THE STAGE EDIT: THE FUNFAIR
Last Thursday night I made my way to HOME for the first time to finally see what the Cornerhouse had now become. I cannot say I was disappointed. There was so much going on and the place was filled with bucket loads of energy that immediately lifted my spirits from the dangerously low cavern it was making itself comfortable in. And this was probably due to the fact that it was also the day the HOMEwarming weekend officially began with Danny Boyle kicking things off. Yeah... my lucky stars ain't that lucky as I did not see him through the massive sea of people who were all having a great time. But not to worry, my time there was still well spent because I saw The Funfair.
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Source: Musicians Max Runham and Barbara Hockaday, and James Lusted (Tiny) in The Funfair adapted from Ödön von Horváth’s Kasimir and Karoline by Simon Stephens, directed by Walter Meierjohann. Presented by HOME Manchester (14 May - 13 June 2015). Photo by Graeme Cooper
As far as seats in theatres go I was assigned a pretty remarkable one. And you know how picky I am with my seats. Middle of the middle on the middle tier. Yeah, I was in my element; the view was perfect. But that is not really important. What is is what I thought of Simon Stephen's adaptation of Ödön von Horváth's play 'Kasimir and Karoline' - an enchanting night saturated with heightened emotions which was brought to life under the direction of Walter Meierjohan (Romeo & Juliet).
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Source: Ben Batt (Cash) and Katie Moore (Caroline) in The Funfair adapted from Ödön von Horváth’s Kasimir and Karoline by Simon Stephens, directed by Walter Meierjohann. Presented by HOME Manchester (14 May - 13 June 2015). Photo by Graeme Cooper
Where to start... okay, I have not read the original play before so I cannot comment on the similarities between the two but what I can say is that I found The Funfair to be funny, dark, politically conscious, moving, relatable and quite entertaining. Set in Manchester at a time where the economy is not at all at its peak - not too unlike today - we are introduced to a couple, Cash and Caroline, who are passionate, hot-tempered and wear their hearts on their sleeves. We watch how their relationship is tested through the course of one night at an eerie but lively fairground that attracts all kinds of shady characters whose presence don't go amiss.
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Source: Christopher Wright (David Spear), Katie Moore (Caroline), and Ian Bartholomew (Billy Smoke) in The Funfair adapted from Ödön von Horváth’s Kasimir and Karoline by Simon Stephens, directed by Walter Meierjohann. Presented by HOME Manchester (14 May - 13 June 2015). Photo by Graeme Cooper
The entire cast gave incredible performances which were not only cohesive but engaging. Ben Batt (The Go-Between; Shameless; Captain America), whom I got to interview, brought us the fiery, self-reliant and loyal Cash whilst the driven, beautiful and slightly stubborn Caroline was played by Katie Moore (Call The Midwife; The Paradise; Misfits). There are a number of other notable characters like Frankie Marr, John Chase, Esther and Billy Smoke who represent extremes of a con man, a geek, an abused girlfriend and a greedy rich guy respectively and play an enthralling hand at revealing the true nature of our beloved couple. They were all a joy to watch.
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Source: James Lusted (Tiny), CiCi Howells (Juanita), and the company in The Funfair adapted from Ödön von Horváth’s Kasimir and Karoline by Simon Stephens, directed by Walter Meierjohann. Presented by HOME Manchester (14 May - 13 June 2015). Photo by Graeme Cooper
Ti Green, the production's designer, did a fantastic job in transforming the theatre into a night the young couple are not likely to forget. It is kind of amazing to see how one space can be morphed into several different settings with the help of lights, projections, well placed props and a very complimentary soundtrack. Speaking of music, the live band was phenomenal. They were a part of the story being told as much as Cash and Caroline. One of the guitarists, Max Runham who plays the Little Joseph, serves as a reminder that if you truly love something you can and will find a way to do it no matter what you may perceive to be obstacles standing in front of your dreams. That guy is talented. As is Juanita aka Cici Howell. Her voice is amazing! Also, the costumes department did a great job as well as I would not mind finding Cash's jacket or Caroline's dress in my wardrobe. Although I'm not sure I could pull either piece off half as well as they did...
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Source: Ben Batt (Cash) and Victoria Gee (Esther) in The Funfair adapted from Ödön von Horváth’s Kasimir and Karoline by Simon Stephens, directed by Walter Meierjohann. Presented by HOME Manchester (14 May - 13 June 2015). Photo by Graeme Cooper
There is something about watching actors up on stage re-enacting the scenes of a play for their audience that fascinates me in a way that is different to when I watch them on a screen. The added element of the scenes being performed right in front of you as you inhale the smoke from a character's cigarette whilst watching another tear up as you try your best to notice all the little things that you can no longer rely on strategic camera shots to bring to your attention is all too exciting.
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Source: Katie Moore (Caroline), Ben Batt (Cash), and the company in The Funfair adapted from Ödön von Horváth’s Kasimir and Karoline by Simon Stephens, directed by Walter Meierjohann. Presented by HOME Manchester (14 May - 13 June 2015). Photo by Graeme Cooper
The Funfair is a captivating, comical and somewhat tragic piece put on by HOME that I recommend you see if you get the chance. I think it is a good introduction into the world of theatre for those of us who aren't yet knee-deep in it. It runs from the 14th May - 13th Jun and the ticket prices are not lethal to your bank account either which is always good (see trailer). If you do go and see it or have seen it already then let me know what your thoughts on it are. I am intrigued to find out what you took away from it.
Mo x
Note: Images used in this post are courtesy of HOME. If you would like to use them please contact them here.