Interview: Director Kirk Jameson on I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE

Following the announcement last week about the return of I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, there has been a lot of excitement buzzing about. After a sell-out and critically acclaimed run last year, the demand for a revival had been duly noted. Fortunately for the theatregoing public, the production is returning to the Arts Theatre for one day only on Monday 15 August. BWW:UK spoke to director Kirk Jameson about the show's previous success and why he's looking forward to revisiting I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change one last time.

What has inspired you to revive the show only a year after it last played?

The production was such a massive success last year, largely because of this incredible cast I'd imagine. We sold out, added an extra performance and regularly had to turn people away at the door, so clearly there was a demand for it. Ticket sales aside, we also had the best time working together, so when last year's run came to an end everyone's first question was "When can we do it again?". A year later, the planets seemed to finally align and everyone was free on the same day, so we quickly announced it before anyone could pull out!

Although still at the Arts Theatre, this time you'll be playing in the main space. Will this greatly affect your direction of the piece?

Yes, we've graduated to the main house! Playing in a bigger space brings both its rewards and it's challenges. One of the joys of last year's production was how intimate it was. The cast spend a lot of time getting VERY intimate with each other and the audience being so close added to the awkwardness and therefore the comedy of those moments. A smaller space can also afford the actors to be much more detailed and nuanced with their work. Funnily enough, if the actors are good you actually end up getting much more for you money on the fringe. That being said, a larger stage provides the actors with much more freedom and as this is such a physical show, that can only be a good thing. I think it will sit beautifully on the Arts Theatre stage.

Will there be any considerable changes to the production from last year?

I'm very passionate about sticking as closely to last year's version as possible; that was why the show that was so well received, after all. Going back in to rehearsal will give us the opportunity to look at moments that didn't quite work though, so if anything sticks out I'm sure we'll take a moment to look at it.

Are you pleased to be working with the same cast again?

I don't mind saying that I was a little nervous going into rehearsals with this cast last year; there are a lot of big personalities there and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I needn't have worried, however - they were so creative and fiercely supportive to each other and me. There was a lot of love between this company and even more laughter, so I can't wait to get back in the room with them all. I keep getting little texts from them saying how much they're looking forward to it.

Musical director Scott Morgan is returning as well. Does the larger playing space mean you'll use additional musicians?

Yes, Scott is back too! The full orchestration features a violin along with the piano, which I'm thrilled to say we will be including in this year's version. I'm a very big fan of this music, so it will be lovely to hear the score in its full glory.

What are your thoughts on the current fringe theatre scene in London?

The London fringe scene is something I'm very passionate about - it provides me with a platform and the ability to share my work with the world. At this stage in my career I'm almost entirely dependant on that, so naturally I'm a huge champion for it. That being said, I don't like the idea that just anyone can direct, choreograph or design and more recently I'm seeing that for some, the fringe is being used to "give directing a go" or simply to fill a gap in the diary between acting jobs, which seems a real shame. The fringe is best when it's nurturing talent and encouraging the new careers of those who have the passion (and talent) for it. The money isn't great, so the pay-off is the exposure. Let's give it to the people who really want, need and deserve it.

How would you encourage people to come and see I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change and likewise, also entice people back?

Dating and relationships is a subject matter that's almost universally relatable. The show became a huge success when it first opened because people could sympathise so closely to these characters and situations. Twenty years on, we don't seem to have made much progress when it comes to relationships, so the show remains totally relatable. In addition to the great writing, this cast seem to take on the tone of the show and each other beautifully so it just works. Comedy isn't easy to get right, but I have totally lucked out with this cast; they really know what they're doing. I very much doubt we'll revisit the show after this, so this is kind of your last chance.

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change plays two performances at the Arts Theatre, London on Monday 15 August 2016. Tickets are on sale now at www.artstheatrewestend.co.uk

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