The Braw and The Brave Meet.....Lawrence Crawford

Since starting this blog last year, Lawrence Crawford has been on my interviewee wish list. Despite working alongside each other on the same project for a number of years now, sat in many an-all day meeting together, I had never had the opportunity to actually sit down with him to discuss his work as an actor, director, playwright and filmmaker....until now that is.  

Coming through the ranks of youth theatre, Lawrence remembers a sense of not fitting in at secondary school and it was going to study a BA in Drama Studies at the tender age of 17 at Glasgow's RSAMD (now The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) where he finally felt at home."It was somewhere I could do silly voices, be myself and no one would comment on it". After graduating, he threw himself into acting, constantly commuting back and forth to London for auditions. In 1995 he was cast as a young officer in Bill Bryden's production Big Picnic about young Glaswegian soldiers in WW1. Starring well-known Scottish acting talent such as Jimmy Logan and Dave Anderson, Lawrence recalls the experience with real sentiment, with the attention to detail seeing him trained by an ex-army officer and the grandiose scale of the production being so fondly etched in his memory. However it was the bond formed with his fellow performers and his time spent with Jimmy Logan that made a lasting impression. "One thing he taught me was to let a laugh breathe. He knew about timing. You need to read your audience".The cast held a 20th anniversary reunion in 2015 which was tinged with some sadness at the loss of some their fellow cast members over the years. It is clear his time spent on this particular production has made a lasting impression and he is immensely proud to have been a part of such a large scale, prominent piece of Scottish theatre. 

Despite his success as an actor, which included appearing in the film Bent starring none other than Mick Jagger,  Lawrence found it increasingly frustrating at being typecast as the stereotypical Scottish junkie, young thug, alcoholic or car thief. "As actor you don't have a lot of power. You're reading someone else's lines. You're being told where to stand and what to do by the Director. There is a degree of creativity but you don't really have the power to change things".  It was then Lawrence decided to start making his own work and returned to his studies, this time at RADA in London. An intensive year of studying and working full-time to pay for his bed-sit saw him complete a masters degree in Theatre Text and Performance. Writing and directing, soaking up the London life and culture, after five years in the 'Big Smoke' Lawrence finally decided it was time to return home. Scottish theatre had gone through some significant changes in the time he had been away and he was now keen to get involved in the thriving scene. 

Directing plays for the likes of National Theatre of Scotland, leading adult theatre groups for South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, The Arches and Falkirk Youth Theatre, Lawrence over the years has worked with a variety of organisations producing and facilitating. He enjoys devising new pieces with his actors, as well as creating theatre that delves into themes that interest him personally. "When I'm writing I try to imagine someone actually saying the words. I try not to be too precious, so when you hear it read aloud in rehearsals there's room to change things". Inspired by the works of Ken Loach, Mike Leigh and Iain Heggie, Lawrence likes to give some ownership back to the actors but also include his audiences. His 2010 play COMA forced the audience to play the role of the doctor who decided the fate of an unconscious patient on life support. "It's about finding the balance of getting them involved but not to the point where they find that off-putting".

COMA by Lawrence Crawford

In more recent years, love for his homeland and a fascination with some of his Scottish heroes has encouraged Lawrence to produce new work that sheds light on some untold stories. His play Connolly in 2016 about the 'Big Yin' turned back the clock to Billy Connolly's child hood and his life in the shipyard industry. Research is paramount when creating this kind of theatre and this is something Lawrence revels in. "When you find out something you did not know it's exciting to think how you will include it to inform your audience". Currently he is working on staging Alan Bissett's novel The Incredible Adventures of Adam Spark.  Set in Falkirk about Falkirk young people, Lawrence has made it his mission to breathe life in to the adapted for stage version of the novel which to date has never been performed. Tackling themes such as racism and homophobia, set during the Tony Blair/Iraq War years, Lawrence feels such issues are still ever-so current and important for youth theatre to take on . "Alan attended our first read through with the cast. He'd never heard young people read it aloud before. The very people who he'd written it for". 

