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Olivia Thompson on Fantastic Garland’s La Maupin
Our latest guest on our Runn Radio show was writer and actor Olivia Thompson from Fantastic Garland. Olivia’s latest show is La Maupin, a folk punk play with songs, shining a light on a remarkable woman ahead of her time.
The show has already had one run at Lion and Unicorn, where we gave it a four star review, saying it was “bonkers and delightful”. And the show is now back for another week from 31 Janaury, again at the always wonderful Lion and Unicorn. You can book tickets here.
It was therefore our pleasure to get to chat to Olivia to find out more about the play. We discuss what inspired her to write a musical about this real life French woman, how you go about finding actors who can also play a range of insturments, as well as asking whether musicals should be banned to help protect the NHS.
La Maupin, Lion and Unicorn Theatre
31 January – 4 February 2023
A folk punk play with songs, shining a light on a remarkable woman ahead of her time.
Marie Antoinette meets The Pogues. They have a drink. They have a laugh. They have a massive brawl. And you’re invited.
350 years ago, a legend was born in France.
Sword fighter. Opera Singer. Trailblazer. Wanted Criminal. Celebrity.
Forgotten.
And now she’s back to reclaim her spot in history.
La Maupin.
FG present the world premiere of ‘La Maupin’ – a folk punk play with songs, shining a light on a remarkable woman ahead of her time.
Written by Olivia Thompson, directed by Suzy Catliff, for Fantastic Garlands TC. With an all-female cast of actor musicians with live music.
Fantastic Garlands was founded by Suzy & Olivia, who met through Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. Fantastic Garlands are committed to shining
a light on the untold stories of women – past and present and putting women front and centre in their work.
Suzy and Olivia have worked together in all aspects of stage and screen making – casting, directing, writing, composing, filming – and have created some memorable (and bonkers) pieces. They love to use music, comedy and wonderful collaborators to make theatre that can make you think, cry and laugh. Sometimes all at the same time…
Tickets £14, available here.
