Graeae's story continues...
Following the success of the Casting Out tour in India, the production has a stint in London before going on a further UK tour. Later in the year, Cocktail Cabaret devised by Yvonne Allen, Bryony Lavery, Annie Lewis, Geoff Parker, Tracy Thomas, Isobel Ward, and Elly Wilkie is taken to Fringe Festival. At the end of the year, Graeae’s interpretation of Frankenstein began an ACGB funded tour that would stretch into the following year.
January:
- Choices: Central TV programme about the theatre in education work Graeae has done is aired.
January-February:
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Casting Out tour continues in London with India Cast.
April-June:
- Casting Out tour of Wales and South of England (recast).Reviewer’s words: “Two months after the bill to increase the rights of disabled people has been thrown out of Parliament, the remarkable GRAEAE Theatre Co. have produced a play which powerfully demonstrates the need for such reform…A remarkable testimony to the talent of these performers and the most effective piece of agit-prop I’ve seen for some time.” -Ann McFerran, Time Out Feb 1984.
10th June:
- Channel 4 documentary, ‘People’s Minds’ airs.
July- August:
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Cocktail Cabaret premieres at the Diorama before having a run at Edinburgh Fringe Festival. While at Fringe Phillip Gaulier holds a masterclass with Graeae.
Graeae’s words: “A Happy Hour and a Half laced with with and humour! Get a taste of this smooth concoction that slips down a treat! Go on, spoil yourself with the Musical Revue that will pick you up, shake you about and leave you wondering what hit you!”
Reviewer’s words: “Don’t go and see the Cocktail Cabaret to salve your conscience. Nor because you enjoy watching tests of raw courage. Worse still because you want to do your bit for the disabled. Graeae are performers, very able and very funny. Their main dish is music and the songs are excellent.” -H.M. Festival Times; 16-23 August.
November- February:
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Frankenstein tour throughout the UK which was funded by ACGB.
In Graeae’s words: “The familiar tale of the “Monster” is given a radical and fresh treatment by GRAAE Theatre Company. Mary Shelley’s classic novel provides the basis for this production which re-examines the tragic fate of the “Monster” Taking the fantasy and dream-like qualities of the book and using the great diversity of localities, the production encompasses a wide range of emotions. Music, extravagant design and costume, daring choreography, all are used to heighten and develop atmosphere and narrative. This is a show that is at once thoughtful and disturbing, delightful and tender, and full of humour and magical theatre.”
Gallery
