Tour Pack
About
Andy Roberts has been bringing his acoustic musicianship and songwriting along to Ventnor Fringe since 2017. This year he debuts in the ‘theatre’ category with an autobiographical One Man Show to display playwrighting, acting and storytelling skills in “Boulevard Days”.
The plot follows a journey and a life in 1970s Paris with his original songs from the period authentically sung to help to set the scene or move things along. We meet a range of characters along the way, including some relations, friends, local celebrities, helpful strangers, a big dilemma, and Excalibur the vintage guitar. The performance moves smoothly between spoken word, songs, drama and laughter. Not a concert or musical theatre but as a ‘Play With Songs’ taking inspiration also from the new genre of Gig Theatre.
At a preview live workshop recently in Newport the audience reviews included
“Highly entertaining”
“His best work yet”
“Really enjoyed it”
“A strong story and interesting show”
“Can’t wait to see how it fully develops at Ventnor Fringe in July!”
‘Boulevard Days’ is a One Man Show by Andy Roberts..
in which The Rebel holds discourse with The Sage across a time warp of 50 years.
What is a One Man Show?
In theatrical convention, a "One Man Show" refers to a play or performance where a single actor performs all the roles, encompassing multiple characters, stories, and monologues. The show highlights the performer's versatility and skill in portraying different personalities, emotions, and narratives, all within the same production. Key aspects include:
Solo Performance: The entire show is carried out by one individual, showcasing their range as an actor and storyteller.
Characterisation: The actor switches between various characters, often with distinct voices, mannerisms, and postures to differentiate each one.
Narrative Structure: These shows often have a strong narrative thread, sometimes interweaving multiple stories or perspectives. The narrative can be linear or non-linear, and it's frequently driven by themes rather than plot.
Minimalist Production: Typically, one-man shows use minimal sets and props, relying heavily on the performer's ability to evoke different settings and situations through their performance.
Audience Engagement: The intimate nature of these performances often allows for direct interaction with the audience, breaking the "fourth wall."
Versatility in Themes: One-man shows can cover a wide range of themes, from comedy and satire to drama and autobiography.
Emotional Range: These performances often require the actor to display a broad emotional range, sometimes shifting rapidly between different emotional states.
Creative Expression: One-man shows are often seen as a pure form of artistic expression, as they reflect the performer's personal vision, creativity, and capabilities without the influence of a large cast or elaborate production.
Flyer
Neon Busker.
I think this one may be eye-catching in any printed brochure with many acts vying for attention.
Prototype on the Bus
Photograph captures the atmosphere and cool setting from a real performance of the story with songs and intros back in 2021. It would be better if I had photos of me on an indoor theatre stage as well, not necessarily playing the guitar.
Book Cover
A stylish illustration which captures the spirit of the age and generates interest in the printed book version of my story.
CD Cover
Tracklist
Show Synopsis
'Boulevard Days' is the name of a new project by Andy Roberts incorporating a One Man Show, a CD Album, and a series of writings, perhaps a book. The show is a one hour journey blending vivid storytelling, drama and dialogue with the best of original songs about 1970s Paris. We follow the adventures of the artist as a young man, leaving home at 16 and becoming a full time musician in the Metro and Latin Quarter where further adventures unfold.
Personal Biography
Andy Roberts did indeed leave home at 16 to become a full time musician on the streets of Paris in the mid 70s. Rapidly learning his trade to a high standard, he followed the trail well worn by a slightly earlier generation to the Cotes d’Azure for the summer cafe terraces, and explored rural France in a 2CV. Fast forward to the 21st Century and he’s been gigging his catchy original songs alongside covers from the Boulevard Days in the pubs and clubs of the Isle of Wight for the last 5 years or so.
Technical Specifications
With a very light footprint as a spoken and sung solo acoustic show, Boulevard Days could be accommodated in a variety of flexible settings. From a small space with no sound system at all, to a full theatre stage with spotlights, scenery and head mic. A vocal microphone and electro acoustic guitar can plug into any house PA system, or for the right venue I can bring my own battery or mains powered sound system, or even perform fully acoustically in an intimate space with good acoustics.
