Laughter Is the Best Medicine, Especially for Creatives
As a child, we often found ourselves feeling an abundant amount of joy at the simplest of things. Everything is brand new to us, and with that comes this wonder at what the world could be.
Eventually, we start to take life pretty seriously. We get a job, we start to pay bills, and then all of sudden we’re the ones that are playing games of peek-a-boo with a baby in a stroller and attempting to conceal that marvellous delight in their high pitched laugh.
Along the way we forget to have a little bit of fun. So, as an attempt to remind the creative industry of that childish wonderment, Gai Le Roy and Chris Freel, CEO of UnLtd and founder of MOOD Teas, have put together an industry-themed pantomime. The pantomime serves not only as a reminder to all that life can be pretty funny, but all proceeds go straight to children charities in the hopes that childish joy can last as long as possible.
The pantomime is titled Addy Lala and the MOOD Tea Thieves and sees a young sales representative attempt to reach her target, along the way she is helped by some fantastically over-the-top characters.
LBB’s Casey Martin spoke to the pantomime’s writer and director Gai about why she believes this show shouldn’t be missed.
LBB> Why do you believe the industry needs a good laugh?
Gai> It has been a productive but tough year in the media and feels like it has gone for at least 15 months already, so being able to blow off steam and have a laugh should be therapeutic for all of us. In amongst the passion for our industry we can be at times quite earnest so being able to step back and have a playful look at what we do should raise a smile (and hopefully guffaw) for the audience members.
LBB> Putting on a pantomime is a massive feat, what have been the challenges and how have you overcome them?
Gai> It is a much bigger task than I had originally thought through when the “let’s put on a show” idea was bubbling up between myself and Chris Freel. We have had such a great response from industry leaders wanting to get involved and help raise money for UnLtd but coordinating diaries has been an industry challenge. But the level of energy, excitement and liveliness of the cast and crew means that the show will be hilarious even if it isn't nominated for a Tony next year!
LBB> When was the first moment you realised that this was all actually happening? How did you feel?
Gai> After a few months of vague discussions, the momentum started to build early in the evening over drinks at an industry event on the Gold Coast in July and by the end of the evening there was no going back.
LBB> Has this been something you've wanted to do for a while?
Gai> I love the work carried out by UnLtd and the amazing charities that they support but a lot of their fundraising social events have been focused on sporting events. Now don’t get me wrong I adore a ping pong tournament or badminton bonanza, but it felt like an arts-focused event could be added to the roster.
LBB> Without giving too much away, which part of the pantomime was the most fun to write?
Gai> Running an industry body you do get a bird's eye view of what is happening in the market so I really enjoyed trying to tie together some of the trends and hot topics into one storyline. I do love a good overused cliché and our industry is ripe for that sort of behaviour. Building out the character of Addy was a delight, revisiting the mix of confusion and excitement when starting out in the industry was fun.
LBB> What has been one of the best behind the scenes moments so far?
Gai> It may not surprise many people in the industry that Ricky Chanana (playing Micky Cabana) has thrown himself into his role and his OTT acting has definitely kept me amused.
LBB> Lastly, if you could be in any of the classic pantomimes (besides Addy Lala and The MOOD Tea Thieves, of course), which one would like you to be in most?
Gai> I have a real soft spot for Peter Pan – maybe if this year goes well, we can work up to having some industry actors flying across the stage next year.
