Fringe and Worthing Festival, Sussex-based LT Productions are proud to be part of the inaugural Lambeth Fringe at its founder venue, The Bread and Roses Theatre with their one-act play by award-winning writer, Liz Tait, who also produces and directs. The three-strong, Brighton-based cast are: Andy Hutchison (Mitch), Helen Rogers (Chrissie) and Sally Best (Kate).



"Andy Hutchison performing as Mitch while playing his guitar is an absolute joy to hear"

"Chrissie, played by Helen Rogers, is cringingly hilarious"

"Liz Tait's writing is real and fresh and grounded, acutely observed and relatable"