Pictures from the archive of shows I have directed – Looking for JJ

The world premiere of Anne Cassidy’s brilliant and award-winning novel, adapted by Marcus Romer. Pilot co-produced Looking For JJ in partnership with Unicorn Theatre, London and York Theatre Royal. We opened the national tour in York in autumn 2007 until March 2008. It included. four week run at The Unicorn Theatre in London

Looking for JJ won the TMA award for best show for children and young people at the awards ceremony at Hampstead Theatre.

Suzann McLean and Christina Baily

The cast was – Melanie Ash, Christina Baily as JJ, Rochelle Gadd, Davood Ghadami, Louise Kempton, Suzann McLean.

Lousie Kempton, Christina Baily and Rochelle Gadd

Christina Baily and Davood Ghadami

Christina Baily

Rochelle Gadd, Davood Ghadami, Christina Baily and Louise Kempton

Christina Baily and Suzann McLean

Melanie Ash and Christina Baily

Christina Baily

The Team

Writer Marcus Romer – Adapted from the novel by Anne Cassidy

Director Marcus Romer

Designer Laura McEwen

Lighting James Farncombe

AV design Arnim Friess

Sound Design Sandy Nuttgens

Photos Tristram Kenton and Karl Andre

Trailer 

 

Quotes

The Guardian

the adaptation of Anne Cassidy’s excellent novel for teenagers is pacy and engaging. It seamlessly melds technology with live action, so it often feels as if you have fallen through a computer screen. But the great thing here is that video is not an add-on but is embedded in the heart of the production.

The BBC

The novel by Ann Cassidy is currently a cult hit with teenagers across the UK and, as always, Pilot have their finger on the pulse. Marcus Romer’s adaptation is superb. It is fragmented and spliced in such a way that the audience is never bored or patronised. Concentration is the only way to keep up with the pace and the broken nature of the piece ensures the tension never drops for a moment.

In balance with the frenetic nature of spliced music, movies and picture stills on an

impressive, movable cyclorama, the performances are bold and simple. Christina Baily

as JJ bares her soul to the audience in direct addresses that are perfect for the company’s

target teenage audience and suit the blog framework that the adaptation adopts.

It is a performance that will make you feel elated and uncomfortable in equal measure, pushing relevant questions about redemption and forgiveness to the surface. Christina’s characterisation is so full of strength and warmth the audience uncomfortably writhe in their seats as they realise they are rooting for her to get away with it.

The supporting cast are equally superb, switching between numerous roles effortlessly and pulling off the difficult task of adults playing children with panache. The energy levels remain in top gear throughout and the original soundtrack is chillingly eerie, it gives even greater magnitude to the rising tension and is a credit to composer Sandy Nuttgens. As with ‘Sing Yer Heart Out For the Lads’ Pilot have confronted difficult issues in an innovative, fresh and accessible fashion which leaves your head buzzing with thoughts and discussions. A fantastic show.