DRUNK: A Dancer's Perspective

Katy Lowenhoff

Drunk. Hiccough. We've all been there. Imagine being offered the opportunity of capturing all of these lubricated moments (good and bad) with a super talented, fun-loving company with the ring-leader (director and choreographer) Drew McOnie? I know I was drunk with excitement!

I have known Drew for a few years now and his passion, charisma and talent are intoxicating. For me, the McOnie Company was founded over 10 years ago when an eager group of friends, desperate to dance at every opportunity, snuck into our school's studios late every night and practised routines and partner work; creations of Drew's choreographic mastermind...and to "Prince" nonetheless.

I know this innocent passion and flame of desire for collaborative creativity is the core of the McOnie Company: a true essence of what we are about and how we aim to entertain you, our audience! When I first stepped into the studio, you could feel the fizz of excitement and bubbles of energy in the air. It was like we were all a group of fresh 18 year olds, getting ready for a night out, with a vast realm of unknown possibility. We hung on every description and storyline Drew divulged in a beautiful tapestry of ideas and then there was the music...wow.

Grant Olding has produced a sublime soundtrack and the movement and music talk beautifully to each other; an ode to each man's craftsmanship and an absolute delight to dance!

In Drunk, you can see me as part of the perfect pair, Gin and Tonic, performing as the depressed Ginny who relies on Tarquin to keep her "pepped" up. This is a fantastic duet cleverly contrived with comedy and a definite nod to star duos of the Vaudeville stage.

One of my favourite things about working with Drew and the McOnie Company is his elite sense of musicality, which makes dancing so enjoyable and so "right." Whilst creating movement and phrases with him we get to a point where it's unfathomable that any other steps could possibly ever fit there or relate to the music in the same way. It's a tingly, goosebump,"pinch yourself" moment to be a part of that.

My other featured role practically explodes onto stage in a contagious flurry of giggles and hiccoughs as party girl Champagne. This bubbling dance number really does pull out all of the stops and I hope will leave you tasting stars...

Now, I don't want to give too much away and regret it in the morning but our aim is to create a public disturbance of the highest degree. Be prepared to get under the influence of the McOnie Company.

So roll up, dry January is nearly over, time to get over those wintry blues and succumb to our production of "Drunk!"

You'll never have known a hangover to feel so good.

DRUNK premieres at London's Bridewell Theatre from 5 February - 1 March 2014. For tickets and info visit www.themconiecompany.com. For more backstage insight follow the company on Twitter @McOnieCompany

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