An essential guide to: The Freshers Plays

The Freshers’ Plays are a great opportunity. Designed specifically to get first years acting, directing and producing, they’re like a big welcoming hug for all those interested in getting involved, regardless of whether they were their school’s resident Laurence Olivier or not.

And next week, after months of intense rehearsing, six Freshers’ Plays will grace the Barron stage. That’s a lot of theatre. But if you can’t decide which shows to see, don’t worry; the Stand has compiled the essential guide to the Freshers’ Plays to help you out.

The God of Carnage (18:00, 19^th and 20^th November)

The God of Carnage, the first play to go up, tells the story of two couples meeting to discuss a fight between their children. What starts out as a civilised discussion quickly descends into childish, alcohol-fuelled bickering; and, hopefully, plenty of laughs. Mandarr Brandi has already made her St Andrews debut – she was cast in Tim Foley’s acclaimed play Baby Bottle Cosmo – but this is her first attempt at directing. She describes the experience as “great but harrowing”. Alicia Shultz is producer.

Yellow Moon (20:30, 19^th and 20^th November)

Another full-length production, Yellow Moon by the Scottish playwright David Greig, tells the story of two teenagers on the run; one has killed her mother’s boyfriend, the other was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Full of important, contemporary issues and excellent characterisation, Yellow Moon should hopefully be gripping drama. It’s directed by Fraser Craig, and Charlotte Andrew is the producer.  They’ve found working with Mermaids, St Andrews’ drama committee, really helpful; Charlotte says everyone’s been “very welcoming”.

Flatmates (7:30, 21^st and 22^nd November)

Two one-act plays will be performed consecutively on Wednesday and Thursday. The first of these is Flatmates, a satire about five students sharing a flat; a theme most St Andreans will be familiar with. Director Greg Pitts says the play is full of laughs, “so if you’re looking to take your mind off those deadlines, this is the play to see”. But they’ve had some trouble finding a cast and getting rehearsal time in the Barron, so let’s hope they’ll be able to run smoothly on the night. The producer is Emilie Trehu.

Just As It Is (7:30, 21^st and 22^nd November)

Just As It Is is written and co-directed by Alice Shearon. She’s a second year, but as this is her first involvement with St Andrews drama, she’s allowed to take part. In fact, she hasn’t been in a play since primary school! Just As It Is also focuses on the lives of five flatmates, but this time is set in St Andrews. Alice says that “it’s like a tiny tour of the town”, taking in all the sights, not least of which being The Lizard. Alexandra Koronkai-Kiss is co-director and Natalie English is the producer.

Green Eyes (7:30, 23^rd and 24^th November)

Friday and Saturday will also play host to a night of one-acts. Green Eyes follows a newly-married couple on their honeymoon. Its director, Caterina Giammarresi, describes it as “a bit abstract and dark, but beautifully complex and honest”. She’s already made a name for herself on the St Andrews drama scene, being elected Mermaids first year rep, starring in Clockwork, helping with Hair backstage and being cast as the eponymous heroine in Troilus and Cressida, due to go up next semester. Both her and producer Lillie Arnott are really excited about their one-act because they adore the author, Tennessee Williams. “He’d be my husband if he weren’t gay and dead”, Caterina half-jokes.

The Universal Language (7:30, 23^rd and 24^th November)

The Universal Language is the final play to go up in a dizzying week. It tells the story of a con-artist who tricks a man into enrolling on a fake course to learn “Unamunda”, a new universal language. Director Hannah Risser comes from a strong theatre background, and has already made a name for herself after a breath-taking performance in the JustSo Society’s production of Hair. She promises the play will be “funny but sweet”, and perfectly designed for the Barron’s small stage. Her producer is Caroline Christie.

Each show or night of one-acts will cost £3. A ticket to all six plays is only £6. Check out the event here.