I first became aware of Embryo through its presence at The King's Arms, where they had regularly appeared over the last ten years, before a self-induced period of slumber. But now Embryo has come back with a bang – and with 84 successful events in the bag, they know they have a winning format.
The idea behind the night is simple but effective; performers are offered the stage if they feel they have a new or original act that they can convey in ten minutes. Previous events have included performances by musicians, comedians, poets and dance acts. Even short plays and scenes from larger works have been debuted.
Embryo tries to keep it as diverse as possible... "I wouldn't put two serious dramas on after each other", says organiser John McElhatton. It's a refreshing and unadulterated take on the variety format that we are all familiar with. Embryo has given a platform to almost 900 new performances and over 2,000 participants over the years.
John has been involved with the arts for a long time and was a working actor for twenty years. Trying to combine the day job with the demands of acting, auditions and regular frustrations had started to become a chore. John decided to make the theatre a hobby again and engage with local performance from a different angle. He found his way, via Studio Salford, to Embryo.
"I eventually took over for Embryo 47 and I've been at the helm since" says John explaining that because of his workload as a social worker the event started to tail off... "I kept bumping into people, and they'd ask when it's coming back".
Having now moved away from a career in social work, John has decided to plunge wholeheartedly into bringing the event back to life... "I'd like to take it to Embryo 100, that's my ambition" he says.
He now has the time and desire to focus on an event that he is passionate about... "It's not necessary for the acts to be too polished" he explains "It's about developing a piece of work. Because the night is quite renowned, they usually all have a high degree of competence, but I think it's best if they have room to grow."
Generally, around ten acts perform at each event and the audience are given feedback forms. They are anonymous and allow punters and performers the opportunity to give constructive advice..."It's okay to say if you hated something, as long as you say why" John explains "It's an essential part of the creative process."
Many acts have passed through Embryo and some have gone on to become very successful... "An incredible amount of performers on the circuit have been on our stage, and if they haven't; well they're still welcome to come" John laughs. Cathy Crabb brought ten minutes of her play Beautiful House, and within a couple of years it was a full length professional theatre production. Cathy is now adapting The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists for television.
Celebrated local poet and Edinburgh Festival favourite, Dominic Berry is another performer with strong links to Embryo and he returns to host Embryo 85. Obviously, not every act is everyone's cup of tea; "We've had some strange stuff, but in a good way", John acknowledges.
Embryo provides a platform for new acts and established performers to try out an idea or refine new material. Audience members can simply enjoy the evening, or participate by filling in a feedback form to give their thoughts and suggestions. At just £3 it's incredible value for money for a wide range of undiluted talent. Maybe you've even got ten minutes of material that you're desperate to share.
Embryo 85
Sunday 2nd October 7pm
The Kings Arms
Bloom Street
Tickets are £3 in advance - click here
Or £5 on the night.
For further details on Embryo – click here
Main photo Kat Godfrey by Foulger Photography
www.foulgerphotography.co.uk
Words by Ian Leslie
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