Grid Iron New Show

Jul 31 2020 | By Thom Dibdin More

Doppler announced for August dates

Edinburgh-based site-specific specialist theatre company Grid Iron has announced provisional dates for its new production of Doppler, from as early as Monday 24 August, if lockdown eases as expected.

The adaptation of Norwegian writer Erlend Loe’s satirical novel was always intended to be outside. If the Scottish Government’s indicative dates for outside performance don’t change, it will now take place in Edinburgh with limited audience numbers of up to 20 people in a socially distant format.

L-R Keith Fleming, Ben Harrison, Itxaso Moreno and Becky Minto, Doppler rehearsals. Pic: Delilah Rose Niel

The adaptation is particularly suitable for an outdoor setting. The title character, Doppler, is jolted out of his comfortable existence by a bicycle accident and determines to live an isolated life in the forest away from his family and social circle.

Ben Harrison, adaptor, director and co-artistic director of Grid Iron said: “Doppler has been planned for a couple of years but takes on new and unexpected resonances in the context of the pandemic.”

Grid Iron had been aiming to bring the show to this year’s fringe, so were already planning for an outdoor production in Edinburgh in August.

unusual spaces

Jude Doherty, the company’s chief executive and co-artistic director said: “With our experience of producing shows in unusual spaces, we remain hopeful that we will be able to proceed with our plans. We are currently awaiting confirmation of our venue and then we can proceed with securing the required licensing.

Keith Fleming, Doppler rehearsals. Pic: Delilah Rose Niel

“Having said that, we acknowledge the situation is developing fast and we might need to adapt quickly. We understand that 24 August, the date announced by the Scottish Government as potentially the first day of live outdoor performances being allowed back in Scotland, is an indicative date which will be reviewed in 3 weeks.”

The three hander will star Keith Fleming (Lesley in Outlander) in the title role with Grid Iron-regulars Itxaso Moreno and Sean Hay portraying all the remaining characters. Freelance creatives include puppet maker Fergus Dunnet, music and foley artist David Pollock and designer Becky Minto.

safety measures

The company has begun outdoor rehearsals, following weeks of Zoom meetings. However safety measures are very much in evidence, according to the company, which go beyond face masks, hand sanitiser and social distancing, to include monitory temperatures and special measures for props.

Itxaso Moreno, Doppler rehearsals. Pic: Delilah Rose Niel

The very strict health and safety regulations also impact on the design of the show with rigging and lighting designed to be handled by only one person at all times and actors wearing their own clothes and bringing some of the props from home.

The Company says that has followed the Scottish Government’s guidelines closely and is in touch with local authorities. It “remains hopeful” for the live dates, but is preparing for the eventuality that the live outdoor show will not be able to proceed.

If that happens, Doppler will be shared with audiences digitally as a filmed performance.

Details of the dates, times and venue for Doppler will be announced at a later date, along with ticketing details. These will be available on the Grid Iron website: www.gridiron.org.uk.

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