Just in time for Eurovision, Nul Points! is now playing at the Union Theatre and we caught up with cast member Kane Verrall to find out more about the production…
Hi Kane, could you explain what Nul Points! is about? Hello! Nul Points! Is a new comedy play with heart set on the backdrop of the fabulous Eurovision Song Contest! The show follows Josh and his friends beginning in their last year of drama school as their lives start to twist and turn. Friendships develop, romances come and go and challenges such as a surprise visit from Josh’s overbearing mother Gina throw some spanners in the works. We see the characters’ journeys develop as each scene jumps forward another year to their next Eurovision gathering, giving the audience the task of putting the missing pieces together. Who ends up with whom? Is anyone just out for themselves? Will Gina ever learn to cook properly? I guess you’ll have to come and find out!
What made you want to be involved with the production? When I first read the script by Martin Blackburn I was hooked and loved the juxtaposition of high camp comedy and drama. The show takes you from laughing to pulling on your heart strings, sometimes all in one scene and this leapt off the page to me. As an actor this range of emotions is a fun challenge to play and I hope that as an audience, it makes for a thrilling watch.
How do you feel about Eurovision? I LOVE Eurovision and I’m proud of it! I threw a party for my friends last year and did a full Italian food spread (the contest was being held in Italy) and even made cupcakes with edible Eurovision toppers. I also have many a Eurovsion playlist for my daily commute, so I guess you could say I’m a fan!
Could you tell me more about the character you play? Josh loves Eurovision, it’s his happy place, he knows all the weird and wonderful facts and can’t wait to throw a party for his friends. The flags are at the ready and the bucks fizz is chilling nicely. When we first meet him, he is about to graduate from drama school and has all the optimism for a great career ahead, but it’s not all smooth sailing from there. As the years progress, he faces many challenges with life, career, family, friends having more success than he is and a love life that isn’t quite the movie magic romance he hopes for.
What have you enjoyed the most about being part of this production? It has been so great to work on a brand new play and one that pulls the actors and audiences from high comedy to intense drama. Seeing the show develop and change from day one right through to previews has been an exciting creative journey and a big reason I love working on new writing. The backdrop of Eurovision is also just so much fun and working with this wonderful company and creative team has been fantastic.
By Emma Clarendon
Nul Points! Continues to play at the Union Theatre until the 20th May 2023.