As Brighton Fringe gears up for 2016, Broadway Baby offers a preview of the shows, the people and the world that is Brighton Fringe. We’ve been speaking to participants from around the Fringe and asked them to give us an insight into their shows.
The beauty of this show is its simplicity
Name Kluane Saunders
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am an actress and a classically trained soprano (BMUS), with extensive dance and movement training. Most recently, I have appeared on London stages as Loureen in Poof!, Glinda in The Wizard of Oz, as Maddie in the workshop of a new musical Devilish at the Tristan Bates Theatre, and in Where’s Your Mama Gone? at The Hen and Chickens Theatre. I will next appear in the title role of Cinderella at The Deco Theatre.
I enjoy working on new writing, as well as creating my own work, as a theatre maker, deviser, and collaborator. I would like this to be the first of many shows in which I get to write, produce, and perform.
Can you tell us a little bit about your show, what can we expect?
An Old Fashioned Girl is a beautiful play performed in a cabaret style. It incorporates live music and songs that will take you back to 1950s London, the golden age of radio.
Why did you decide to perform your show at the Brighton Fringe?
The show got such a good reception when we performed it last year that we really wanted to share it with a wider audience.
What makes your show different?
The beauty of this show is its simplicity. This is a play in a cabaret style; no fancy set or costume changes. We just have great live music and songs from the 1950s, as well as 3 performers playing 8 different characters to tell a heart-warming story.
Who would enjoy seeing your show?
One reviewer said “Old Fashioned Girl will appeal to anyone who has a soft spot for the songs of yesteryear and dare I say it, people who wouldn’t normally go to musicals” —femalearts. People who grew up in the 1950s will of course love the show but we also think the show has a broad appeal; most people love live music and can relate to the story and themes explored in the piece.
What has been the best advice you have been given?
“Don’t ask, don’t get!” I think as a young theatre-maker you just have to keep asking for help where you need it. I am always in awe of other talented artists and professionals and was often too shy to ask them to collaborate with me. I am so grateful I learned to ask and was able to get such wonderful people to collaborate with me on this project.
What show, apart from yours, would you recommend at the Brighton Fringe and why?
I love the look of Airswimming from Weird Sisters Theatre Company. The themes interest me and I also believe in supporting the work of young theatre companies (especially the work of fellow female artists).
What do you think audiences will enjoy the most about your show?
The fabulous live music from the 1950s—the hits and the forgotten gems.
Do you have a website or Facebook page where audiences can find further information
Twitter:@OldFashionedUK
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/oldfashionedgirluk/
An Old Fashioned Girl is appearing at the The Warren: Theatre Box, 21-22 May 14:00
