At a recent Behind the Scenes event I had the opportunity to get a sneak peek into rehearsals for the Northcott’s own upcoming show, Forever Young (running 7th-15th of March), and hear from the creative team and Director Martin Berry about what’s new at the Northcott. Here’s what Martin had to say about Forever Young, as well as the work the Northcott is doing for community engagement, local artist development, and the future of students at your local theatre.
The importance of community at the Exeter Northcott
As a registered charity, the Exeter Northcott Theatre is finally back to producing its own Made by Exeter Northcott shows, supported gratefully by local partners. Martin Berry highlights the importance of running Exeter-made shows, allowing the theatre to spotlight our stories, hitting close to home and capturing the “magic of the South West”. While you might be used to travelling down to London for a commercial show, regional theatres like the Northcott speak to the local community, delving deep into stories close to the heart of Exeter, even championing the noble story of the Exeter Chiefs with their production of Exe Men last year!
Martin shared his vision for the Northcott’s “championing of amateur dramatics”, which he encourages students to support. When asked about the future of opportunities for students at the Northcott, Martin highlighted the artist development focused Elevate Programme. It’s free to join, and includes access to exclusive opportunities like literary support for writers, free rehearsal spaces, training development resources, and much more. And, if you’re wanting to get involved in the next show, check out open auditions for the Northcott’s upcoming production of Little Shop of Horrors. Students can also support the Northcott by grabbing £5 tickets with a free U26 Membership – you’re welcome.
Upcoming: Forever Young
Show week for Forever Young is coming up, running from the 7th to 15th of March! Set fifty years in the future, Forever Young imagines a group of lively actors as their older selves – selves that refuse to back down to the dreary stereotypes of retirement, and rather, prefer to cause a little trouble. With an iconic soundtrack full of rock and roll hits, Forever Young has been popular across Europe since its release in Germany in 2017. The Behind the Scenes Event showcased a snippet of rehearsals, including the captivating voice of Molly Cheesley – a talent you won’t want to miss! The cast comprises other local favourites including Jodie Micciché, Andrew Armfield, Madison Grace, and Pete Watts, coming together to form a fiercely energetic band of talented performers!
When asked what he thinks students will enjoy most about the show, Martin highlighted the intergenerational themes of independence and identity that permeate the show. At its core, Forever Young asks the question: “Who are you when the world around you starts to underestimate you?”, speaking to universal experiences of longing, ambition and deep friendship. Martin also emphasised the rebellious, mischievous nature of the show, suggesting students might be shocked by its humour and energy. Forever Young challenges stereotypes around aging with its powerful presentation of older characters as “complex, political, and full of life” – Martin hopes that students will not only feel the infectious joy and heartfelt messages of the play, but that they might also walk away reconsidering “what getting older really means”.
Who are you when the world around you starts to underestimate you?
Martin Berry
The Northcott’s adaption of Forever Young presents a unique “emphasis on character and story”, with music that “grows organically from the emotional journey of the characters”. This production also leans into political and generational aspects, placing a strong importance on the characters’ histories and identities as artists and revolutionaries. The staging and design of the Northcott’s Forever Young is rooted in ensemble storytelling, creating a strong, lively feeling of community and shared space. These elements combined make this production “intimate and human”, drawing the audience into both the fierce comedy and the heartfelt honesty that lie at the heart of the play.
Empathy, trust and the “spirit of collaboration” are what Martin loves the most about his current cast and creative team for Forever Young. He praises his cast for their experience, playfulness, and willingness to take risks; qualities that allow them to fully explore both the humour and the heartbreak of the show. The creative team, he answers, beautifully balances the need for both respect and humour when exploring themes of ageing and memory, with “a shared understanding that this piece must fizz with life”. Together, Martin, the team, and the cast have carefully created a piece permeated with “moments of real magic”.
A shared understanding that this piece must fizz with life
Martin Berry
“Defiant, heartfelt and joyful” are the three words Martin chose to describe the core essence of Forever Young. The characters express their “rebellious streak”, fiercely defying ageism, routine, and the limiting assumption that their best days are in the past. Behind its musical and comedic character, at its roots Forever Young is “deeply emotional”, compassionately tackling “difficult truths”, from loss to the fear of being forgotten. Ultimately, this is a “celebration of life”, with its exuberant soundtrack and beautiful focus on connection encouraging “laughter, warmth, and energy throughout” – which the Northcott welcomes you to share from the 7th to 15th of March!
