EDINBURGH 2018: BWW Q&A- Velvet

BWW catches up with Tom Ratcliffe to talk about bringing Velvet to the 2018 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Tell us a bit about Velvet.

VELVET is a one person show about the complex realities of harassment within the entertainment industry and how far a person is willing to go in order to achieve their dreams. The play follows Ben, an unknown young actor, getting caught up in an inappropriate, internet-based relationship with a senior industry figure; with the promise of furthering his career. The play isn't solely about the abuse of power but looks at our need for recognition as a society and how the struggles of being in a highly competitive industry can lead someone down a path they would not expect to take.

Why do you feel it is particularly relevant just now?

Obviously the #MeToo movement is highly relevant right now following a string of high profile cases over the past year. I think this play is also incredibly relevant because it is a same sex story about the abuse of power. I know, within the gay male community particularly, there are many who feel that countless comments, propositions and unwanted advancements are made that would be deemed as totally unacceptable in a heterosexual environment (doesn't mean it does not happen though of course); and that these are not called out against as much, or been highlighted in the media, because of the promiscuous stereotype and, almost, assumption that ties in with being homosexual.

What do you hope audiences take away from Velvet?

As I previously referenced, we have seen so many of these stories in the UK media over the past year, but there is only so much that you can take from stories on a 1-2 minute television package or online news article. I think the audience will hopefully take away a broader understanding of how these situations arise; with much more depth and colour than simply good and evil or victim and perpetrator. As well as this, I hope they'll empathise with the emotional and psychological damage that impacts those directly involved. Finally, I'd like to think that their perception as the general public will be challenged in the way different people, depending on their standing (i.e. celebrity or unknown trying to make it) are perceived in situations such as these when all is revealed.

Who would you recommend comes to see it?

I always find these questions hard as a writer because I always genuinely there is something different for everyone to take away from it. Maybe that's because subconsciously I want bums on seats but I do honestly think it's true! I think obviously those that have taken an interest in the events and revelations of the past year should certainly come.

Those that work within the theatre/television/film industry will connect to the material but the play certainly does not exclude those outside of that realm and it is a story everyone can follow. I think those that have been in similar situations or have a close personal relationship with the #MeToo movement should do what is best for them mentally. As I referenced above this has a huge psychological and emotional impact on those directly involved which is often really helped by theatre or sometimes it triggers things which are best left untouched. They should decide based on where they are at that moment in time.

On a simpler level if you love a piece of theatre that will make you laugh before emotionally challenging you, this is one for you!

What's next for the play after the Fringe?

Ooh good question! Who knows?! We certainly intend for this to be the start, not the end, of VELVET's journey. We will look to bring it back to the capital for certain but that doesn't mean we would rule out a tour. When and where? We'll have to wait and see!

Velvet is on at the Pleasance Courtyard - Pleasance That from August 1st - 27th (not 14th)

For further information please visit: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/velvet

Photo credit: Luke W Robson

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