Connolly by Lawrence Crawford

In storytelling Lawrence recognises the weight of responsibility that also comes with his work. As a filmmaker he recently had the opportunity to give a voice to those who at one time were silenced by their circumstances. His film The Kids Aren't Alright tells the harrowing stories of four young girls from Ayrshire who have lived through parental substance abuse. Involving the young people in every aspect of the creative process was critical as Lawrence was adamant that they were comfortable with any decisions made. "In capturing their stories I knew I had to start with a blank page. It had to be told by them". From holding auditions to editing, the young people were given the chance to contribute at every stage, giving them some ownership over a situation they previously had no control over. A screening was held in January of this year and the film has been greatly received. Tackling such a difficult subject matter was a challenge but one which Lawrence was very keen to undertake, in a bid to encourage other young people suffering in silence to speak out. Plans to share it with youth groups and schools across the country are underway and there is hope that it's message of hope will resonate and reassure young people in similar circumstances. 

The Kids Aren't Alright by Lawrence Crawford

Working as a freelance artist Lawrence finds it imperative to constantly challenge oneself in order to make work that is both fulfilling and inspiring. "It's about putting yourself out of your comfort zone. Giving something of yourself when you're asking others to do so".Collaborating with songwriters and choreographers allows him to not only bring his vision to life but to also see how things look from another creative's perspective and to continually reevaluate his decisions. With experience comes confidence but Lawrence isn't one to rest on his laurels. Having several strings to his creative bow and always looking to challenge himself, his most recent project, making a film about his father's battle with Dementia, may be his hardest but most rewarding endeavour yet. "I feel it's helping me to deal with the situation". Never one to pigeonhole himself, Lawrence believes that as an artist your journey is more important than the destination. "Don't give up, keep on setting yourself goals and don't compare yourself to others" are his mantras and they are clearly serving him well. Famed for his distinctive, very dapper sense of style Lawrence is keen to put himself out there in the hope that others will feel more at ease in expressing themselves through drama. "If wearing a silly shirt breaks the ice, I'm more than happy to get teased". 

First single you ever bought?

"We are Glass by Gary Numan. It was a 7" single from Woolworth's. I used to buy one every week and I still have them!"

Favourite film?

"One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest. I have a theory that actors are at their best when they're still hungry and for me, that was a role Jack Nicholson was born to play. He was an unknown and at an age where most actors have given up. The actors had spent time in mental institutions to prepare for the film and I think you see that"

Biggest pet peeve?

"Ignorance. Any kind of isms. I hate to see videos of terrible things happening on public transport with people standing by and not intervening. You have to question why we live in a society where we're happy to stand by and film these sorts of things"

I'm happiest when....

"When I'm around people I love"

Best invention?

"Electronic music. I used to be a DJ and I'd have to carry my entire record collection to gigs. Now you can store 1000s of albums on a laptop!"

Favourite song lyric?

"John Lennon "a working class hero is something to be". If the common man likes you, you're doing alright.I guess it's because something else that I'm passionate about is that the arts should be accessible to all."

The Braw and The Brave Meet....Jay Lafferty

Photo by Trudy Stade

Jay Lafferty is a everything a creative should be. Generous in spirit, hard-working, supportive of others, adventurous and fun-loving, in addition to being insanely talented and multifaceted- aye she's a scunner! I can vouch for all the above as I have had the privilege and the pleasure of teaming up with her on a recent project (gaining a new friend in to the bargain) and can safely say I bagged a good 'un. A stand-up comic, producer, writer, director and community artist, Jay has gained a wealth of experience working in a variety of settings over the course of her fascinating career thus far. Ever so keen to challenge herself creatively her CV boasts an impressive back catalogue of TV, radio, theatre and education work.

