DISNEY…BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT!

The Pitchfork Disney is a dark comedy with a slightly twisted homoerotic backdrop.

 Written by contemporary playwright Philip Ridley, The Pitchfork Disney follows the story of two completely bizarre and intoxicating siblings, Presley (Chris New) and Haley (Mariah Gale), who live in dreamlike world in a festering house that once belonged to their dead parents.

The siblings both crave each other’s attention to a point edging on insanity. Ridley originally wrote this groundbreaking play twenty-one years ago and the story is still as bold, bloody curdling and intense two decades on.

During the performance, we witness the creation of multiple dream sequences that the siblings create in their crumbling abode. With the aid of chocolate bars, biccies and a potent medicine that has similar effects of Valium, Presley and Haley argue relentlessly until they are disturbed by the appearance of two shadowy and intriguing creatures outside their home.

After medicating his sister into a zombie-like sleep, Presley invites one of the strange men into his house were we meet the dark character of Cosmos Disney, played by Nathan Stewart-Jarret. It’s from this point on that the audience are left perched on their seats in a complete trance like state waiting for the story to unfold.

One of the most twisted and dark plays that I have seen in a very long time, everything from the outstanding energetic performances from the cast, to the ambient bizarre theatre space is just marvellous.

If you enjoy a play with a little meat on its bones and something that’s going to have you on the edge of your seat, then get down to the Arcola Theatre in Dalston as this production is right up your street.

• The Pitchfork Disney

Arcola Theatre, 24 Ashwin Street, E8 3DL
Running until Saturday 17th March

Box office: 020 7503 1646 or www.arcolatheatre.com

4/5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ricci Bryson chats to Pitchfork Disney star, Chris New…

You starred as the handsome and cheeky Glen in the highly acclaimed movie Weekend. Could you tell me a little more about what it was like playing such a role? 

I can’t deny it, playing Glen in Weekend was just amazing. It was such a fresh and challenging role for me. When I was sent the script, I immediately knew it was brilliant writing and something that I wanted to be part of. When I met the director Andrew Haigh, we got on so well and it just felt so natural. It was then I knew I just had to do it. The movie itself was filmed so quickly, it was completed in under three weeks, so the filming schedule was really intense.

As you know, the gays love the odd cock-shot in a movie? What was it like doing the sex scenes for Weekend? Did you feel awkward?

Oh heck, people always think we just got stuck right in, but we really didn’t. To be honest, it felt a little embarrassing and awkward as we had spent so much time together we had all became really good mates. When filming the scene, it was hilarious as the director Andrew just stuck a towel over his head and focused on what was happening through the camera lens. It was probably his coping mechanising. It wasn’t so easy for Tom Cullen and I, we just had to get on with it. Let’s just say it was an experience!

And you’re currently starring in a production of The Pitchfork Disney; can you tell me a little bit more about your role?

The show was written 21 years ago and it’s unbelievable how relevant the writing still is two decades on. It’s bit of a dark production. I play Presley who lives with his twin sister in a crazy dreamlike world. After some arguing, we meet the sinister Cosmos Disney and his friend Pitchfork. There are some real scary and hilarious moments in this show, so it’s been brilliant seeing the audience reactions.

You obviously really admire Philip Ridley’s work, what is it’s like playing a role is such a renowned production? 

As soon as I heard about this role, I was just hungry for it. I love his books and his plays. He really is one of theatres best kept secrets. At first I was a little nervous about playing such a great role, but I just put my nerves in a box and stepped up to the challenge. I think I left my nerves in a box on the number 88 bus, so thankfully I’ve got no hope of getting them back from TFL lost property!

It’s been great speaking to you Chris, but just before you bugger off back to ‘Thespianland’ what have you got planned for 2012?

I’m going on a well deserved and long over due holiday. Well, when I say holiday, I mean honeymoon. I need an extra big does of Vitamin D pronto. I got married last summer, so my husband and I have decided to jet off when I’m finished in Pitchfork. Oh, and yes I said husband and married, not any of this civil parter/partnership nonsense. I totally believe that the whole point of equal rights is that we’re suppose to be equal, and not palmed off with an alternative!

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