Photo courtesy of Philip Ridley, taken in final Dress Rehearsal, 09/02/2009

Mercury Fur first night report by Director Frances Loy

It's a terrifying thing, stepping out of your comfort zone. For two and half months our space has been sacred. We played, shared, experimented, failed, picked ourselves back up and started again. We've debated endlessly the merits of choices, discussed and been saddened by research materials, worked our bodies, minds and very souls to breaking point, with a few bruises along the way. And last night, we finally shared it with Outsiders.

Our audience members were still in the bar when the actors and I emerged post-show - always a good sign! And the response has been overwhelming, from those who've seen the show before, those who've only read it and (most importantly) those who have had no previous experience of Mercury Fur. Our story is clear, always my massive priority. The space doesn't just suit the work - it adds to the claustrophobic atmosphere with someone even saying this play isn't meant for a traditional theatre - it needs to be seen, warts and all, in this sort of space. Gasps were heard in the right places, a few titters that we can build on - and tears were flowing before the final blackout.

We still have work to do, but it's exciting work because it involves every member of the audience who walks through the doors. We've left the safety of our enclosed rehearsals but in laying ourselves bare we can now share the story with the people it was created for, and let it grow in their response.
We have stepped outside our comfort zone - we invite you to join us.

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