Insomnia Project Stages Plays in 24 Hours
Theatre goers in Bath were treated to a series of rapidly devised plays on Saturday evening as Bath-based Cycling Fish Theatre Company staged its ‘Insomnia Project’ at Bath Spa University.
The project saw five teams of actors, who have never worked together before, write, rehearse and perform 20 minute plays in 24 hours. To give the audience a taste of each group’s sleep deprived preparation, each play was preceded by a short film showing the group’s speedy rehearsals.
The performances were judged by a panel including Major of Bath Councillor Colin Barrett and actor Pavel Douglas. The judges’ favourite play of the evening was ‘You Are Watching’, written by Tully Ellinston and directed by Bijan Arasteh who also won best director. The cast comprised best actress winner Charlotte Vine and runner up best actress Jenni Waugh alongside Suzanne Booth, Mercedes Clark and Natasha Cook. Mitch Miller who performed in the play ‘Toys Inc’ won best actor.
Ben Stevens, artistic director of The Cycling Fish Theatre Company commented: “ The Old Vic in London runs the 24 hour plays each year as a celebrity packed gala. It seemed to us that with the huge talent base at Bath Spa University we should run the project here.
"It was such a buzz seeing so many projects come together so quickly. To be a part of such an intense period of creativity was a real privilege. It has been a great success and we plan to do it again."
