"We wanted the show to be as imaginative, wacky and ridiculous as possible."
Meet Lachlan Driscoll, the co-creator, director and producer of Utopia! And The Caravan Calamity. He is Artistic Director of Observatory Theatre and has worked with multiple Brisbane organizations, both in creative roles and performer roles.
Tell us about the show in 100 words or less
The show is inspired by Cirque du Soleil and Alice in Wonderland. It combines tap dance, slapstick Mel Brooks style comedy and eye popping steampunk designs, all to the tune of Gypsy jazz music. Fun for all the family, audiences can expect larger than life characters and a whole heap of magic!
Image + cover image: Bethany Moore
Anywhere Festival takes place anywhere but a theatre. Tell us about your venue. What is it about your space that adds to your audience experience?
We’re transforming an iconic heritage listed Brisbane venue, Hamilton Town Hall, into a desolate alien planet. Audiences can expect strange flora and fauna, abandoned bits of spacecraft, and dazzling lights in the sky! (or ceiling in this case!) Being held at the hall adds a level of surprise that an entire bizarre world could be inside!
What is your creative process like?
The process for creating this work was to put no limits on it. The aim was not to be restricted by meaning and messaging. Kara Fisher, my fellow co-creator and show choreographer, and myself wanted the show to be as imaginative, wacky and ridiculous as possible. In fact, there is no dialogue and the show is completely told through music and movement
Tell us your origin story. How did your company/show/collaboration start?
I met Kara at a dance course in 2015 and discovered both of us had a passion for tap dance. Years later, I floated the idea of a steam-punky, circus freak show with tap dance (not a simple task!) by her, but then COVID caused disruptions and it wasn’t until a year later that we both knuckled down and devised the concept.
Who is your perfect audience member? Who is going to LOVE this event?
Young at heart are going to love this show. It’s designed to send your imagination soaring, to make your belly hurt from laughter and to be a feast for the eyes and ears. This is a perfect light hearted, but incredibly entertaining production that will get your toes tapping!
Utopia! And The Caravan Calamity Show takes place as part of Anywhere Festival on Sunday 16th May and Saturday 22nd May at Hamilton Town Hall
