My Time of Life, Hen & Chickens Theatre
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My Time of Life is an intensely moving story dealing with reflections of age as the challenges of youth meld into the wisdom of a life lived long. Life may often be brief and yet so expansive. As a much older person at the extreme end of age; it may seem impossible to be happy. At the beginning of the journey it may seem impossible to be happy and older. This play captures superbly the ritual humiliations, aspirations and reflections of being; the point of our existence and the side achingly funny moments on the journey of life.
Guiding us through what to expect when My Time of Life plays at Hen and Chickens Theatre on Saturday 2 August, we sat down to chat with director Mark Jackson about what the New Anthem Theatre Group will be bringing to Camden Fringe in August.
What can audiences expect from the show?
An intensely moving story dealing with reflections of age as the challenges of youth meld into the wisdom of a life lived long. This play captures superbly the ritual humiliations of being , the point of our existence and those achingly funny moments on the journey of life .
Is Camden Fringe going to be the show’s first time on stage, or have you already performed elsewhere?
This will be its first time as as an OnAir Live read.
What was your inspiration behind the show?
My great aunt who in 2018 died at the age of 110 and had lived a full life to the end was the inspiration. I’ve been working on the play since then!
What was it that drew you to this show and role?
Conceptually a narrative taking in to account the use of the words “ old “ and “ young” becoming derogatory labels in modern society. Age is relative to the individual; there are older and younger individuals than oneself.
What is it about your character that you most enjoy?
The character interaction, understanding and eventually emotional dependency.
What brought you all together?
New work and a need to participate in and express individuality in art.
Being a fringe festival, we all know sets have to be bare minimum, how have you got around this with your set and props?
By performing OnAir with five chairs and three take 1950s style radio microphones
What has been the biggest challenge in realising the writer’s vision for the show?
Projecting the characters by voice only
How important is audience interaction to you?
Audience engagement in the narrative is extremely important
Are there any plans for what comes next after the show has finished its run – for you or the show?
After this performance, the play will travel to Oxford in October 2025 and then back to Camden May 2026
Who would play you in the Hollywood adaptation of your future autobiography?
As a wannabe film star I would want to play myself!
If you had to describe your show as a colour what would it be?
Lighter shades of yellow to express a change of the life seasons
If you had to describe your show as a meal what would it be?
Yorkshire pudding . Basic not over complicated and wholesome
If your show had a soundtrack what songs would definitely be on it?
Anything by Wes Montgomery. An artist that gives himself wholly to his music
If you could perform this show anywhere in the world where would it be?
Off off Broadway and then my acting American family could be in it
What is the weirdest or most unconventional prop used in your show?
A microphone on a stand made from a broom handle , part of a toilet pipe and the lid of a coffee can .
If budget or reality was not an issue, what’s the one piece of scenery/set you’d love to have in your show?
Can’t imagine a time when budget and reality would ever coincide to create theatre
What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received during your career, and how has it influenced your work on this show?
“Just say the lines and don’t trip over the furniture“ ( Noel Coward)
What words of advice/encouragement would you give anyone thinking about doing Camden Fringe next year?
Be bold be brave and do it
My Time of Life will be performed on Saturday 2 August at the Hen and Chickens Theatre. Click on the link below for more information or to book tickets.