Sample Set List
Hold On Below - A teenager’s need to up sticks and get away.
Mazet - about the musician’s cafe through the years.
Joan of Arc - Looking forward to winter in a cosy hotel in the Marais.
Suitcase - a sad song about leaving one behind
2CV - about trips out of town in the iconic car.
Migration - about setting off on the well worn trail from Paris to the Mediterranean coast.
Everywhere You Go - A sage conclusion in later years.
Contact Information
All publicly available via my Linktree: https://linktr.ee/andyroberts
Press and Reviews
There are some quotes in my longer form Bio here:
Stage Plot and Layout
At the front of the stage is an open guitar case, a microphone stand, and an amp. I’d like to do this as close to the audience as we can.
Technical Rider:
Details about any specific technical needs or preferences for your performance.
No specific needs but As this is also a CD launch, I will need some time outside of the performance to greet and display, with space for a small merchandise stall with good visibility and access. Maybe an intermission, or at least 10 minutes at the end.
end of Tour Pack
Registration Form Questions answered:
Id
1. First Name: Andy
2. Surname: Roberts
3. Pronouns: He/him
4. DOB: August
5. Address: Orchard End
6. email : aroberts@gmail.com
7. Contact no: 752050
Digital Presence
8. Website: https://www.facebook.com/boulevarddays
9. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andyrobertsmusic/
10. Twitter: @aroberts.
11. Instagram: andyroberts9
About The Show
12. Name of Production: Boulevard Days
13. Name of Artist: Andy Roberts
14. Will this performance be a premier or has it been performed previously?
It’s a Premier and also a CD launch.
The music and background story were prototyped at Ventnor Fringe in 2021, memorably to the assembled crowd from the back of the vintage Parisian Bus, (The Book Bus). This has since been developed into a full One Man Show.
https://onthewight.com/wp-content/2022/07/Performer-on-The-Book-Bus-Photo-by-Julian-Winslow-1-1.jpg
15. Please give a short description of your show/act/event.
A one hour journey through vivid storytelling and the best of songs about 1970s Paris, following the adventures of the performer as a young man.
“Orpheus in the Underground confronts the Ferryman and nothing ends up as expected.”
16. Aside from your website and social media pages, if you'd like to send us links to any other examples of your work please include these below. (eg video links, spotify, galleries etc)
Music:
17. If you have a tour pack for your show please feel free to upload it here.
Please see section above, or email attachment.
18. Please tick the discipline that best describes you.
Theatre & Performance
Music
Logistics
19. How many people in crew? 2
20. Which venue/s would you like to apply to?
1. Arts Club (45) 2. Yard (80)
21. If you have another venue…. no.
22. What is the duration of the event in minutes? 65
23. What is the age suitability of your show/performance?
B. All ages
24. Which dates are you available to perform?
Monday to Saturday
25. How many performances would you ideally like to present? 3
26. Are there any specific technical requirements for your show/performance? No
27. Do you or any of your team have any access requirements? No
Misc
28. Do you have public liability insurance? Yes
29. Are you a member of Equity or any other unions? Musicians Union
30. Do you require advice on travel or accommodation? No thanks.
31. How did you hear about us? Taken part before
32. I have read the artist handbook and terms & conditions of registration and I give permission for the organisers to use my data in accordance with our policy. I accept.
33. Please pay the fee to complete registration to Ventnor Fringe Festival.
PAID.
So that’s the 33 questions answered.
This is where YOU come in - a Call for help! 🙏
I’m eagerly waiting for your insights and suggestions. Your experience and knowledge could be the key to making 'Boulevard Days' a resounding success! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any ideas, corrections, or suggestions. Together, we can make this show unforgettable! 🌟 Send in your thoughts to me here mailto:aroberts@gmail.com. Let’s make this a productive week!
Andy