The student led theatre company, Et Al, will be putting on three performances of Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s School for Scandal, premiering on Sunday 20th March at the Forest Cafe.
The production is non-ticketed but donations will go to The Sarcoma Trust UK (registered charity number 1119848). Centred around the goings-on of an 18th Century aristocratic circle whose primary occupation is to spread malicious rumours about each other, this widely amired play becomes increasing comical as the characters develop and reveal themselves and the entangled plots become more complicated.
This particular production has been updated and adapted, creating original twists, including being set in the 1920s as well as gender changes of the characters themselves – Lord Teezell becomes Lady Teezel. The directors wanted to make this change as historically  it was first play to involve female actors and it is about young men having power, abusing that power and being scandalous. One of the directors Renwick McAslan said, “Why not, in the same month as International Women’s Day, give women power and show women can be as scandalous as men.” He also mentioned practical reasons; “During the auditions, there were a lot of talented girls and we wanted to be able to include all of them. Previous plays we’ve put on, such as The Homecoming last year, have had just one girl in them, and we wanted to give female actors in Edinburgh more of a chance.”
Et Al Theatre Company was founded in July 2010 by Edinburgh students, Renwick McAslan and Sariel Heseltine, who saw that there was something lacking in student theatre in the city. McAslan said:- “It is really hard to get into unless you make it your life, and it’s difficult to be considered for roles as a newcomer.”
They set up the company in order to provide students with another option and an alternative theatre company. “What we want is for Et Al to be all inclusive and for everyone to get involved.” Scarlett Clark, who is playing Olivia Surface, said, “This is my first play since I was 13, so Et Al provides a good opportunity to get back into acting.” Katie Knight, also acting in the play said:- “I love acting, but I found it really difficult to get involved in anything in Bedlam. Et Al advertises itself on being very open.” But it’s not just for actors. They want to encourage writers, directors, producers, lighting, stage design, costume design and make up to all be a part of Et Al. Their website is under construction, but more information on this play can be found on their facebook page.
Of course, money is the main hold back. Renwick said, “Sponsership, either per play or annually, would allow us to hire venues, pay for costumes, chairs, and buy the rights to plays.” But Et Al don’t want to just put on well known plays. “Part of et al’s quest to inspire original writing.” Et Al’s vision is to have lots of things happening at once; simultaneous productions throughout the year.Et Al are also looking for Venue’s. Having performed in the Roxy, and now about to perform in ForestCafe, but with permanent base et al can flourish.
Speaking about The Sarcoma Trust, which seeks to help those suffering from bone and soft tissue sarcoma, Renwick said, “In July 2010 my godmother, Catherine McLeod ,died after battling with womb cancer. Her death left an unfillable gap in my life. We would like to dedicate this performance to Cat and give something back to those who looked after her so well.”
