Benjamin Sumrie

My name is Benjamin Sumrie, I am a graduate in Philosophy and Politics Master of Arts with Honours and am currently working full-time in the creative industry. I am a multi-disciplinary creative with most of my experience being in acting, but more and more finding myself in directional or dramaturgical roles when developing scripts and concepts.

During my time at university, I wanted to fian more experience in theatre direction, however, the pandemic cut short many of my plans to continue this. However, despite this, I managed to put produce a couple full scale productions from my own need to continue working in that field. I feel most fulfilled when I’m developing, collaborating and leading artistic projects.

From performing at the Edinburgh fringe in an verbatim play of a controversial US legal case to directing a satirical historical drama, there is little I haven't given a go. I enjoy adapting lesser known plays, into something contemporary and modernised. In 2021- early 2022, in a restriction gully between pandemic peaks, I adapted and directed ‘The Roses of Eyam’ by Don Taylor, a historical drama about the great plague of 1666. This adaptation was a modernised, surreal and a satirical allegory of our circumstances at the time. It gained a wealth of positive reviews from local and regional publications.

In my acting I veer towards tackling important social issues in theatre, right now I am working on a play performing at The Other Palace and The Arcola called 'You Won't Help Me', about a woman in an abusive dramatically violent relationship and how her friends don't notice the signs and issues before it's too late. Also, in 2022 fringe, I spent a whole month acting in 24 consecutive shows in an original writing piece at The Pleasance Courtyard called ‘20 Minutes of Action’. This production tackled ‘Brock Turner v. People’ case, the US’ most controversial sexual assault case where I played the perpetrator Brock Turner. Using his exact words in a docu-theatrical style, I decided to not imitate but represent the perpetrator to be seen as someone you might know, as opposed to a pathological stereotype. After concurring with others on the production, I felt this naturalistic direction was felt to be more horrifying for the audience members, convincing them that these assaults aren’t alien circumstances and can be and happen to anyone, endemic to society. What’s more, recently, I have been helping friends on developing their work through research and development workshops by taking the role of an associate director on their productions.

I have been working on a talented friends script recently, done some research and government work with other actors and creatives, and currently in conversation with The Finborough theatre to produce the play and have had some excellent feedback. Most of all, I want to be a part of a creative hub of individuals similar to me and my goals as a creative. I am veering towards more script development and direction and I am wanting to learn and have more opportunities in the theatre industry as where my passions lie is in research, development, direction and process driven work that make a difference.

Spotlight: https://app.spotlight.com/0218-4503-1228

Credits

Directing:
February 2022, Stage, The Roses of Eyam – Bedlam Theatre
2021, Stage, Candlewasters group (various original writings)

Acting:
2024, You Won’t Help Me, The Other Palace/The Arcola/Bridewell Theatre, London
2023, Four Play, Moutview Drama School, Directors Showcase, Peckham
2022, 20 Minutes of Action, Lionheart Theatre, Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh
2022, Certain Young Men, Bedlam Theatre, Edinburgh
2021, 20 Minutes of Action, Pollyanna Esse Productions
2021, Stage, A View From the Bridge, Theatre Paradok, Edinburgh
2020, Stage, Tis Pity She’s A Whore, EUTC Bedlam Extraordinary, Hive Night Club
2019, Musical, The Addams Family – Mal Beineke, Fringe, St. Augustine’s Venue
2019, Stage, 20 Minutes of Action – Perpetrator, Bedlam Theatre, Edinburgh

Training

RADA contemporary theatre summer school 2023
ARC workshops with Harry Burton
The Actors Guild workshops
Lonesome Workshop on devised Theatre
3 day intensive with Rhum & Clay on Devised Theatre 2023