Alan Rickman Impersonator Performs One Man Action Movie

Alan Rickman Impersonator Performs One Man Action Movie Onstage.

Gift of the Gab is a fast-paced devised show that features James Cain’s impeccable impressions to tell an hour long action movie on stage. Alan Rickman, in a career slump, sells his soul to create the most vacuous piece of entertainment ever witnessed in exchange for mindless adoration. It’s up to Ian McKellen, the crusader of fine art and a young cinema worker called Gab to save the entire film industry from the dulcet tones of Rickman.

Homages to classic films, blood-pumping theme music and kick-ass training montages abound in this fast-paced show produced by With Our Powers Combined, a theatre co-operative created as a collaboration between Sceptre Theatre, Killer Darlings Collective and Red Scare Collective. The team are united by their love of both film and theatre, and their interest in the explosive possibilities that can come from integrating the two forms. “Gift of the Gab is a marvellous melding of two mediums,” says director Matt Loveranes. “We aim to evoke the spectacle and awe of film with the barest of components: one man, his voice, a stage, a screen and innovative use of projection.”

The story itself both draws upon stock Hollywood narratives and calls them into question. “We want to thrill the audience with action sequences and heroic monologues, but also build a critique of that genre into the storytelling,” says performer James Cain.

The inherent challenges in creating a show that is both ‘filmic’ and ‘theatrical’ are not lost on the team. “On one hand, we’re spending a lot of our rehearsal time coming up with interesting ways to create film techniques onstage, from car chases to crash zooms,” says production manager Cassandra Tse. “On the other hand, there’s something essentially theatrical about a one-man show. Watching James transform from character to character as the story unfolds is really engaging in itself.”

“Directing and devising a show with just one actor while finding varied and progressive ways to use projection is a constantly challenging yet exhilarating experience,” adds Loveranes. “That I’m embarking on this journey with good friends that share my passion for film is just the cherry on top.”

Gift of the Gab will be performed at BATS Theatre from 17 – 21 November, 7.30pm Book online at bats.co.nz or call (04) 8024175 $18 Full, $14 Concession.

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