Thirty Three was written by Sydney based Australian playwrighting duo Michael Booth & Alistair Powning and premiered in 2011. We caught up with Michael and Alistair to find out more about this critically acclaimed new Australian play.
Thirty Three is at The Leicester Square Theatre 5th – 24th June 2017.
Thirty Three is making its UK debut at Leicester Square Theatre, what can you tell us about the show?
Alistair: Thirty Three was written when I was thirty three for a group of actors simply so we could keep busy. Michael and I wrote with certain actors in mind, certain talents that each of us had to draw from; we wrote from autobiography and observation, from fears and outrageous fantasy.
The play is a treat for audience and cast alike; everyone gets their piece of the pie, or birthday cake in Thirty Three.
Michael: The show is about a dinner party that spirals out of control. Alistair and I wrote it back in 2011 specifically for our ensemble of actors. We wanted something fun to do, quite simply. We’d been reading published plays and realised it was crazy having two playwrights in the group and not generate our own work. It’s a delicious experience for an audience because it’s very accessible and, there’s something in the way the dialogue flows that makes it feel very realistic. We’ve been asked often were the actors ad-libbing. Well, you’ll just have to see it and decide for yourself.
What’s the appeal of brining an Australian play to London?
Alistair: I think most English-speaking countries with a common history, no matter their geography are interested in how the other half lives; we know who we are by seeing who we aren’t. Australia and England have an interesting relationship, and I think we both like to see what the other is up to and what they’re about. And it’s an easily digestible learning when it’s on the Tele or stage.
How are the non-Australian members of the cast getting to grips with playing Australian characters? (especially the accent)
Michael: I’ve just heard that ‘hells yeah” is not in the British vernacular. Maybe that’s so 2011.
Director Kai Raisbeck says It’s hard to read this play without recognising one of the characters, which character do you recognise and why?
Alistair: It’s hard for me not to recognise them all, but I think I recognise Josh the most. Why? He’s close to the bone.
Michael: I recognise the character of Lachlan because he’s based on a mate of mine and we play pool and darts together.
The Leicester Square Theatre is an intimate space, how will this affect the performance?
Alistair: I would hope it lends a definite immediacy to the action; the energy, the smell of the actors as they walk past you, no room for clever theatre tricks – what you see is what you get.
Michael: That’s what we want! Hopefully it means the actors can whisper and still be heard. It should feel like you are eavesdropping.
What would be your ideal way to spend your 33rd birthday?
Alistair: If I could do it again? Lunch. And bed by 10pm
Michael: Celebrating the fact that I had invented a time machine.
