By Alex Boersma, Third Year, Literature Columnist
I spoke to Finlay Cooper, Creative Director of Deep Cut Theatre, a new student theatre company in Bristol about how and why they started their company and how it is different to other student theatre companies in Bristol.
I have known Finlay for a couple of years and his love of theatre and music has remained consistent, so his new venture creating a musical theatre company makes him the perfect man for the job. As well as being a ‘massive musical theatre nerd’, he is also a regular theatre critic. When I asked him why he had set up Deep Cut Theatre, he replied ‘I wanted to create a company which would help bridge the gap between university societies and local amdram, with a professional approach and intimate rehearsal style’ while simultaneously ‘programming shows that would open people's eyes to often overlooked musicals.’ He noticed a gap in the Bristol theatre market as he witnessed so many great student theatre companies be born - but they were all ‘play-focused’. He decided it was about time a musical theatre company hit the Bristol theatre scene.
‘This includes ‘a full 28 piece orchestra, large ensemble choir, and a remarkably talented cast of students and alumni’’
It is this spotlight on musical theatre that makes Deep Cut Theatre different to the other student theatre companies. Finlay explains the company's ‘mission is to stage full concerts of under appreciated classics and unrecognised new works in their richest and fullest sonic capacity.’ This includes ‘a full 28 piece orchestra, large ensemble choir, and a remarkably talented cast of students and alumni’. He explains, it is a chance for students to discover amazing musicals in both a cheap and accessible way.
In terms of coming up with the name, he says all credit goes to an early supporter, Tilly Collard, who suggested the name during a brainstorm. The team decided Deep Cut Theatre fit with their goal of ‘sharing deeper cuts from the musical theatre canon’ that young people may not be familiar with as of yet.
‘Any exciting project worth doing will always be a risk in some way’ but the important thing is ‘just taking those first ambitious steps’
In terms of advice for those wanting to start their own theatre companies, Finlay reminisces about how scared he was when the idea first spawned, and explains how he had to ‘bite the bullet and just do it!’ Despite his initial nerves, he explains the Bristol theatre community welcomed him and his amazing team, shouting out Deep Cut Theatre's director, Issy Davy. He continues that ‘any exciting project worth doing will always be a risk in some way’ but the important thing is ‘just taking those first ambitious steps.’
Their premiere production is a take on Jerry Herman's ‘delightful romance’ Hello Dolly! The show centres around matchmaker Dolly as she tries to find a match for a man she desires herself. Finlay explains ‘it will be a staged concert of the full work’ so expect ‘the full show, with all the scenes, performed with a giant orchestra’ ‘minus the set, dance and elaborate staging’. He sneakily remarks that they have a few tricks up their sleeves, so you'll have to catch it on November 23rd at the Victoria methodist church to find out what that entails!
If you’re wanting to get involved, Finlay stresses that ‘anyone can join their un-auditioned ensemble choir’: ‘it is a unique opportunity to sing a full musical with a large orchestra’ without having to commit to long rehearsals, dancing or acting. All you need is a passion for singing musical theatre! Without intense commitment, this seems like a great option alongside your studies. Finlay explains ‘there will be several relaxed rehearsals with our associate musical director, Tom Roberts.’ It is open to anyone, no matter your experience. Buy your ticket here
Featured Image: Epigram/ Finlay Cooper
Will you buy tickets to Hello Dolly?
