"What if he’s dead…And I’ve killed someone."
Doughnut Drive is a comedy-crime-thriller about Billericay-born best friends, Bex and Yaz.
Last year, Bex’s dad died. And Bex ain't coping too well…
She now heads his car dealership, 'Martin’s Motors' - ironically, while harbouring a driving ban. On the eve before the ban is finally set to be lifted, Bex is seduced by her self-destructive streak and makes a truly MUGGY decision, with deadly consequences.
Desperate and spiralling, she turns to her best mate for help. But how exactly is Yaz’s passion for doughnuts and film club meant to fix this shambolic mess?
Doughnut Drive explores themes of mental health, grief, friendship, and the impact of self-destructive behaviour on those closest to us.
Think Snatch meets Hot Fuzz…but with Essex birds.
It’s time to break the law through a female lens!
Doughnut Drive is written by Finella Waddilove, who also stars in the production. We sat down with Finella to learn more.
What can you tell me about Doughnut Drive?
It’s a type of story I’ve always wanted to see in this gangster crime genre - women at the forefront, who are flawed and relatable. Basing the story in my home time, Billericay, Essex too is extra satisfying.
Yaz plays a pivotal role in Bex’s journey. What inspired you to write her character, and how do you envision her impact on Bex's story arc?
I think Yaz is kind of representative of the person in a close relationship dynamic (e.g family/ best friend), who isn't the one ‘going through’ the grief.
Her character is a kind of commentary on how much responsibility that person holds to be there for that other person. I want to pose the question…How much responsibility do we have to not only be there but to say the right thing…is there a right way?
Doughnut Drive touches on profound themes such as mental health and grief. What compelled you to incorporate these issues into a comedy-crime-thriller format, and what do you hope the audience takes away from it?
As I developed the story more, I wanted to make sense of why Bex has this destructive behaviour, which sets off the whole chain of events. The events themselves place the story in that genre.
I am drawn to crime and action stories with a beating heart, because it makes you care about the ‘thrilling’ aspect and the descent into more chaos. We’re rooting for these people to survive and are thus more attached to the story.
With the blend of comedy and thriller, how do you strike the right tone in the writing and direction?
I’ve learnt a lot from my favourite films, particularly Edgar Wright's Sean of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, which are 2 films that in my opinion strike the perfect balance.
I suppose it’s allowing the thriller aspect to not take itself too seriously but still be gripping - it’s allowing the genuine chemistry/connection between these two characters to accentuate the hysteria of such a catastrophic situation.
Are there specific elements or moments you feel are crucial for achieving this balance?
Yes…There is a section/ sequence in the play that has scared but thrilled me as a director - it’s the real climax of the piece…If you imagine the climax of an action/thriller film - that’s what I felt was necessary to finish this play, and putting that into a stage format has been a really exciting challenge. Having such an incredible composer/sound designer in Cam Pike, has really allowed this vision to come to fruition. This for me, has to be the right balance of entertainment, thrill/mystery and genuine panic! I hope I pull it off!
Bex's struggles echo real-life challenges many face. Do you draw from personal experiences or observations in your portrayal of her character and her circumstances?
Yes, I did draw on personal experiences! That's definitely what drives my writing - my personal experiences.
Friendship often plays a vital role in navigating life's challenges. How do you think the dynamic between Bex and Yaz reflects real-life friendships, especially during tough times?
Well this is the question I wanted to explore really…I’ve always been under the impression that I’m fairly well-equipped at speaking about emotional topics. However, there’ve been quite a number of instances in my life when I….I just really haven’t at all haha - I’ve been quite crap. And I think those moments surprised and interested me. I wanted to delve into why I didn't know what to do or say? Probably because these people meant more to me than anyone else, which made it extra hard. It makes you question, what is really the ‘best way’ to be there for someone?
I guess the concept of ‘being there’ changes for that individual person, which is what makes it so difficult to navigate. Some like to talk it out, some just like company, some shut themselves away! And vice versa. It’s just a fascinating concept to me what grief can do to us and the effect it has on those in our closest circle…
Comedy can often serve as a coping mechanism. How do you integrate humour into difficult situations in the play, and what is your approach to ensuring it resonates with the audience?
Exactly! I guess for me the contrast between the two characters drives a lot of the comedy, and how the conflict in their individual approach to the situations they find themselves in. Bex is dry, witty, sarcastic and pretty heavy in energy, considering what’s happened to her. Whereas, Yaz is peppy, optimistic and fairly child-like in nature.
Are there particular moments where you think they will connect most deeply with the characters?
I hope it’s when they see how much these two people really help each other; despite perhaps they don’t quite understand each other sometimes, it’s their differences I think that make them so close and ultimately save them.
Yaz's passion for the film club is highlighted. How does this aspect of her character contribute to the overall message of the play, and are there specific films that inspired you during the writing process?
Yes, well, it was a lovely framework for me - in terms of the films she studies - elements of those films are echoed in the play. I also found it a really useful tool in highlighting Bex’s depression. Yaz has discovered this hobby, which enlivens her and has added a new dimension to her life - this makes Bex sort of uncomfortable, as she’s in such a rut, the idea of inviting a new aspect to her existence, especially one that would actually help her - is out of the question. It’s a side of depression which I think is most evil - it’s the goblin on your back telling you NOT to go outside, NOT to do that thing you once loved doing, even though it’s inevitably going to help you.
The setting plays a significant role in shaping the narrative. How does the culture of Billericay inform the characters and their experiences, and why was it important for you to spotlight this particular locale?
Well, a lot of gangster films are set in East London…Those are the kind of roots of them, right? And Essex is rife with East-Enders who moved to Essex…Everyone loves telling stories about their nan and grandad knowing The Krays. (Which always perplexes me to be honest as their not exactly National Treasures are they?!)
So I guess that's probably what has always attracted me to the genre, as it feels familiar, the banter, the temperament of such characters. But setting it in where I grew up in particular just felt quite special as I could really map out exactly where these things take place - Lake Meadows, the country roads, Basildon Hospital, they are staple places that have been a part of my life.
Again, referencing Edgar Wright, he set Hot Fuzz in his hometown! There’s something really satisfying about creating a story around a world which you know in so much depth, and also the type of people who inhabit it.
What do you hope audiences will feel or reflect on after watching Doughnut Drive?
I do hope they also come away being a bit easier on themselves, perhaps…I want the story to empathise with those who make mistakes and those who are struggling… But above everything, I really hope that they will just have fun.
Where and when can audiences see the show?
25 Nov 9pm
26 Nov 7pm
27 Nov 9pm
28 Nov 7pm
29 Nov 9pm
At The Drayton Arms theatre. See you there!!
Tickets for Doughnut Drive are available from https://www.thedraytonarmstheatre.co.uk/doughnut-drive
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