Things have been busy for Damon Lockwood. He’d barely hit the stage for ‘Laughter on the 23rd Floor’ when it was time to start preparing for the Black Swan State Theatre Company’s new offering ‘Gasp!’ by Ben Elton.
“It’s just been crazy, a crazy couple of weeks.” The actor told OUTinPerth.
The play is a dark comedy in which air is a commodity to be bought and sold, much like food and fuel. Rather than replicating the script as it was in its 1990 incarnation, which was entitled ‘Gasping’, fourteen years on, Ben Elton is recontextualised the story.
“It was very exciting to see him reimagine it in an Australian context.” Lockwood enthused. The role in question is that of Philip, who must appease his boss, the leader of a huge corporation by coming up with an idea to find money where previously there was none.
The show was first produced in 1990 on the West End, and featured Hugh Laurie in the role Lockwood now occupies.
“Do we need to mention that? Do we need to bring that up? “, Lockwood laughed when reminded of his theatrical predecessor. “I imagine he’s probably terrified of what I’m going to do with that role.” He said, with typical modesty.
The Black Swan Theatre Company’s Production of ‘Gasp!’ is on at the State Theatre Centre of WA from October 25th to November 9th. Tickets available here.
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