Stand up had not always been on her radar despite being nominated 'Class Clown' at school. Famed for her uncanny impersonations of teachers, Jay recounts herself as a somewhat 'challenging young person' who used her funny side as a defence mechanism. Completing a Community Arts degree Jay went on to work with the Scottish Autism for a number of years and although incredibly rewarding, the understandably challenging aspects of her role encouraged her to seek out a pastime that would allow her to blow off some steam. "My mum wanted me to do reflexology-for selfish reasons obviously! I chose an evening class in stand-up comedy at Strathclyde University instead. My wee Mum's still upset she missed out on all the free massages".  And it's just as well she did, as Jay found her calling in this 12 week course that opened her eyes to a world she had not considered as a viable career option. "I hadn't really realised that stand up was a job...if you weren't Billy Connolly". Learning the ropes from comic Viv G alongside like minded people gave Jay the buzz to start creating her own material. Forming one fifth of the critically acclaimed comedy troupe 'The Don Quixote Appreciation Society', hosting bi-monthly events in Glasgow, the group were involved in the first years of the Glasgow Comedy Festival. Amidst all the fun and the inevitable banter-fuelled environment of the comedy scene, being the only female on the bill presented many a challenge along the way which is something Jay tackled head on. "When I started I was quite hard edged and brutal. It was a fight as a female to get the gigs and to get audiences to take you seriously. I'm really happy to say that things have now changed massively within the industry and I'm proud to have played a small part within that". 

Photo by Trudy Stade

With experience comes confidence and over time Jay has found the need to remodel her material in order for it to say something more poignant and fitting to the ever-evolving artist she is. "As a young comic I challenged things by being 'one of the boys'. The great thing about growing older has been becoming more confident to just be myself. I'm more forthright on stage. I want my comedy to say something about me". Her 2015 solo show 'Mockingjay' highlighted the social pressures bestowed to women in their 30s. From careers, to mortgages, babies and pension schemes, Jay was keen to spotlight the angst of 'never being done', of always feeling you are not ticking all of the boxes of success. "Mockingjay helped me realise the  pressure wasn't exclusive to people in their 30's. Younger and older women and also men spoke to me about identifying with the show's subject. I think realising that they weren't the only ones that felt like this was a relief". Following it's success, Jay identified a real appetite amongst audiences which has spurred her to continue this dialogue. She is currently working on 'Besom'- a show that aims to challenge the anti-feminist rhetoric that still exists within society. "Comedy should be essentially to make people laugh but if it touches you and makes you change your mind about something then that's a bonus".

Like any other creative in their field, Jay's work has been shaped by her life experience and notably by the chance to write for others, as well as commenting on subjects she would not normally tackle. Frequently appearing on the award winning BBC Radio Scotland satirical quiz show Breaking the News, Jay regards this kind of opportunity as a means to broadening her horizons. Writing to order is something she also enjoys and her 'behind the scenes' work for TV and radio has had her concocting gags for popular panel shows. "Generally I wouldn't have been writing about politics or the news for my own set. Writing for this kind of platform I've entered into a new realm of comedy that I previously hadn't considered and I'm really enjoying it". 

Treading the boards for over 13 years, Jay has become accustomed to dealing with all the usual performer pitfalls from exploding microphones to fainting fellow comics, rarely fazed by the crazy antics of the world of stand up. Working in the industry for so long it was almost inevitable that Jay would find love whilst doing what she loves best. Marrying fellow comic, writer and satirist Keir McAllister a little over 5 years ago, the pair regularly collaborate on projects and can often be found on the same line-up. Part of the comedy troupe Viva La Shambles they produce a monthly show at The Stand Comedy Club in Edinburgh with Jay regularly compering this fabulously fun-filled extravaganza with the emphasis on experimentation and the alternative. "From quizzes to dance-offs. lip sync battles to eating challenges, we've done it all. This one time we made an audience member the headline act. We got the whole audience behind him and by the end we'd built it up so much that we had people coming up on stage to take selfies with him!". Despite the obvious challenges that teaming up with your spouse can present, Jay delights in working alongside her husband to bring not only her but his vision to life. "A real highlight to date was producing our first Fringe show together, 'The Last Laugh'. It was great to see the show that Keir had written get the recognition it deserved."

