Dominic Marsh stars in Kneehigh’s Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other love songs), written by Carl Grose with original score by Charles Hazelwood and directed by Kneehigh’s Artistic Director and founder Mike Shepherd. It is a radical re-working of John Gay’s scabrous satire, The Beggar’s Opera. The production returns having enjoyed sold-out houses around the country when it first toured in 2014.
The production will tour to Nuffield, Southampton, Brighton Festival, Oxford Playhouse before opening to press at the Lyric Hammersmith for a 4-week run. It will then travel to Exeter Northcott, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham and Bristol Old Vic. Further international dates to be announced.
More information and tour dates can be found here.
You’re appearing in Kneehigh’s Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other love songs) what can you tell us about it?
I can tell you that if you ever woke up wondering how Brexit ever happened, that by coming to see Dead Dog (however unlikely this may seem) you may find the answer locked subtly within this show. Or, if you prefer, I can reveal that it’s a fierce assault of infectious music with a sobering dose of dark reality and a bitter barrel of laughs.
How have Kneehigh put their stamp on the production?
It’s in places raucous, dangerous, tragic, rude, funny, bittersweet, surprising and unpredictable.
How would you describe your character?
He’s bright, a charmer, he’s dangerous and angry. He knows he’s trapped. He long ago embraced the limitations that a corrupt, ruthlessly money driven society has placed on him, where life is cheap and which has brought out the worst in him and those around him.
What’s your favourite thing about this role?
Probably finding his emotional response to what’s going on, however deeply he tries to bury it all. Despite his actions and the world around him, he’s very real and very tragic. And shooting the dog.
What are you looking forward to most about taking it out on tour?
It’s a show that’s traditionally had a great response and it’s exciting taking it to new places. I want people to see it!
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other love songs)
You won’t regret it! And you won’t hear the word Brexit for two hours.
Image Credit: Steve Tanner
