One of the most original and well received local productions is back at Bridport Arts Centre for one night only. Bridport filmmaker Clive Whaley’s ‘documusical’ called “Lonely Boys” combines documentary film interviews with live original songs on stage, in a funny and moving portrait of the three ages of man.
This special performance, entitled “Lonely Boys: the movie” will repeat the successful 2011 show – the first half being a film of that event and the second half will include ‘live’ songs, recreating the magic atmosphere of last year’s production.
Three ordinary Bridport men, Dewi Lambert, Clive Whaley and John Surry represent the ‘young’, ‘middle-aged’ and ‘old’ respectively. They appear in pre-recorded filmed interviews at prominent West Dorset landscape settings, reflecting on the themes of Lust, Love and Loneliness.
The subject is ‘the male condition in the early 21st Century’ and in particular the comedy and tragedy that arises, often in equal measure, from men bottling up their emotions. “It is for every man who struggles to say how he feels … and for every woman who wishes that he would” says Clive. “I like to think that it is both a satire and a celebration of that most elusive thing … male feeling. There are moments in the show where we do not take ourselves very seriously and other times where the reflections are serious and poignant.
The reaction to the show last year was better than I could have hoped. We had packed houses and standing ovations. A number of people contacted me to say they had laughed and cried in a way they had never experienced before and another couple wrote to me to say it was the ‘best thing they had ever seen since the Arts Centre opened.’”
In a poignant twist, the show is being performed in tribute to one of its three stars, John Surry from Burton Bradstock, who died earlier this year. A well known and well loved character, John had performed in many local stage productions for over 20 years. This was to be his last and was considered by many to be his finest stage appearance. Reflecting on John’s performance, Clive says, “John was a loveable man both on and off stage but I think the audience were particularly touched by his appearance in Lonely Boys because he was no longer acting. He was being himself.”
A collection for the Housing and Homelessness charity Shelter (a cause supported by John) will be made on the evening.
The evening does contain some ‘moderate adult humour’ and is recommended for ages 12+.
- Bridport Arts Centre
- Wednesday 19 December 2012
- 7.30 pm
- Tickets £10 (includes £5 off the Lonely Boys DVD)
See Trailer and clips on website: www.clivewhaley.co.uk
