Petty. Adjective. Of little importance.
Petty Men is a radical reworking of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. Set in a dressing room, two understudies attempt to out-perform the show relay. But as worlds collide and reality warps, can they hold on to themselves?
 |
| Photo by Tom Dixon |
How far would you go to achieve your ambitions?
Written by John Chisham, Júlia Levai and Adam Goodbody. This production is dedicated to the memory of Buzz Goodbody.
Ahead of the production at the Arcola Theatre, we sat down with John Chisham to learn more.
Can you reflect on how Buzz Goodbody’s pioneering spirit inspired the creation of Buzz Studios?The work of Buzz Goodbody focused on accessibility. She challenged, provoked and put young people at the heart of what she did. Alongside Adam, I feel honoured to be a part of Buzz Studios’ first production, continuing her legacy.
Why do you think Petty Men was chosen to launch Buzz Studios?
It feels prevalent that Buzz Studios’ first production is a Shakespeare, not only that, but a radical reworking of one! Our surreal, reality-shattering version of Julius Caesar felt aligned with Buzz’s ideals, and the perfect way to kick off this new journey.
It feels prevalent that Buzz Studios’ first production is a Shakespeare, not only that, but a radical reworking of one! Our surreal, reality-shattering version of Julius Caesar felt aligned with Buzz’s ideals, and the perfect way to kick off this new journey.
Can you share more about the conception and creation of Petty Men?
Originally, the idea came from Adam and I doing a scene study of the tent scene from Julius Caesar together. Over lockdown we would swap soliloquies and this continued when we were able to meet in person again. That’s where the idea of doing a two-man Julius Caesar set in a dressing room came about. “Why not have a go at the biggies?” We brought the concept to our director Júlia, who was (fortunately for us) excited by it. It has now evolved into a beast beyond comprehension- in the best way!
Originally, the idea came from Adam and I doing a scene study of the tent scene from Julius Caesar together. Over lockdown we would swap soliloquies and this continued when we were able to meet in person again. That’s where the idea of doing a two-man Julius Caesar set in a dressing room came about. “Why not have a go at the biggies?” We brought the concept to our director Júlia, who was (fortunately for us) excited by it. It has now evolved into a beast beyond comprehension- in the best way!
What has it been like working with the team to bring this production to the stage?
Everyone has been absolutely amazing to work with. The creatives are all so talented and used to working with much more experienced actors than us- so it’s a real pleasure!
Everyone has been absolutely amazing to work with. The creatives are all so talented and used to working with much more experienced actors than us- so it’s a real pleasure!
How special is it to get to honour Buzz Goodbody’s legacy? The production opens on November 24th, with previews starting on the 19th. What are you most excited about for the audience to experience?
Buzz was 28 when she tragically passed away 50 years ago. Adam and I are both 28 at the time of making the show. Now feels like the perfect time for what we are doing. There are so many moments I’m excited for! We’re really cramming it in!
Buzz was 28 when she tragically passed away 50 years ago. Adam and I are both 28 at the time of making the show. Now feels like the perfect time for what we are doing. There are so many moments I’m excited for! We’re really cramming it in!
 |
| Photo by John Chisham |
What was the first piece of theatre that had a big impact on you?
That’s a hard question! The first time I went to Edinburgh was very formative - as I’m sure it is to many young theatre makers. It really opened my eyes to what theatre could be.
That’s a hard question! The first time I went to Edinburgh was very formative - as I’m sure it is to many young theatre makers. It really opened my eyes to what theatre could be.
What keeps you inspired?
Doing this process has reminded me how much I love collaborating with others. Other than that: music and films, mainly. When I’m not acting, I work as an usher at the Prince Charles Cinema, so I am constantly observing.
Doing this process has reminded me how much I love collaborating with others. Other than that: music and films, mainly. When I’m not acting, I work as an usher at the Prince Charles Cinema, so I am constantly observing.
What do you hope someone takes away from seeing Petty Men?
I hope we are able to break the preconception that Shakespeare is boring! It’s also so rare that a big, political Shakespeare play is tackled in a small-scale studio space. Is it going to work?! We don’t know! It’s an experiment! I hope audiences will go away having seen something that they haven’t seen before.
I hope we are able to break the preconception that Shakespeare is boring! It’s also so rare that a big, political Shakespeare play is tackled in a small-scale studio space. Is it going to work?! We don’t know! It’s an experiment! I hope audiences will go away having seen something that they haven’t seen before.
Petty Men runs at the Arcola Theatre from 19th November until 20th December 2025. Tickets are available from https://www.arcolatheatre.com/event/pettymen/
Post a Comment