Up ‘N’ Under – Interview with the Director
Interview with Guy Peskin, Director of Up ‘N’ Under by John Godber, The Kings Langley Players’ forthcoming production, 9th-11th March 2023.
Q. Guy, you have been performing on stage and directing for many years. Which do you prefer, and why?
A. I have been in many, many more plays than I have directed, but over recent years I have directed more shows than I have been in. I think nowadays I prefer the directing side of things, but still am not averse to treading the boards occasionally.
Q. As Chairman of The Pump House Theatre Co. in Watford, you have a very busy life……Why put yourself through such a huge commitment to The KLP?
A. Basically because of taking over the chair of PHTC over the last few years, and all that entails, I still wanted to be involved every now and then with a show with KLP. When Carolyne asked me a year ago to direct something I was thrilled and as always honoured.
Also, retiring from work last year has given me more time to organise theatre stuff.
Q. John Godber is one of the UK’s most prolific playwright, author of Bouncers, Perfect Pitch etc. Why this play? What is the plot?
A. I thought this particular Godber play was very much a different type of play to stage, with just a black box so to speak of a set. I relish the challenge of bringing the cast of 6 to not only take on some excellent roles, but to play a game of rugby league sevens on the |KLP stage. I also was in 2 productions of Up ‘N’ Under back in the 1990’s. About 20 years ago, myself, Robin and Michael were very fortunate to be invited to The Hull Theatre to see what I think was a celebration of 20 years of John Godber at Hull Truck (where Up ‘N’ Under was being staged). We met John Godber, his wife, and cast at a party afterwards. I have directed Lucky Sods by John Godber for the Players, as well as being one of the cast of 4 in Bouncers for KLP.
The play is about Arthur Hoyle who makes a somewhat irresponsible bet with his arch rival Reg Welsh, that he can train a bunch of no hopers in amateur rugby league seven circles in the Hull area from The Wheatsheaf Arms, to beat Reg’s mighty and infamous Cobblers Arms side. The play sees the coming together of Arthur, the current team of The Wheatsheaf, and the introduction of Hazel, as a female trainer of the hapless team, as we see them go on 3 mile runs, do gym tests, and generally learn about all the characters through many comedic situations, leading up to the match itself.
Q. The KLP is based in the heart of the Home Counties, a Rugby League play in Rugby Union territory? Are you brave or mad?
A. Neither. The play is really about the characters, and the journey they go on. I am sure it would appeal to both codes alike, and in fact our very own Mike Jenkins in the cast, is very much a player / member of Watford Rugby (Union) Club.
Q. Who is in your cast and why? How are the accents coming along?
A. We have a youthful cast in Jamie Yates, Sean Lovell, Mike Jenkins (who plays 2 characters), and Alex Robbins, and we also have the ever youthful Robin Piper, and Gary Edgar! All have great accents somewhere in the North of England !
Q. Who is your back stage support team?
A. Ron Balmforth is designing the staging. He has not only designed the extensive lighting, but has also put together the soundtrack for the show, as the play has full on effects with lights, smoke and atmospheric music. Sue Pickard is our trustworthy Stage Manager, Mike Crow is our prompt (and commentator for the game), Carolyne Bevan and Barbara Johnson are creating dual team rugby shirts, and Brian Baxter is in charge of Front of House.
Q. Why should we all but tickets to see this play?
A. Above all this is a very funny physical play, with some great characters. The production culminates with the cast playing both teams at the same time in the rugby league game itself! Not something you tend to see on a theatrical stage.
For more information and to book tickets, click here.