HOW TO DATE LIKE A F@#$%^! GROWNUP Comes to The Drama Factory This Month

Somerset West audiences are in for a treat! While the entertainment industry was shut down and we were forced to stay indoors, VR Theatrical thought it the perfect time to start developing a new project: a small-scale original musical with a catchy title that would aim to make theatre relevant to younger audiences. And so, the idea for HOW TO DATE LIKE A F*#$ING GROWNUP! was born.

What is it about? Tinder. Bumble. Grindr. Wishing. Hoping. Swiping. The way in which we meet potential partners has shifted dramatically in the last decade. Ever feel like you've been thrown into a pool of millions of potential partners, but nobody has taught you how to swim? Adulting is hard. And so is dating. Even with all these new technologies. As the title suggests, HOW TO DATE LIKE A F*#$ING GROWNUP! offers a guide to the do's and don'ts of modern dating (with a little more emphasis on the don'ts!).

We're not saying we have all the answers. Heck, we're not even saying you should listen to our advice, but we've got a few pertinent and potentially hilarious tips for helping you find, or just deal with, that special someone... Through a series of hilarious (and some close-to-the-bone) vignettes and songs, this production explores human connection and how, despite all the technological advances, there is still no substitute for falling in love.

After extensive market research, we realised that books with expletives in the title had great appeal in the 20 - 30 year old market," Wessel Odendaal from VRT. "Books ranging in genre from cook books to self-help all seemed to fare well, so we decided to put the salty title to the test in the theatrical context." As the title suggests, this one is not so much focused on your grandma's tastes in theatre, but rather aims to speak to (and give voice to) young people, trying to find that special person in the 21st Century. Fresh Creative Talents VRT divides its creative ventures between presenting existing, well-known blockbuster content and commissioning and developing new work for South African stages. As part of VRT's mandate to create a platform to develop new directors and young writers, a competent and fresh young creative team took no time to assemble.

Daniel Keith Geddes was commissioned to write the pop-inspired score (and additional lyrics) which is jam-packed with the upbeat sounds of Mika, gut-wrenching break-up songs á-la Adele, Doja Cat trap-hip-hop-vibes and pulsating EDM (Electric Dance Music) tunes artfully blended to suit a musical theatre narrative. Mr. Geddes is also directing this first developmental workshop production.

Mark Tatham wrote the (bouncy) book and (hilarious) lyrics. Mr. Tatham is no stranger to the stage (both on stage and behind the scenes) and has written various plays that have toured South Africa, including MAN UP and NICE TO MEET YOU, NOW LET'S TAKE OFF OUR PANTS. He has held theatre residencies in Iceland, Norway and Greece and has taught theatre throughout South Africa, Europe and Asia and is currently performing in The Lion King in Korea. He has been collaborating with the South African team via Zoom.

Insta-Star stylist Ashleigh Butcher from @secondhandnews.thrift was tasked with bringing her eye and unique flair to the wardrobe of HOW TO DATE. Upcycling previously loved garments is her talent and she has curated a diverse range of looks for the almost 20 different characters portrayed by only 4 actors The production is produced by VR Theatrical (Rock of Ages, Here's to You - The Simon & Garfunkel Songbook, Avenue Q) who are renowned for getting behind new and developmental theatre projects.

Performances run 17-19 March, 2022.

Book securely online with a credit card for any show at The Drama Factory by visiting www.thedramafactory.co.za The direct booking page for this particular show is www.thedramafactory.co.za/show/JVR202203.

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