Directing Zero for the Young Dudes! with Ed Madden

    Director Ed Madden’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival hit Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons recently played in Bristol as part of our offsite season Tobacco Factory Theatres BEYOND. Later this month he returns, passing on his experience and directing our Young Theatre Makers in Zero from the Young Dudes! by Alistair McDowall. We caught up with him for a chat about the show.

    What made you choose Zero for the Young Dudes!?

    It is a brilliant play, which happens to be written for young performers. There is nothing pandering or patronising about it; it values young people enough to ask for the same level of skill, energy and commitment that a playwright could expect from an adult company. It felt like that was the kind of challenge that the young people here at Tobacco Factory Theatres were ready for, and they’re really relishing it.

    Image: Jack Offord

    Can you tell us what the play is about?

    The play is set over the course of one day, in a camp populated by young people. As we get a glimpse of the life of the camp, and its inhabitants, we realise that all is not what it seems – and that today is not like any other day. It’s a tender, funny, human play, but it’s also incredibly political.

    How have you found working with our Young Theatre Makers?

    They are an exhausting joy. They are a group who really care about the work that they’re making, and want to be able to take pride in it, and that is a gift. Also, I don’t know if Tobacco Factory Theatres have put something in the water, but they are much smarter and wittier than I can remember anyone I knew being at their age…

    Image: Jack Offord

    What have you enjoyed most about working on this production?

    There is nowhere I would rather be than a rehearsal room, and all you really want within that room is a group of engaged and engaging people, working towards a common aim. It feels like we have that on this production – a sense of shared purpose and drive – and so every week is a pleasure.

    What have you learnt from working with young people?

    To learn by doing; to ask the stupid question; and to go for it, always.

    Why should people come and see Zero for the Young Dudes!?

    It’s a short, sharp, electric play, by one of our most exciting young writers, performed by some of the best actors in Bristol. For six quid. What more could you want?


    Zero for the Young Dudes! plays at Tobacco Factory Theatres on Mon 26 March at 7.30pm and Tue 27 March at 2pm. For more information and to book visit the main show page.

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