As our latest drama production - Red Flag, Blue Beard - is taking place this week, we caught up with City Lit student Joe Beecroft to talk about his time at City Lit, the upcoming play, and his plans for the future...
Can you tell us a little bit more about yourself?
I'm a Londoner. Most of my life have worked in hospitality and the luxury travel industry and in 2019 left that to pursue a new career in acting, some people might call that a mid-life crisis, I ignore those people, I'm loving it so far
What role does acting play in your life?
Now it plays a huge part as I am a professional actor, it still feels odd saying that out loud. I was very fortunate to get my first professional acting gig during the pandemic in December 2020 in one of the very few touring pantomimes (I love panto).
I really only started acting in my adult life about 5 years ago with amateur dramatic societies in south west London. They have been a huge amount of fun and a massive part of my life for the last 5 years, especially with being part of the committee for the Putney Light Operatic Society I have been involved with productions on many levels including producing and writing. It's an amazing community and highly recommend it for anyone looking to tread the boards and make new friends.
Why did you choose City Lit and how has your time been on the course been so far?
I initially chose City lit for my diploma in 2019/2020 because the course was part time so it was ideal to combine with working full time, plus City Lit had been recommended by other actors I know. So, when this opportunity came up to return with Deirdre leading the course, I knew it would be a rewarding and fun project and so far, it's been exactly that. I've never been involved with devising a piece of theatre before so it's been a really interesting and great process with a talented group of people.
Can you tell us a little bit more about the upcoming show and your role?
As I write this, our script is in the final stages of being written, but I know after the last few weeks of improvising and devising we are going to have a powerful piece of theatre. It's a sensitive subject, focussing on domestic violence/coercive control during lockdown (which sadly, massively increased), mainly from the view of the observers (friends, family, neighbours etc) and if they can spot the "red flags" and how they react.
My character is a close friend of one of our subjects (from school days) and sees his friend as a harmless romantic who wears his heart on his sleeve and doesn't believe there is any issue with his friends' behaviour or signs to be worried about.
What are your plans for the future?
Carry on plugging away with the professional acting plus have very recently recorded a voice reel (which was a lot of fun) so am looking forward to securing a few voiceover roles.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Just a massive thank you to City Lit and all those involved in this production, plus a special mention to Jayne Denny who has shown me a lot of support since completing the acting diploma last year.
City Lit Theatre Company presents Red Flag, Blue Beard
City Lit Theatre Company are back in the John Lyon's theatre with a new play Red Flag, Blue Beard.
Created and devised with the company by Deirdre Strath Clyde the play addresses the corrosive effects of isolation and coercive control on relationships, family, and community in lockdown. Through the lens of current criminological theory, and the tale of Bluebeard, Red Flag, Blue Beard takes a piercing look at the controlling behaviour that leads to Intimate Partner Violence.
This crucial piece finds surprisingly humorous ways to let darker moments come to light.
You can join us via the live stream on Thursday 22 July 19:30-21:30 - book your ticket here >
Or you can join us in the John Lyon's Theatre at City Lit on Friday 23 July 19:30-21:30 or Saturday 24 July 14:00-16:00 - book your ticket here >
Please note, due to social distancing we have limited capacity in the theatre.