Viva la Shambles

When she is not doing stand up, compering or writing Jay is creating new works of theatre via her production company Watch this Space Productions.  Most recently with her children's show The Song of Fergus and Kate, with illustrator and animator Henry Cruikshank, costume and set designer Socks Rolland and musician Dave MacGregor on board, Jay married storytelling, puppetry, music and animation in this tale of learning to celebrate one's differences. She enjoys working alongside like minded creatives and has learned over the years to trust the collaborative process. "I used to be a bit of a control freak. I've learned that it's great to have your vision but it's even better to bring people along with you and let them shape that vision". As Head of Delivery for Impact Arts for a number of years, Jay thrives on the chance to team up with others to make something new and innovative and her time spent as a community artist has provided both opportunity and experience which she still very much enjoys now as a freelancer. In addition, working with psychologist Stan Godek has led to her delivering Autism and Creativity, Mindfulness and Managing Challenging Behaviour training which Jay has found invaluable when working in schools and community-based projects. For her it's about the people she has connected with both within theatre and comedy, as well as her education work that has made the journey that all more fulfilling. "Every job I've had I've met someone who has inspired me".

As a creative it's all about celebrating your 'and' and I think Jay Lafferty is the epitome of just that. She has more strings to her bow than you can imagine, excelling in every single one through her raw talent, determination and an honest thirst for new adventures and insight. "I want to look back and be proud of the choices I've made. If I were to give my teenage self any advice I'd say, 'Screw them! Stop worrying about everything and what others think of you’. Sometimes I still need to remind myself of that".

Where's you happy place?

"Anywhere where my people are. It's not about the haves and have nots of this life. It's about the people you're on this journey with".

Favourite Film?

"The Goonies"

Who dresses like a badass?

"My friend Socks-she's always rockin' some brilliant hairdo and a Disney t-shirt."

Who would be your 3 dream dinner party guests?

"Stevie Nicks-she's my idol. I reckon she'd have a lot of interesting stories. Tom Waits- Keir would be devastated if I didn't pick him. I love how he sounds like he's swallowed a tractor. Finally, Bill Connolly!"

 'The Song of Fergus and Kate'
Beacon Arts Centre
27th May 2017
2pm
http://beaconartscentre.co.uk/events/the-song-of-fergus-and-kate/



'Besom' at the Edinburgh Fringe

Gilded Balloon at Rose Street Theatre 

2nd - 28th Aug (not 14th) 2017

8.30pm 

https://tickets.edfringe.com/box-office

The Braw and The Brave Meet....Ryan Moir

Photo by Scott Cadenhead

Meet Ryan Moir, a Musical Director, Composer and Performer from Largs. Coming from a very musical family, it’s no wonder he has fashioned himself an extremely successful career in directing musicals, youth theatre productions and pantos, as well as producing, composing and performing with his very own children’s theatre show, The McDougalls. From day dot Ryan was pinning up bed sheets as backdrops and charging his parents 50p to come see his shows. His love of music began at a young age and Ryan fondly recalls many a Hogmanay party at his Granny McDougall's house where everyone had a chanter, accordion or mouth-organ in hand or ‘took a turn’  belting out an old Scottish tune. He was destined to play an instrument but he explains, he didn't quite follow the family tradition,

“Every male, for generations, on my Dad’s side of the family have all played the bagpipes….I remember my Granda sitting me down when I was about 11, trying to get me to do scales but I wasn't really that interested”. His love of music saw him producing umpteen shows in his bedroom and back garden, his siblings and cousins in tow, with their parents being coerced into forming an audience on the sofa bed or garden bench. “There’s many a home video where I'm taking a strop because they aren't taking it seriously enough. This one time it started to rain halfway through our magic show and I was absolutely raging that they were all getting agitated, telling us to ‘hurry up!’”

