Michael McLauchlan, a third-year English Literature Student, is the visionary director behind Hild Bede Theatre’s ‘CHICAGO’, which received rave reviews last week. I spoke to him about how it felt to be backstage rather than centre stage and the intricacies of putting on a showstopper.
What made you get into directing?
Directing in general? Well, I have acted in 13 shows already, in Durham, and wanted a breath of fresh air. I wanted to see something different, to see what it is to put on a show. I thought that being a director would be that next step. Also, I think I’m quite creative and I wanted to see my ideas translated into a performance.
So this was actually the first show you’ve directed? You must have been very chuffed to get the rights?
Yes; it was amazing. Apparently we were the only amateur theatre company outside North America to be putting on ‘Chicago’.
Was it quite a gruelling process to get the rights? (He laughs) yes. it involved a lot of talking to production rights people, we had to explain the whole ethos of HBT, what it was we were putting on, what we wanted to get out of it, who were the demographic…it definitely involved a tricky dealing process. But we got it in the end!
What did you look for during the auditions? Besides the obvious question (can they sing, act and dance?), I was motivated to find people who were exceedingly confident. They had to command the space and potentially be real “stars”. There was no point putting on ‘Chicago’ if the cast were meek….
You had an intense rehearsal schedule, rehearsing since December; how was that?It was very enjoyable. The cast were so talented, everyone got along, and we all wanted the same thing – to put on the best show we possibly could. It was actually a very relaxed and easy process. The anti-meek banter got me along, but I’ve absolutely enjoyed every single minute of it.
You make it sound completely problem free…There were ups and downs, but not with the acting side of things, more like the production element running smoothly…that was quite tricky…but generally very smooth – perhaps the smoothest rehearsal process I’ve ever been through. It’s been great.
Can you pin-point the moment where you could see it all coming together for the first time?
I think the first time I was like ‘oh my god, we’ve got a show” was during our first full run.
What about a favourite moment in the show itself?Oh my gosh, that is so difficult…that is soo tricky! I think my favourite moment in the show is when Amos asks for his exit music and he gets nothing – that is when my heart breaks.
It’s interesting that your favourite moment in an ‘anti-meek’ production is probably the meekest moment of the show…
Yeah actually that is strange, it’s fascinating. It’s just because with everyone else they need to come across as these massive divas, oozing uber-confidence. Amos was the only character that didn’t have to fill that prototype, that vision. Once again, he provided that breath of fresh air. He naturally stood out for his character and his relationship with Roxie – it’s all very different. He was the only victim of Chicago’s hedonistic underworld; he was the tragic hero.
Spoken like a true English student. Is there a part of you that was gutted to be in the audience? Yes, I was gutted that I couldn’t be acting with the cast. First and foremost I consider myself an actor, but actually that has been an invaluable source of information for directing – I think you need acting experience in order to direct…but yes it hurt being in the audience rather than up on stage with them all
What would be your dream part?
I think I’d love to be one of the boys dancing in Roxie, or in All that Jazz
So this is your last production with HBT, what are your next stages? Any directing in your future?
Hmm…probably not professionally. I want to get involved in 3rd term, but as an actor – I want to be back on stage. I’m glad that ‘Chicago’ was my first directorial show – the first show I’ve gotten to sit back and create, and I’m glad that I chose this show.
But I definitely want to get back on stage, and feel that energy – it’s what theatre is all about. The teamwork, confidence, pre-show buzz – You can’t get that if you’re in the audience. Obviously it was thrilling to watch the performance from an audience perspective but after seeing it so many times it kind of loses that initial glitter.
What will you take away from this experience?
Chicago is the highlight of my career with Durham Student Theatre – it’ll always be that special musical I directed back in the day when I was at university. I have definitely matured throughout the rehearsal process and have learned many things about myself (mostly that I do have the skills to direct – something I thought I really lacked a year or two ago!) However, the most special thing I will take away from the experience is the new circle of friendship I have made. I met some wonderful people (cast and crew alike) and I sincerely hope I work with them again in the future (or just go out on another one of those famous CHICAGO socials!) This is a shout out to all of them – don’t be strangers and never be meek!