Inside Burnt-Up Love at the Finborough Theatre
In anticipation of its upcoming run at the Finborough Theatre, we caught up with the creative team behind Burnt-Up Love, a darkly nuanced, character-driven piece that delves into raw, honest stories. Written and directed by Ché Walker, with original music by Uchenna Ngwe, the play invites audiences into an intimate world crafted through a unique blend of expressionist lighting and realist portrayals.
Ché Walker, Uchenna Ngwe, and cast members Joanne-Marie Mason and Alice Walker discuss their roles, the inspiration behind Burnt-Up Love, and what they hope audiences will take away from this captivating production.
Great to meet you all and see a rather full sofa today, who’s who then?
Ché: I’m Ché Walker, the writer and director of Burnt-Up Love. I also play Mac in the production.
Uchenna: I’m Uchenna Ngwe, and I composed the original music for the play.
Alice: I’m Alice Walker – no relation to Ché! I play the character JayJayJay.
Joanne: I’m Joanne-Marie Mason, and I play Scratch.
What made Finborough Theatre the right venue for this show?
Ché: The Finborough is one of my favorite venues to work in. The intimacy of the space creates a unique connection between the performers and the audience. There’s also an integrity in what the Finborough does – less commercial pressure and a focus on storytelling.
What can audiences expect from Burnt-Up Love?
Ché: They can expect surprises, and I hope they’ll come to love the characters deeply. The play is funny, at times moving, and it challenges audiences to look more closely at people they might otherwise overlook.
Has the show evolved since your original concept?
Ché: The core remains the same, but the piece has expanded, particularly around characters like JayJayJay and Scratch. I’ve been working with minimal lighting, drawing inspiration from German Expressionism and film noir, which gives it a distinctive visual style.
Uchenna, how did composing for Burnt-Up Love compare to your previous work?
Uchenna: Much of my past work was specific to period pieces – baroque, classical styles, or settings with particular musical constraints. This project allowed me to pull from those influences but write more realistically, representing complex, relatable characters rather than historical figures.
Who do you think will connect most with this show?
Uchenna: People drawn to raw, real stories and who want to experience something different. Burnt-Up Love shows people as they are – complex and multidimensional, with no judgment.
Joanne and Alice, what drew you to your roles?
Joanne: For me, the authenticity of the characters was key. They’re written to be celebrated, not judged. Even if the audience hasn’t shared the characters’ journeys, they can still relate to their emotions.
Alice: I’ve admired Ché’s work for a long time, so I knew I wanted to be part of this. Ché writes nuanced, real characters, and when I read the script, I felt compelled to bring these people to life.
What do you hope audiences take away from the performance?
Alice: I hope they experience a lasting impact – that feeling when you’re so moved you can’t even get up from your seat right away.
Joanne: I want the play to meet each person at whatever they need, like an unexpected gift that fulfills a personal desire or emotion.
Ché: I’d love audiences to let go of analytical thinking and experience the play like a dream. Ultimately, their interpretation is theirs alone – our job is to present the story honestly and let them find their own meaning.
Thanks to Ché, Joanne, Alice and Uchenna for chatting with us. Catch Burnt-Up Love at the Finborough Theatre from October 29th to November 23rd. Tickets and additional information are available here.
