Niall Ransome is the writer/director of the Bunker’s alternative Christmas show FCUK’D. Stuck between a rock and a really hard place, a teenage boy kidnaps his little brother in a bid to flee his decrepit council flat and escape his daily encounters with the authorities. But with nowhere to go and no one to turn to, what kind of future do they face?
What was the inspiration to create FCUK’D?
The idea came from visiting my old school and thinking of some of the lads I went there with. No matter where people had come from, at my school they were loyal. I’ve always wanted to see more of these stories and issues in theatre so wanted to make that happen. There’s something epic about what goes on in these areas, the stakes are huge! It’s Greek tragedy on a council estate
Why did you decide to premiere this show during the festive season?
It made sense as this is a time for family, and families come in many shapes and sizes. These issues don’t just disappear over Christmas, they’re still there! It’s an alternative Christmas show that should make you think about others as well as being happy for what you have.
Why did you decide to create the show in verse format
It just happened really. When I first started writing it the verse was the first thing that really seemed to fit and it just kept coming. I enjoy writing in that style because it sort of informed me where it was heading by what words came out. If it didn’t sound right to me then that’s not where it was heading. Hull has a rich history in poetry and the accent itself I found really suited the verse.
What systems of power and injustive are you looking to explore during the piece?
I focused on the story most of all. It wasn’t initially my intention to make the play political or it be a comment on the youth of Britain. Again that is something that has come quite naturally. Through focusing on Boy and Mattie’s story I hope people think more about what the country can be doing to protect its neglected and how our views of other people, without taking the time to understand someone are often wrong. Owen Jones book ‘Chavs’ raises a lot of points regarding our prejudices.
What do you want the audience to take away after experiencing the show?
I want them to have experienced the show with the characters. I really want an audience to have a firm idea and reaction to who the character is at the beginning and by the end the play has made them see another side to the boy. They’ve taken the time to understand him and that his wrong decisions and poor choices in life haven’t been down to a flaw in his character. He’s been dealt bad cards and trying to make life work for himself and Mattie.
FCUK’D is running at the Bunker Theatre from the 11th-30th December 2017. More information can be found here
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