MY LEFT RIGHT FOOT THE MUSICAL
DIRECTOR’S NOTE - ROBERT SOFTLEY GALE As a young boy with cerebral palsy, the film of My Left Foot in 1989 was the first time I’d seen a character with the same impairment as me in mainstream culture. My mum raved about Daniel Day Lewis’s brilliant performance and how “he’s just so like you”. But what could I really take from this portrayal of a disabled person by a nondisabled actor? Such depictions of disability that litter our culture reinforce ideas that disabled people are victims, trapped inside bodies and in need of pity. What does this do for disabled people in 2019? So, what better way to reclaim our stories than to create a musical comedy that pokes fun at the attitudes of non-disabled people – both then and now – and makes people laugh hysterically while realising that there are other ways to look at things? It’s enormously daring of us to take this on but we think there is one person who would approve of our creative endeavours.
“I have always been fascinated by the theatre, it is such an enormously audacious thing to try and captivate an entire audience of several hundred people all at once and purely for your own creative endeavours.” CHRISTY BROWN
CAST Katie Barnett Amy Richard Conlon Ian Christopher Imbrosciano Chris Natalie MacDonald Nat / Performing BSL Director Alex Parker Alex / Performing Musical Director Shannon Swan Gillian Neil Thomas Grant Gail Watson Sheena
CREATIVE TEAM Robert Softley Gale Director (Book & Lyrics) Richard Thomas Music and Lyrics Scott Gilmour Lyrics Claire McKenzie Music Rachel Drazek Choreographer
Mairi Taylor Creative Producer & Dramaturg Rebecca Hamilton Set & Costume Designer Grant Anderson Lighting Designer Lewis den Hertog Video Designer Richard Price Sound Designer Laurence Owen Music Arrangement & Production Laura Donnelly CGD Casting Director Catherine King BSL Consultant Judith Drake Academic Theatre Consultant
PRODUCTION TEAM Callum Smith Producer Niall Black Production Manager Lee Davis Company Stage Manager David M Hill Technical Stage Manager Emma Skaer Deputy Stage Manager Paul Froy Lighting Supervisor Laura Choules Lighting Programmer Andy Reid Video Supervisor Andy Stuart Sound Supervisor Katy Lonsdale Costume Supervisor Lesley McNamara Wardrobe Technician
BIRDS OF PARADISE THEATRE COMPANY Robert Softley Gale Artistic Director Mairi Taylor Executive Producer Michelle Rolfe Producer Callum Madge Engagement and Office Manager A list of the National Theatre of Scotland staff involved in this and all productions can be found here: nationaltheatrescotland.com/about/contact-us
WITH THANKS TO: Gordon Adams, Amy McAinsh, Clare Canton and Alyson Hagan. If you would like to give us feedback on the show, please email us at feedback@nationaltheatrescotland.com
#MYLEFTRIGHTFOOT
RICHARD CONLON
GAIL WATSON
KATIE BARNETT
ALEX PARKER
CHRISTOPHER IMBROSCIANO
NEIL THOMAS
NATALIE MACDONALD
SHANNON SWAN
Ian
Chris
Sheena
Grant
SONGS ACT 1 I Am What I Am-Dram Music & Lyrics by Richard Thomas (Inclusion) It Wouldn’t Be A Bad Thing Music & Lyrics by Claire McKenzie & Scott Gilmour My Left Foot – The Mini Musical Music & Lyrics by Richard Thomas I Hate Other People Music & Lyrics by Richard Thomas Spasticity Music & Lyrics by Claire McKenzie & Scott Gilmour On The Outside Music & Lyrics by Claire McKenzie & Scott Gilmour Spastic Finger Music & Lyrics by Richard Thomas. Additional Lyrics by Robert Softley Gale
Amy
Nat
Alex
Gillian
I’m An Actor Music & Lyrics by Richard Thomas
ACT 2 Everybody’s Happy Music & Lyrics by Richard Thomas What Do You Want to Say Music & Lyrics by Claire McKenzie & Scott Gilmour Why Does The World Have to Change So Fast Music & Lyrics by Richard Thomas Drinking Song Music & Lyrics by Claire McKenzie & Scott Gilmour Look At You Music & Lyrics by Richard Thomas You Can Be a Better You Music & Lyrics by Richard Thomas The Show is F****d Music & Lyrics by Claire McKenzie & Scott Gilmour
Building Christy’s House Music & Lyrics by Richard Thomas
What Was I Thinking Music & Lyrics by Richard Thomas
Super Human Feet Music & Lyrics by Richard Thomas
Montage Music & Lyrics by Richard Thomas
No No No Music & Lyrics by Richard Thomas
Another Show Another Year Music & Lyrics by Richard Thomas
ABOUT NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND
ABOUT BIRDS OF PARADISE THEATRE COMPANY
National Theatre of Scotland is a Theatre Without Walls.
