| Scottish press article (Over the Threshold) |
| Monday, 17 August 2009 11:16 |
 Journalist Jennifer Marjoribanks wrote this very cute article following an interview earlier this week which was published in a few Scottish newspapers."A talented actor who is performing in a world premiere at the years Edinburgh Festival believes he owes his success to Falkirk's Mr Drama, Bill Graham. Kieran Brown was one of the late drama teacher's young proteges, and his career has gone from strength to strength in recent years. Since graduating from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Kieran has taken part in a number of European musical tours, performed for the Queen, and in London's west-end. He toured England and Wales earlier this year with the Wales Theatre Company's world premiere production of "The Thorn Birds", directed by legendary director Michael Bogdanov, based on the best selling novel and the iconic 80's TV series. He was also the Artistic Director for the European tour of "The Best of Musicals 2009". Kieran said "That was hugely stressful, but it was very rewarding too. I learned alot!" "I'm not ready to give up performing yet, but directing is something I'd like to do more of in the future. I think it comes from working with Bill Graham. I still owe him so much, and I will always be in Bill's debt for the things he taught me." His current role in "Over the Threshold" at this years Fringe Festival is Kieran's first performance on Scottish soil for a number of years. And his return to home turf also means he's guaranteed his dinner on the table every night as he is staying with his parents in Stenhousemuir! "Over the Threshold" is the brainchild of writer Christopher Hamilton. Over the past four or five years, there have been various workshops and concert performances, or extracts from the show in London and New York, with cast members from musicals such as Wicked and Avenue Q being linked with the show and singing on the original demo CD. Christopher and director John Brant chose to work with a completely new cast for the first full blown premiere production, with Kieran playing the role of Tom, an out of work actor. The story revolves around two couples whose lives are changed forever in one fateful evening. Former member of Falkirk Children's and Youth theatre Kieran said "There's only a piano accompanying us, and it's a very simple but effective set. The piece relies more on the quality of the writing. I know I can't really be objective since I'm involved in the show but the music is to die for." "Over the Threshold" has already been receiving five star reviews from the critics, which means the pressure is really on. Kieran said "It's been going really well but getting such great reviews means that people come with a certain level of expectation, so we need to work extra hard to keep the quality of the show at that level so we don't disappoint. So far, so good!" "Over the Threshold" is on at the George 2: Musical Theatre at George Square (Venue 37) until August 31 (excluding August 17 and 24) at 5.30 p.m. with matinee performances at 12.15 p.m. on August 20 and 21." Tickets are available from the box office on (0131) 651 1292, or at www.festivals.ed.ac.uk. |