2002 : Hearts And Fire

Directed by Lyn Butcher

Hearts And Fire - The Story

Two bands so different yet so alike. 'Fire' have worked their way through long tours and college gigs, earning respect for their music performed with passion and attitude. 'Hearts' are an all-girl band: recently formed - some say manufactured - and a pop-star product of a multimedia frenzy.

Johnny is the musical talent behind Fire, but the band is fronted by Sally - who coincidentally is the sister of Max Knight the band's agent and PR man. Sally conveys the band's slightly aggressive image both on stage and within her relationship with Johnny. Since the loss of his father Johnny has moved on from the 'angry young man' phase of his life - nowadays calmer and more pensive, he cares deeply for younger brother Joe.

Kayleigh leads the band Hearts - with energy and commitment. A moment in her mother's life caused Kayleigh to reflect and reframe her own life: when the opportunity to perform in a charity benefit concert arises, Hearts are keen to volunteer their support.

When separately asked to perform in the event, Sally cuts a line of resistance, so Fire decline to participate. Respectively unaware that each other's band has been approached, Kayleigh and Johnny have a chance meeting. Drawn to the same place by music but without peer pressure from their bands, the two find they can communicate.

The charity concert approaches and having seen Hearts' good press exposure, Max realizes a missed opportunity. With a PR agents twist, Fire become part of the event. Sally is reluctant, but to her annoyance, Johnny almost shows enthusiasm.

The media crowd in for interviews and under pressure of the situation Johnny, Sally and Kayleigh each begin to better understand their feelings about the concert, themselves and each other. By the end of an intensive week of rehearsal and preparation, the bands are ready for some relaxation.

Refreshed from their time out and perhaps inspired by being in pursuit of a common goal, the bands have established a degree of respect for each other. Max takes a unilateral step of exploiting what he sees by announcing a surprise development in the charity concert - alienating Sally in the process.

The rehearsals gather pace, the charity concert arrives and the bands take to the stage. With hard work comes well-earned leisure - and an after show party that Hearts and Fire will remember for the rest of their lives........

The bands - Hearts

The band Hearts are Jade, Kayleigh, Nadine and Crystal. A 'manufactured', all-girl pop band who are well received by the public, they have just released the song 'When I'm With You'.

Hearts' lead singer is Kayleigh. Kayleigh inspires and motivates her band members to rehearse both thoroughly and frequently and also to support community events. This professional and caring approach has brought affection and respect from the bands fans - including Kayleigh's little sister Lulu.

Hearts' agent Nicole works hard, both for the band and with the band. While handling their publicity to gain good press, Nicole keeps Hearts informed of all the opportunities which befall them.

The bands - Fire

Sister of the band's agent Max, Sally sings with Fire. The musicians are Johnny, Lance, Animal and Razor. On the TV chart show 'Sound and Vision' they surprise the audience by performing 'Popstar' - a swipe at manufactured pop bands - rather than their recent single 'Grey Sky Day'.

The creative lead musician in the band 'Fire' is Johnny. Between crafting music, rehearsing and performing Johnny looks after his younger brother Joe.

Fire's agent is Max Knight - Sally's brother. Max is a typical PR master of spin and the play reveals his various facets. On the one hand he cares deeply for his sister, while on the other, he is seen to manipulate the band by making decisions without consulting the performers to gain their buy-in.

Hearts And Fire - Production Notes

'Hearts And Fire' was conceived on a golf course somewhere between the eighth hole and the nineteenth. The ideas were developed in a number of other locations which were a variation on the 19th hole. Around Christmas 2001, the first cut of the script was formed. Discussions on how the show could be technically staged shaped the story as did the enthusiasm with which the potential performers came forward to participate. The script was developed in early 2002 to accommodate the numbers and talents of those who wanted to be part of the show. The production team extends grateful thanks to all who have contributed energy, expertise and time to realise the vision that has become 'Hearts And Fire'.

The Hearts And Fire concept both calls for, and benefits from, a multimedia approach. The blending of sound, lighting and video during the show introduces a novel stage presentation, which allows the story a further degree of freedom to deliver its message. The music for the show has been specially composed by local band 'World Machine'. Multimedia staging for the RAODS production by Michael J Smith.

The script and music for Hearts And Fire are available by arrangement - please contact the theatre for details.

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