Birds of Paradise’s vision is of a culture where disabled people are recognised for the excellence of their work, celebrated for the stories they bring to the stage and are a vital part of the artistic landscape of Scotland. BOP makes theatre that challenges attitudes, provokes new creative approaches, and designs access into productions to reach a broad audience. BOP also provides strategic support to other organisations through Disability Equality Training and development opportunities to the next generation of disabled artists.
We don’t have our own building. Instead, we bring theatre to you. From the biggest stages to the smallest community halls, we showcase Scottish culture at home and around the world. We have performed in airports and tower blocks, submarines and swimming pools, telling stories in ways you have never seen before. We want to bring the joy of theatre to everyone. Since we were founded in 2006, we have produced hundreds of shows and toured all over the world. We strive to amplify the voices that need to be heard, tell the stories that need to be told and take work to wherever audiences are to be found. Jackie Wylie Artistic Director and Chief Executive Seona Reid DBE Chair For the latest information on all our activities, visit us online at nationaltheatrescotland.com or follow us on:
SUPPORT NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND Did you know the National Theatre of Scotland is a registered charity? To do what we do, we need your support! Our donors and supporters have helped us nurture and develop the careers of hundreds of actors, playwrights, designers and directors. Each year we work with thousands of young people from across Scotland on projects that build confidence and transform lives. There are many ways to support and be part of our work creating vital, dynamic theatre. Join us and help us achieve our ambition. To learn more, please visit: nationaltheatrescotland.com/support To speak to us about the opportunities available, contact: Adam McDougall, Development Manager T: 0141 221 0970 E: adam.mcdougall@nationaltheatrescotland.com If you would like to give us feedback on the show, please email us at: feedback@nationaltheatrescotland.com COPYRIGHT 2019 NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND. The National Theatre of Scotland, a company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland (SC234270), is a registered Scottish charity (SCO33377). Photography by Mihaela Bodlovic.
For the latest information on all our activities and training services, visit us online at boptheatre.co.uk or follow us on: Scottish Charity No: SCO23666 Registered in Scotland No: SCI43878
SUPPORT BIRDS OF PARADISE THEATRE COMPANY Over the last 26 years BOP has influenced theatre in Scotland and changed the lives and careers of many disabled people. Through all our work we campaign for and demonstrate equality of access to the arts and creative opportunities. We would be thrilled if you would support us with a charitable donation to continue to deliver our work. This year we have launched our BOP Young Artists Programme to help nurture the next generations of disabled artists. boptheatre.co.uk/donate
DON’T MISS BIRDS OF PARADISE THEATRE COMPANY AND NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND AT EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL: Birds of Paradise Theatre Company
PURPOSELESS MOVEMENTS
19 – 24 August 2019 Book your tickets now at eif.co.uk National Theatre of Scotland
RED DUST ROAD
14 – 18 August 2019 Book your tickets now at nationaltheatrescotland.com
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