‘Dinner’ from Exeter to Edinburgh: University to The Fringe - Paul Smith.
The road from Exeter in South West England to Edinburgh, Scotland is a long one, but when you are taking a stage play with you it is a journey with many logistical challenges and many twists and turns along the way.
For some years now, Exeter University Theatre Company (EUTCO) has taken a production to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and this year is no exception. Undertaking such a venture is not something to be taken lightly and with performances at home in June and then a transfer to The Fringe in August, the students have much to do. The aim is to create a production to be remembered and an experience to be treasured.
There is nothing like a bit of planning and so, back in October 2023, prospective director of the production, Fern Boston, finally made the decision on the play she wanted to propose - ‘Dinner’ by Moira Buffini – with just hours before she would pitch it to the EUTCO Committee. “The intricate nature of the plot and the characters really drew me to it; it was just the challenge I wanted to undertake”, says Fern whose enthusiasm for the project won over the Committee – the work started immediately.
Fern soon recruited Lottie Walker as the Creative Producer and Caspar Jansa as her Assistant Director; the production team would be added to gradually. Obviously, a priority was to find the cast of seven. The play centres around a dinner party hosted by Paige, in order to celebrate the publication of her husband’s latest book. What develops is a ‘dinner party from hell’ where games are played, secrets revealed and conflict, both verbal and physical, erupts. There was no shortage of interest; a staggering 120 auditioned, leaving the production team with difficult decisions and many hopefuls, disappointed. “Fern and Caspar chose some of the funniest sections of the play for the auditions, which left you wondering how the play developed to reach these points in the action.” Recounts Oli Silverman who was eventually cast as Mike, the stranger who turns up at the dinner unannounced.
The cast were universally excited by the script; Charlie Holland, who plays Wynne, loved the way the characters had so much depth, “the multiplicitous inter-relationships offer so much to both the actor and the audience; I was so drawn to the writing.” Likewise, Tristan Berry (playing Hal) found much to enjoy, “I was very interested in the show because of its very relevant social themes. I feel we delivered a detailed exploration of these ideas, which are so cleverly intertwined with the drama and humour of the dinner party. It’s seamless and I think speaks of the hard work of the directors, which I’m so proud of.”
It must be born in mind, of course, that those involved would be juggling their studies with the production; exams (including finals for some) would sit side by side with the later rehearsals; not all those involved study drama.
The casting process complete and the creative team fully in place, before thoughts turned to rehearsing, there was the little issue of running time. A few edits were made for the Exeter performances where the play would last 90 minutes without an interval; in Edinburgh, due to the requirements of the venue, the play needed to be edited down to just 50. “The script has been cut so well by Fern and Caspar”, observes Geffen Katz-Kaye (playing Lars), “it has been quite easy to adapt to the shorter script which ensures the sense of the whole play is maintained.”
Fundraising for the two productions was going to be an important function; from venue and licensing costs, to props, costumes, travel and publicity, the figures mount up. The co-marketing and fundraising managers, Emily Shaw-Goodall and Maia Marwa have had their work cut out. Specific fundraising events were organised, an application for funding to the University was made along with a Crowdfunding campaign, which, when added to the ticket sales will have amounted to something around £3,000.
The play has a fairly simple setting; a dining table and chairs, but the very many props took some collecting together and were vital for the rehearsal process. Preparation was structured around workshops as the actors built their characters; themes investigated and considered and the execution of the script developed. The whole production was curated by the production team over many months and with the home performances in the forefront, the mind was never too far from the requirements of the transfer to Edinburgh.
At Exeter the demand for tickets was high; the long gestation period of the play lead to it building its own following, support base and momentum; all performances were sold out before the curtain was raised on the opening night.
From our point of view, the invitation to review the play caused an air of expectation; student productions can be incredibly stimulating, this was one was to impress without reservation. Buoyed by our 5 star review - https://theatreplays.uk/dinner-exeter-university-theatre-company-exeter-university/ - the team turned their attention to The Fringe.
The three weeks of arts activities in Edinburgh sees a huge influx of tourists to the City and 100s of different shows for them to see – the competition is rife and trying to fill your theatre space each time is a real challenge. Social media is, of course, the cheapest and simplest way to get an audience, so EUTCO use their Instagram, X and TikTok accounts to the full; but, the old fashioned method of handing out flyers is still seen as the ultimate advertising technique. Meeting with the public and putting something in their hand which has enticing words and all the information that is needed, gets ‘bums on seats’, that as well as a few chosen words by those doing the legwork. “We’ve carried out roleplaying exercises on flyering; looking to see the best way to approach people and persuade them that ‘Dinner’ is the show they need to come and see.” Emily explains. No stone is being left unturned and the team will not have too much time to rest and relax once they get to Scotland; getting out and selling the show is a daily appointment for all!
So, with just a short time before the cast revisit the play, props are being packed in suitcases – who will be transporting the lobsters, I wonder? Flyers have been printed and some paid advertising boards have been booked. But there will be unseen challenges at The Fringe, Tristan recalls a previous trip with a production and knows that fatigue will play a huge part; “The Festival is very intense in that you perform daily, but also spend lots of time watching shows and making the most of the social life there. You can leave feeling very drained, so the occasional night off for some self-care will definitely be required.” Sound advice.
Fern’s vision for the play and the production came good in Exeter; this meticulous, detailed and highly professional production is sure to make its mark at world’s largest performance art festival and to all those who have been involved in EUTCO, it will be a chance to unveil their talent to a new audience and, in the process, to make themselves, their families and their university proud. It will make the journey so worthwhile.
‘Dinner’ will be performed at theSpace on the Mile (Fringe Venue 39), 80 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1TH from 12-17 and 19-24 August. Tickets available from www.thespaceuk.com
Photo Credit: Ophelia Fellhauer