I sat down with Co-Artistic Director Charlotte Hunter from new theatre company 41 Degrees Productions to find out more about Scratch Like A Pro, coming to the Golden Goose Theatre this September.
Can you tell me a little about your show and what audiences can expect?
Scratch Like A Pro is the inaugural event from 41 Degrees Productions. It’s a scratch night at the Golden Goose Theatre showcasing brand new excerpts from musicals, plays, comedy, and monologues by artists at every stage of their careers.
Audiences can expect an exciting mix of work-in-progress pieces, followed by networking drinks where writers, performers, directors, and audiences can keep the conversations going!
What drew you to this specific story?
I’m directing an excerpt from The Dybbuk, a new supernatural musical by Joe Leather and Isaac Adni, set against the sweat and soul of Manchester in 1969.
That said, every piece on the programme brings something completely different, from new musicals to bold monologues, so I’d encourage audiences to come ready to discover something unexpected!
What has been the biggest challenge in bringing this production to life?
Without a doubt, it was turning down so many brilliant applications. The response to our open call was unbelievable, especially for our first event as a company. This speaks to both the strength of London’s emerging theatre scene and how many artists are looking for opportunities to share new work. If anything, it has made us even more excited to build future events and give more creatives a platform.
How does the design of your show (set, sound, or lighting) impact the presentation of your story?
The only way to start a creative career (especially for those with no industry connections) is to meet other artists, create your own work, and get your name out there. Therefore, the community aspect of 41 Degrees is a key foundation of our company. After every show, we offer networking drinks in the pubs or private venues for artists to dissect the work they have seen and be introduced to each other!
If you could sum up the show in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?
Collaboration.
Scratch Like A Pro runs at the Golden Goose Theatre, London, on 27 September. Tickets available at https://www.41degreesproductions.com/events/event-five-fknp5-ych4h-3gh48-hn79m
