The Troupe

Christine	Christine What drew me in initially was seeing a stranger’s story interpreted and played back to them almost immediately by actors who may not know them at all but seemed to have such insight. It was shocking and poignant and and risky and joyful. Now I am better aware of the “craftsmanship” involved I love the complexity and depth possible, and feel I am at the start of a long journey to be competent at this form of theatre. Entertainment with a heart.
	Deborah My theatrical background is in clowning and performance poetry; personal background a constant exploration of how to live well; to be healthy physically, spiritually and in community. Playback Theatre inspires all these things. Spontaneous improvisation is a route to the unknown! It’s a rare opportunity for expansion, awareness-raising and having fun. Being part of this wonderful troupe is a nourishing experience.
Mark	Mark I find it to be a real honour to be involved with Playback. I get to hear stories from the community, often simply told but filled with great meaning and relevancy. Then I get to experience the essence and aspects of the stories again – shared dramatically. I often pick up greater meaning to what the teller said, and what the teller didn’t say. I see the story becoming shared and affect the rest of the community. people are listening, and laughing and commiserating. The teller’s story becomes our story too. It is a challenge, a pleasure and an honour.
Neil	Neil Playback is different because there are no stars, careers or agents involved; it’s an ensemble effort. You get to know your fellow performers over weeks, months and often years. In my day job there is a lot of ‘serious conversation’ and so I enjoy the opportunity to jump around and make silly noises at Playback. In fact if that is all we did I would still probably turn up to rehearsals. I love hearing stories about people’s lives; everyone has fascinating stories to tell. Playback is an opportunity to tell stories to a room full of attentive people without interruption, moderation or complaint – I don’t know anywhere else where that can happen.
Penny	Penny From my background in improv theatre, I love spontaneity and saying yes to offers. Having trained in process orientated psychotherapy and psychodrama I am fascinated with the many different roles us humans come up with. As a community worker, I enjoy mixing with the community and hearing their stories. Imagine my delight and gratitude to find Playback Theatre which fulfills all these aspects in one amazing package. The training in the theatre company is so affirming, encouraging and enjoyable that I have flowered in its rich soil. I can be nervous when I go out there but with my enthusiasm for Playback and knowing I have the support of my team members, I am soon flying and loving it. I am so excited to have just become a member of the Playback troupe . All I can say is yum, yum, yum!
Roberto	Robert “Playback for me has somechallenges & great rewards. I have been a Playback troupe member for 2 years. I know I am steadily improving in my skills. My aim is to live a life of balance & grace. I am not as anxious now about making mistakes or having nothing to add. I know that I can only do my best. I trust in the other members of our troupe. We have worked over months & years to create an intimate cohesive team. We train consistently & enthusiastically. I love our unofficial motto: “to make everyone look good.” The rewards come on Performance nights: feeling the fear & anxiety & then the relief & joy, seeing the reaction of audience members when their moments & stories are replayed & mixing with them after the shows & getting their feedback. I love the spontaneity, variety & wonder of a form of theatre where the audience is an integral part of the performance. I feel part of a community. I am discovering more of me.”