The Bare Necessities
Dominic Lewis is a busy man. He works at the University of Edinburgh as Assistant Manager of Reception Services and Hotels and is also a warden managing a team who provide welfare support and event programming to students. So I was amazed when he told me last September that he was going to launch Bare Productions - an Edinburgh-based theatre company committed to providing opportunities for amateur performers, through professional standard shows.
As the Fringe approaches I thought it would be good to check in on Dom to see how everything is going.
What made you decide to start up Bare Productions?
I decided to launch Bare because I felt that there wasn’t an Edinburgh-based company who could provide graduates with theatre opportunities. The University has so many wonderful societies but there’s not many Fringe opportunities for those who have just graduated and so Bare was launched.
What is your background in the arts?
I have adored musical theatre since I was tiny and joined local AmDram at the age of 8. Since then I have done countless productions. I trained in dance and then found a love for choreographing which I then started to do since I was 16. I choreographed 11 shows with EUSOG (Edinburgh University Savoy Opera group) and now choreograph shows at the Kings Theatre for Bohemians.
Why musicals?
Musicals bring so much joy to people and are a real escape. They tell stories through so many mediums- not just words but also not just song and they can be so powerful.
Why did you choose to do 'You're a Good Man Charlie Brown'?
I chose “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” because I wanted to do a comedy musical that fits in well with Fringe. We also wanted to do a musical that would instantly be recognisable to anyone from the general public and we felt that Snoopy and Charlie were pretty iconic characters. The show is also hilarious and just the right level of ridiculousness. It’s amazing watching a bunch of adults play kids
Why should we go and see it?
You should go and see this show if you want to spend an hour and a half laughing your socks off whilst listening to some wonderfully cheesy and upbeat songs. The show is a day in the life of Charlie Brown and so the scenes are short and snappy which keeps wonderful comic pace. It’s also really suitable for any age- kids and adults alike.
What does it mean to you and BARE Productions to be part of the Fringe?
I feel honoured to be a part of Fringe. Fringe is about exploration and diving into the unknown. We are living in a political climate at the moment where differences are not always celebrated and I feel that Fringe brings together all walks of life to celebrate and express themselves. That’s what I love and why it’s so important.
Tell me about what we can expect from Bare Productions?
You can expect many more shows from us as a starting point. On top of this, I’m keen to start running classes in Edinburgh for those
who want to have a go at learning something new without having to do formal qualifications and all in one place.
How do you deal with a full time University of Edinburgh job as well as Bare Productions?
I actually juggle it quite well. Bare is very much my night time hobby and then I work hard at the university during the day. I’m lucky that I have more than one passion and so enjoy doing both immensely.
Will you have time to see shows at the Fringe? If so, what?
I have some annual leave so definitely will be checking out our friends at EUSOG who are doing Drowsy Chaperone, Bohemians who are doing a Fringe concert and some of my favourite performers like Out of the Blue and Jess Robinson.
Event details
Bare productions was launched in September 2017 and we expect great things from it.
‘You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown’ is running from 3rd – 11th August at Paradise in Augustines on George IV Bridge.