Crowdfunding a new play in Salford

Published: 22 April 2018
Reporter: David Upton

Oct.O.Pus

The team behind Oct.O.Pus—a new play about austerity and working class struggles—is aiming to raise £1,000 in crowdfunding ahead of its performances at The Kings Arms, Salford on June 28 and 29.

Oct.O.Pus is currently a self-funded production and the people behind it are looking for donations. They are seeking to raise £1,000 for props, costume, set, PR and rehearsal space.

5% of performance profits will go towards other independent, community-led, DIY and culturally based projects.

In Oct.O.Pus, three generations fight for survival and amongst themselves, amidst a precarious existence in a tiny council flat that’s bursting at the seams with anxiety and unmanageable debt.

Playwright James Ernest blends realism and melodrama to create a bleak yet funny reflection of working class struggles at home and in the workplace.

The cast includes Melissa Johns, best known for playing Imogen Pascoe in ITV’s Coronation Street and Sadie in BBC’s The Interceptor. She is co founder of TripleC with fellow Street actor Cherylee Houston.

TripleC is a disabled-led organisation that uses drama and theatre based workshops to enrich the lives of people living with disabilities.

Caroline Wagstaffe trained at East 15 Acting School. Recent theatre credits include Betty in From Heaven to Hell (Manchester Fringe,) Kate in the latest Pensive Federation’s production, Significant Other, and Roselyn in Play Cock’s version of As You Like It.

Anna Swan also trained at East 15. Her credits include Julie in Catnip (Arts Theatre, West End,) Bella in Gas Light (Marine Theatre) and appearances in ITV’s Victoria.

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