Interview with the producers of 'Wall Talks' 2007

New play promises theatre with a difference
By Chris High

With Liverpool’s European Capital of Culture year fast approaching, and with this being the city’s eight hundredth anniversary, Director Jen Heyes’ company, Cut To The Chase productions could hardly have timed their latest venture more appropriately.

Set in the largest, freestanding brick building in the world, the Stanley Dock tobacco warehouse home of the city’s Heritage Market, Wall Talks is a site-specific journey through the last 150 years of Liverpool’s history, with an emphasis on those who have given the city its identity.

‘We knew we wanted to go into somewhere unusual, somewhere with atmosphere, to underline the whole Capital of Culture experience,’ explained playwright, Andrew Sherlock. ‘We thought it was an interesting angle to give the people of the past a voice, so that as 2008 approaches, and after some difficult times for the city, the lessons of history have been learned and the diversity of the city is something to be embraced.’

The play takes the audience, literally, from generation to generation, as different stages and different rooms inside the warehouse offer completely contrasting atmospheres and experiences. At 80 – 90 minutes in length and with water on the floor in places, sensible shoes are recommended.

Producer & Director, Jen Heyes, said. ‘As a writer and a director working in the city, Andrew and I wanted to create something with a heart and a beat to it that really represents the vibrancy of Liverpool and, with the help of the Culture Company, we’ve managed to achieve that and more. What will drive and feed the play, however, is the audience and its the input from them, just by their being there, that is going to make this such a unique theatrical experience.’

With previews running from June 5 to June 9, the play then runs from June 12 to June 30, with audiences limited to a maximum of 150 per performance.

‘The script came entirely from the surroundings,’ explained Andrew. ‘When Jen discovered the site, we agreed immediately wanted to create something to express the emotion of Liverpool’s past, through the people who had lived it. There are so many contrasts with this play, it spans the arts in a way that’s rarely been done before. Intimacy is key to that and we wanted to keep the audience numbers down, turning them in a way into extras, so that everyone who attends can share the same feelings as the actors.’

With Liverpool’s links to slavery, its ship building renown and the civil unrest and disquiet of the early eighties, the city is now being rejuvenated and stepping once more into the sunshine. Wall Talks covers all of this in its telling and promises to be one of the most memorable theatrical events of the year.

www.walltalks.com or www.royalcourtliverpool.co.uk for further information.

“Your enthusiasm and support is fantastic, and after visiting your website I can understand how you are influencing the cultural dialogue in the City of Liverpool and beyond, Your a star.”
Jen Heyes - Director and founder of Cut to the Chase Productions.