Ryan admits studying an instrument or learning to read music wasn't something he was that keen to pursue but he had such a thirst for music, he’d return home from youth theatre rehearsals, only then to sit in front of his Casio keyboard for hours figuring out how to play the songs he’d been taught to sing, as well as recording tunes he’d composed on his cassette player.  Eventually going on to study Music and Theatre Studies at Glasgow University, Ryan continued performing and creating work outside of his course. “If I think back, from the age of 17, I was probably trying to build up a career for myself”. Never wanting to be pigeon-holed, Ryan actively sought out opportunities to work with different people and organisations, tapping into other aspects of the theatre other than music. His ‘variety is the spice of life’ energy saw him start to work as a freelance artist after graduating as the next natural step for him to take, seemingly unfazed by the uncertainty of going solo. “I think I’d find it quite odd now to go work for someone else. I like the freedom…creating your own destiny!” 

The McDougalls. Photo by Laura Robbie 

Two years ago Ryan formed The McDougalls, the family friendly, interactive musical touring company who have enjoyed huge success from the outset. “Originally it started as a one-off show we created as part of the children’s’ summer programme at Irvine Harbour Arts. Instead of putting on your usual workshops I came up with the idea of making a show aimed at preschoolers”. Ryan explains that although he is Artistic Director, it is very much a collaborative effort from all involved. Home town friends of his, Ruaridh Forde and Colleen Garrett, join Ryan and his sister Angie Moir on stage as up to 10 different characters in the McDougall Clan and behind the scenes they all have an input in to the creation of each production. “Everyone has a voice and a responsibility. Everybody wants it to do well”. From Ryan’s point of view there’s a reassurance of working so closely on something he’s so passionate about with people he knows well and trusts. Ruraidh and Ryan attended the local youth theatre together and after years of putting on shows together at home, Angie was bound to end up alongside her brother on stage. The emphasis is on fun and making things magical as the McDougalls take children and adults alike on various exciting adventures with Max, Mollie, Maisie and Auntie Aggie. Plenty of madness, mayhem and sing-along moments ensue and their sell-out performances in theatres, schools and arts centres across Scotland prove how entertaining and engaging their shows are. The company’s creative process is one which everyone is invested in “After pinpointing the big moments and a loose structure, as the musical element is so strong, we tend to figure the songs out first and then write the dialogue to link them all”. Although they set aside time to brainstorm and work collaboratively on each project he admits, “it’s a bit of a messy process…I don’t think there’s a linear process to anything. We know when the deadline is and we've just got to get it all done”. Although essentially a children’s show, entertaining every single audience member and providing a family experience is at the heart of what the company aim to do, ”Music is a great way to span the generations…it’s got to be of a standard so that the adults can appreciate and engage with it too”.

In establishing your brand comes the conflict of taking every opportunity offered and the possibility of compromising your artistic integrity in doing so. Ryan wants what they have created thus far to continue to go from strength to strength and has a clear vision of how that can happen without jumping through unnecessary hoops, altering their act for that chance of that one-off gig. “There’s no harm in being picky about what you take on if it means you’re protecting your brand. Making decisions not to do certain things, from a financial point of view, in order to stick to what you’re ultimately aiming to be is something you become savvy to over time”.

