What is The Craft of the cooper?
Good question; The Craft of the Cooper is a completely new musical being premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival!
Set in Memphis, Tennessee during the Sanitation Strike of 1968, an impoverished family with an occupational history in Memphis Sanitation work are struggling with the imminent demise of their dear father. Mr Cooper needs medical treatment and fast. When son, C.J. is imprisoned for his criminal endeavors and mother, Bettie looks no further than God for support, daughter, Ella seems to be the Cooper family’s only hope. Join Ella, a young, talented and underestimated little girl on a journey of reunion, retribution and revolution. Through the power of music Ella and her innocence saves the family in a much greater sense.
Award-winning composer, Olly Lewis was eager to explore the power of music through the medium of an original musical. He began collaborating with childhood friend Alec Sleigh (Hollywood Screenplay Contest Finalist) on what was soon to become, The Craft of the Cooper. Lewis and Sleigh pitched this working title to the University of Southampton’s musical theatre society, ‘Showstoppers’, in hope of its’ performance at Edinburgh Festival 2015. Lewis and Sleigh proceeded to write, acquiring a production team and cast along the way. The show is undergoing an intense work-shopping process, working cohesively as a cast and crew to create a final product. Traditional musical theatre meets Memphis Soul. This is the debut performance of ‘The Craft of the Cooper’, the very first Lewis and Sleigh musical.
Who are Gone Rogue?
Gone Rogue Productions is the touring name for the theatrical societies at the University of Southampton. Both Gone Rogue and the societies it comprises of are constantly recognised for their talented productions. They have both been nominated for and won many Daily Echo Curtain Calls here in Southampton, and gained great critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. You can find out more Gone Rogue Productions and the other shows that are coming to the Fringe with us here.
How Your money can help us.
Breakdown of the Costs:
- Venue Hire = £2255 (for 2 and a half weeks)
- Fringe Affiliation = £400
- Publicity = £500
- Set and Props = £50
- Costumes = £50