Writer/producer/actor LT Hewitt joined us to talk about The Fake Man Institute, which opens at the Golden Goose Theatre in London on 11 Aug.
“Three old friends set up an alternative therapy clinic, where they roleplay as the absent men in their clients’ lives. All goes well until one of the actors dates one of the Institute’s clients, sending the whole operation into disarray and risking scandal and potential closure.
The Fake Man Institute explores the problematic business of people and what happens when business gets personal. As lines blur, new connections grow and old relationships are tested, what can happen when we open the door to London’s loneliest and let them run wild? Will old wounds finally heal? Or will they discover something much more unexpected: the truth?
Written by L. T. Hewitt and directed by Heather Collier – the Offie-nominated duo behind last year’s Edinburgh Fringe hit Outing.”
Where: Golden Goose Theatre
When: 11-22 Aug
Ticket link: https://www.goldengoosetheatre.co.uk/whatson/thefakemaninstitute
Tell me about the show!
The Fake Man Institute is a new comedy play at The Golden Goose about dysfunctional counsellors and their erratic clients.
Michelle studied Psychology at UEA, where she made friends with Denny and Sebastian. Now two of them work at a primary school, where they hire the sports hall at weekends as a place to provide alternative, immersive therapy with Denny and Sebastian as roleplayers.
What’s the audience going to be like?
The audience is sitcom fans – despite the show revolving around counselling, it’s a comedy first and foremost, so we’ve kept the pace and the humour up throughout.
I think the longest scene is about four minutes and the longest time between jokes is about 30 seconds. I’m not interested in writing one of those shows where the ‘serious themes’ are so hammered in that the result is unwatchable.
How would you sell the show to them in one sentence?
Three old friends roleplay as the absent men in people’s lives – but complications ensue when clients find themselves falling for the roleplayers.
What do you like about the Golden Goose Theatre?
It’s a great venue with a much bigger stage than I’m used to, so it’s perfectly suited to our cast of seven and gives us plenty of place to play around – fitting for a show about roleplay and fantasy.
With its thrust stage, we’ve had a challenging but rewarding time seeing how we can play to three different sides. I personally think everyone should see the show three times to get the full experience.
Who would play the absent role in your life if you were in therapy?
I’m still bitter that my former housemate lost my great-grandmother’s casserole dish. It cost nowt, but was the closest thing I had to an heirloom. I want to ask him why he didn’t just tell me he’d left it behind, rather than gaslighting me by telling me I took it home with me.
And what’s next for the show?
If any generous investors see the show and want to sling us a few grand, it would be great to revive it next year at a slightly bigger venue with a bigger marketing campaign. From the feedback we’ve had so far, the show has widespread appeal and I think the potential is limitless.
Most of us have (regardless of gender) have rolled our eyes and said, ‘Why are men like this?’ Now it’s just about getting the word out.