With the expanding success of a company comes the need but uncertainty of inviting other creatives or specialists to help raise ‘your baby’ and help bring the vision to life. “Initially when you’re starting something you’re frightened of involving other people….but now we’re working with students and graduates and we’re getting work that is good quality, affordable and giving them the experience and a good opportunity”. Ryan’s ability to be so hands on with every aspect of the company and the shows they produce is the key to their continued success and although he claims “I’m not particularly phenomenal at anything but I like to have an interest in various different things” arguably this is what makes it all work. His passion, determination and the sheer enjoyment he gets from creating something he feels is his is the driving force behind it all. Supported by his fellow performers and collaborators, Ryan is someone who is keen to support others in gaining experience wherever possible. Having been a youngster grabbing every opportunity presented to him he recognises the importance of opening the doors to fellow young creators. “We recently realised that everyone working on The McDougalls, from the cast, to lighting and sound are all under the age of 26”. Ryan is not one to rest on his laurels, he acknowledges that certain pitfalls of putting your work out in the world are inevitable but what motivates him is the responsibility he feels to keep to going even when things are challenging “If I don’t just go for it I know I’ll let down other people. When you've put so much work in to step one, it would be daft to just give up on it”

As if all that wasn’t enough to contend with, Ryan also runs Largs Youth Theatre, with 150 children between the ages of 3 and 18 attending classes every week. As well as acting, singing and dance tuition, the chance to delve into other mediums such as film making is also offered to aspiring creatives. Ryan over the past 3 years has also taken on the role of Musical Supervisor for some of Coventry based theatre company Imagine Theatre's productions, creating all the tracks, writing band parts and sourcing musicians for their annual pantos in various UK venues. It’s evident that he is hungry to work and engage with others and his talent, professionalism and work ethic serve him well. For someone so busy, spinning plates effortlessly left, right and centre, is there even time to reflect or allow self-doubt to creep in? “I’m always anxious about starting something new. Even when you know it’s going to be fine, you tend to lean towards that Scottish pessimism of expecting the worst but it doesn't hold me back….then in the end you’re often pleasantly surprised!”. Ryan is confident in his work and isn’t fazed by trying new things or asking for what he needs. That ‘if you don’t ask you don’t get’ attitude aligned with his positive outlook and friendly demeanour allows him to achieve his gaols and press on.  

 I had the pleasure of working with Ryan for the first time this summer on ATG’s Theatre Royal, Glasgow’s Stage Experience 2016 production of The Wizard of Oz and immediately warmed to his super friendly, laid back approach. I felt welcomed and supported by Ryan from the outset, as someone new to the organisation (Ryan also delivers weekly classes at the theatre) and thoroughly enjoyed a crazy-busy two weeks piecing together a full-scale production (starring 75 children and a real live Toto!) with him and the team. Ryan is a grafter in the truest sense of the word but he’s unassuming and appears to take everything in his stride. Going above and beyond the call of duty to produce the best work possible is an intrinsic to what he is all about but when you’re motivated by such love for what you do Ryan explains “you just kinda get on with it” 

What are you listening to?

“At the moment it’s all children’s songs…one’s from all over the world as I’m prepping for the McDougall’s Christmas Show ‘Chaos at Christmas’”

If you could have an unlimited amount of something, what would it be?

“Time! Everything is so fast paced-I’d like longer to think about things, reflect and plan.

Also time to be able to switch off”

Favourite word?

“Yes! I like yes people!”

Last film you watched?

I recently saw the new BFG film and really enjoyed it!

Biggest pet peeve?

“Waiting on people! Oh and people sauntering….I'm not a saunterer!”

Best song lyrics?

“’Let it Be”-I've always been a big Beatles fan.

Life motto/mantra?

“Just get on with it!”

Favourite musical?

From a sentimental point of view I would have to say,’Oliver’.  I played the part of Oliver when I was wee and it takes me back to that time whenever I hear the music from it”

Favourite place in the world?

“I like Scotland. Driving about in my car, I like looking at all the hills and the nice scenery….all my best ideas come whilst I'm driving around in my car!”

If you could do one thing to help the world, what would you do?

“Get them all singing! It’s the power in that 1 or 2 minutes of singing a song where people can forget all their worries. I'm not saying it’ll solve the world's problems but it can for that 2 minutes”



Be sure to get your tickets for The McDougall's fun-filled, magical festive production, 'Chaos at Christmas'.

On from 15th December at Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine