Interview: Writer and performer Ryan Lane on THEATRE FOR TWO

Photo credit: Mathew Foster

From this coming Saturday (5 June), We Are Kilter will be touring Theatre For Two around London; offering personal, interactive meetings between actor and audience member. We caught up with writer and performer Ryan Lane whose work is showcased as part of the newly commissioned micro-play series.

Firstly, how are you? How have the last 14 months been for you on a personal and professional level?

I’ve been trying to keep myself as creatively busy as possible. My background is mostly in alternative comedy and clowning so it’s been a good experience trying to learn new ways to perform. The cancellation of festivals like Edinburgh Fringe was a huge blow but we like challenges and find opportunities in the less obvious places. Of course it has been a tough year for any professional performer and there have been times where I’ve questioned if I can keep doing it but I seem to still be here on the other end. 

Do you feel excited now that restrictions are starting to ease or are you approaching with caution?

The fact that live performances can begin again is a dream. I perform at a lot of comedy gigs and it’s important for me to try out new stuff as often as possible and it’s such a great community of people to be around. I think things will be different and some spaces are going to struggle - especially local venues - so we need to give them a lot of attention if we want it to survive. That said, I’m also quite a solitary person - I’ve never been a hugger and have quite enjoyed my own space, so it’ll be an adjustment!

Have you enjoyed the digital medium that has come to the forefront over the lockdown period?

To an extent. It’s been so great seeing an emergence of talent on social media with performers getting a bigger audience than they would have ever received before. There are some things that do not work without a live audience though and it’s that in-the-moment reaction I miss.

Tell us about Theatre For Two and the concept behind it.

So I had worked with Ioana Curelea, the designer, before. She designed my solo show Ryan Lane Will Be There Now In A Minute for VAULT Festival. It was due to tour and go to Edinburgh before it was all cancelled but she asked me if I’d be interested in this. The concept is one performer doing a ten-minute play to an audience of up to two people in a pop-up venue – essentially a carefully constructed box. We’re really trying to celebrate the liveness of theatre and storytelling in its purest, most stripped-back form. It’s intense but fun and surprising, each story with a unique perspective into solo lives in a time of loneliness, a time of needing and valuing friendship and connection. I am both excited and terrified – but I love experimenting.

You will be acting in your own piece, The Recluse Who Lives On A Hill, as well as in Gabriella Leon's Share-my-Home Companion. How do you approach performing your own writing as an actor and how does this method differ to performing someone else's work?

With my own writing, I guess I don’t have to be so respectful. I can do what I want and, as long as I fit to the time, there is more scope for change and surprise. I like to try stuff all the time and always edit as I go along. It’s definitely not easier though as I am highly critical of my work but like having the power to just say, no that didn’t work and just try something new.

Was it difficult trying to form the narrative for only a 10-minute piece?

Yes. Especially as there is room for audience interaction. I had to keep reminding myself just one idea only and keep it simple. 

Performing to an audience of two will be quite an intense experience as an actor I'd imagine?

Well, doing Edinburgh Fringe...I suppose I’m use to small audiences! Right now, any audience will seem intense. I like the intimacy of it but it’s a short amount of time to create a really good first impression. I just hope they like me! There’s also something joyfully low-pressure about it – it’s just a couple of us, in a box together, enjoying this thing for 10 minutes. That intimacy creates something quite special. 

What are the future plans for Theatre For Two? Would you tour it outside of London?

We’d love to! We’re really excited to be able to bring this experience directly to people in their communities – in some lovely local venues and arts spaces across London. That said, it’s a really flexible show. It could just as easily pop up in a bar or a foyer as it can appear in a more traditional performance space. The potential is huge. We’re definitely approaching this tour as a beginning. Watch this space…!

For more information and to book tickets for the Theatre For Two events, please click here.