Director Kirsty Patrick Ward joined us for a chat about Manic Street Creature, which plays in a new staging at Kiln Theatre from 5–28 Mar.
Ticket link: https://kilntheatre.com/whats-on/manic-street-creature/
This show has had quite a journey so far! Can you say something about Manic Street Creature and its new staging at the Kiln Theatre?
We couldn’t be more thrilled to be calling the iconic Kiln our new home – they have been so supportive and share our ambitious vision for the show.
As a result the show is growing in terms of design, but also in sound and story-telling, as we have a new band member!
We’ve also got some new music to share, so even if you’ve caught the show before there’s some new treats in store for you this time around.
The show covers issues like co-dependency, mental health, and music as a therapy tool. What do you hope audiences will make of it this time around?
We’ve always been deeply moved by the audience reactions to Manic Street Creature. It’s resonated with people in a very special way because of the poignant subject matter and the powerful mixture of music and story-telling.
More than ever before, I hope the show inspires people to talk more openly about mental health.
Music is such a cathartic and healing force within the show, so let’s leave any stigmas behind and help foster greater empathy and understanding for one another.
Have you found your collaboration and practice with Maimuna Memon has evolved since the original ‘concept album’ idea?
It’s really special working with Maimuna. From our very first meeting we instantly connected artistically and spoke the same theatre language.
Being aligned on the show’s tone, its form, its aesthetic and its objective is what makes our collaboration so strong and successful. Our ambitions for the show and the profound belief in it have only grown over the years – as have we as artists and people.
She is such a talent but also a really beautiful person. We’ve always been there for each other, we’ve always shared a vision for the show and we’ve always pushed each other in order to elevate the show to the greatest possible heights.
What appealed the most about bringing Manic Street Creature into this venue?
For me it was about being able to explore the show in a new configuration, with new creatives and an even richer sound.
The show has always been blessed with an incredible team both on and off stage, but finally we now get to elevate it in ways which have previously been impossible.
It’s always been punching above its weight, but now it finally feels like we have the space, tools and resources to tell this story on a grander and richer scale.
Do you see a future beyond the Kiln, perhaps in a bigger venue or on screen?
Absolutely. The sky really is the limit with this show – myself, Maimuna and the team have so many ideas we’d love to explore and because the music and subject matter are so powerful, it really will just keep evolving and growing if it’s given the chance.
A brilliant TV pilot script does exist and I have no doubt that our ridiculously talented band could blow the roof off even bigger spaces. If you want an inspiring, visceral and unforgettable night at the theatre – then get yourself down to the Kiln!