About the Show

Since their foundation in early 2009, by Oliver Kaderbhai, Navinder Bhatti, Daniel Griffiths and Eleanor McAlister-Dilks, :DELIRIUM: have been exploring the aspects of everyday life that are the most intriguing. Human behaviour and our ability for cognitive decisions and how they contrast with emotional or volitional processes inform the foundations of the work we create. Our outset with the seed of an idea is often based upon the creation of normal characters in, sometimes, abnormal situations. Situations, which for many of us are not a daily occurrence, such as the aftermath of a funeral, or the impact of a threat on London.

Our rehearsal process is distinctly collaborative, and has been described by participants as 'a refreshing departure from conventional rehearsal techniques'. During the making of Your Nation Loves You we spent two weeks of rehearsal in a small space in Fulham. With twelve actors and two directors the space became intimate very quickly, which in turn became conducive to the development of a strong ensemble atmosphere. The development of ensemble is an important aspect of the way in which we work, as we believe in the ability of the actor to be deeply creative when given the correct circumstances.

With an ever evolving ensemble of artists, the :DELIRIUM: core team of Oliver Kaderbhai, Poppy Corbett, David M Saunders and Antony Stuart-Hicks have worked for over eight months on Your Nation Loves You to successfully reach the stage of producing a show in The Old Vic Tunnels.

About the show…

Your Nation Loves You began as a small concept in June 2009. Since then we have been through two weeks of Research and Development in which we were able to play with, develop and explore the ideas that had been dreamt up by the creative team. These two weeks culminated in an informal sharing to which The Old Vic were amongst those invited. Having had previous advice and support from them, :DELIRIUM: were delighted to be presented with the opportunity to work closely with The Old Vic to produce a new piece of theatre for The Old Vic Tunnels.

As a multi-disciplinary company we are keen to examine the most interesting and exciting ways of portraying storylines that often draw upon the experiences of the actors and the artistic team. :DELIRIUM: co-writers and directors, Oliver Kaderbhai and Poppy Corbett, composer David M Saunders and producer Antony Stuart-Hicks, have faced the challenge of creating a new piece of theatre specific to this foreboding space under Waterloo Station. However, it has been the most exciting project for the company to date. The Old Vic Tunnels command an eerie respect and present a number of hurdles, but also a world of artistic opportunity.

Your Nation Loves You follows twelve people in their struggle to survive in an unfamiliar, uncompromising environment. Following a 'threat' on Britain they have been plucked from the streets of London and stored underground, chosen according to the constant records that the government keep. As days turn to weeks, and weeks to months with little knowledge of what's happening on the surface, the twelve 'survivors' live through hope and despair dreaming of returning to their loved ones, and striving to build a community.