I’m With the Band, a co-production between Wales Millennium Centre and Traverse Theatre Company will shortly embark on a UK tour visiting Theatre at the Mill on 20 and 21 September, its only date in Northern Ireland.
A witty and timely response to our changing political landscape, I’m With The Band is written by Tim Price and directed by Traverse Associate Director Hamish Pirie, who were Olivier nominated for their last collaboration, Salt Root and Roe.
In I’m with The Band, pioneering indie rock band, The Union – made up of an Englishman, a Northern Irishman, a Scotsman and a Welshman – is on the verge of breaking up. Financial disaster strikes, Scottish guitarist leaves the band and old alliances are tested as artistic differences divide the group. Can The Union survive?
Wales Millennium Centre and Traverse Theatre Company are delighted to announce the cast for I’m With the Band. Welsh actor Matthew Bulgo is to play Gruff, the Welsh band member, alongside James Hillier (Damien – The Englishman), Declan Rodgers (Aaron – The Northern Irishman) and Andy Clark (Barry – The Scotsman). The creative team includes sound designer/composer Gordon McIntyre, designer Neil Warmington, and lighting designer Philip Gladwell.
Director Hamish Pirie says: “I am thrilled to be working with a company so brimming full of talent on this truly ensemble piece. I’m With the Band will be a work of total theatre, combining the most innovative new writing with synths and song. In a play that investigates the relationships between our home nations, it feels important and right that we have an actual Englishman, Northern Irishman, Scotsman and Welshman in the cast, each bringing their own experiences to the table.”
Writer Tim Price comments: “I’m With the Band is my response to the Scottish Independence question. I love Scotland. Part of me is delighted with the idea that a country I love might become autonomous. But, as a Welshman I am heartbroken at the prospect of a diminished relationship.
“I wanted to find a way to explore the complicated relationships between the home countries. I’m With the Band explores the Independence question, through a rock band losing their guitarist. It asks, could the Union survive without Scotland? And could Scotland survive without the Union?
“Theatre is in a unique position to respond rapidly to national questions, and it is a privilege to contribute to this debate at the home of new writing in Scotland.”
Conrad Lynch, Artistic Director of the Wales Millennium Centre said: “We are delighted to be working with this wonderful cast and creative team and look forward to touring the show to venues across the UK following the run in Edinburgh.”
I’m With the Band premiered in Edinburgh Fringe Festival as part of the British Council’s Showcase season, then transferred directly to the St James Theatre in London before touring venues across Wales, Northern Ireland and England.
The UK tour of I’m With The Band is kindly supported by the Arts Council of Wales
To book tickets for further information visit www.theatreatthemill.com Tickets range from £9 to £15. Age guidance 16+.