Critically acclaimed actors Mark and Paul McGann are bringing a special performance to Frome’s Merlin Theatre next month, as part of a reunion 40 years in the making.
Mark, who lives in Frome and is an associate of the Merlin Theatre, will take to the stage with his brother Paul in a rare joint appearance in Mark’s new show, Mark McGann – In His Life.
Mark is an acclaimed writer, actor and director, known for leading roles in television and theatre including Lennon in the West End, The Grand, the BBC’s The Hanging Gale (with his three brothers Paul, Joe and Stephen), and Shackleton.
Paul McGann is best known for starring as the Doctor in the 1996 Doctor Who film; as Marwood in cult classic Withnail and I, and as Lieutenant William Bush in the ITV series Hornblower.
“I am genuinely excited to be performing with my brother for the first time in 40 years,” said Mark, who wrote the show. “It is very moving. There is not enough space here to do justice to the poignancy of our journey as brothers, but suffice it to say that we were raised to be very, very close and this, like for anyone exploring their own pathways out beyond the childhood home, led naturally to personal triumphs, challenges and experiences that had to be lived and processed before we could be reunited as we now are.
“The love is genuine and infinite and more of a gift each day.”
The performance features remembrances and reflections of the brothers growing up in 60s and 70s Liverpool, and Mark’s early experiences in his award-winning role as John Lennon. It celebrates their unique and inspirational relationship, with iconic and personal music, poetry and anecdotes.
“People can expect some great music, poignant moments and laughs, new insight into our lives and stories not heard publicly before, and a genuine celebration of what it is to be brothers,” explained Mark.
“We’ve done three sell-out performances at the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool, where I started in August. The Frome version will be tweaked slightly to involve Paul even more, and I’m hoping it will provide a blueprint for a future show involving more McGanns.
“The Merlin Theatre has become my creative home in recent years,” added Mark. “Moving to Frome meant moving away from the active relationship with London theatre life and the industry, so it was important for me to find a place where I could continue with my life’s vocational work – namely, to introduce people to the actor/artist within themselves.
“I believe everyone can act, as we are all born with the capacity to copy behaviour we witness in order to survive. The theatre, therefore, is simply the greatest and safest forum we have for discovering both this and the extreme aspects of our humanity. It’s a church of the people, somewhere we go to be elevated to that place where we all meet as equals in universal recognition and celebration.
“When Claudia [Director of the Merlin Theatre] asked me to be an associate of the Merlin, I was touched and thrilled. It has a beautiful energy and a wonderful team of volunteers, all of whom go well beyond the extra mile to keep it functioning and accessible, so that others can be touched and inspired by the magic that happens there.”
Sharing advice with the younger generation of aspiring actors in Frome, Mark said, “Remember who you are doing it for. It’s a powerful and necessary public service. Know what you want your audiences to feel from you that will make them feel more validated in their reality as fellow humans.
“Perhaps come to my group classes or book a session with me to explore what your journey might look like.”
The show is due to run on Saturday 20th September, at 3pm and again at 7.30pm. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Merlin Theatre Trust, which is dedicated to providing the community with access to high-quality performing arts experiences.
Visit the Merlin Theatre’s website to book tickets: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/frome/merlin-theatre
