Lyrical storytelling and UK garage vibes: actor Chaya Gupta and producer Steph Hartland discuss Bangers coming to Live Theatre on 11 March

Bangers, the R&B gig show, is coming to Live Theatre from 11 to 13 March. Featuring original tracks inspired by early noughties and contemporary R&B and garage, it follows two strangers grappling with their pasts while hurtling toward the future.

It’s an intriguing one, so naturally, when I first heard about the show, I had to learn more. Is it a gig? A theatre show? Chaya Gupta and Steph Hartland took a minute between rehearsals to answer all my burning questions…

Can you tell us a bit about the premise of Bangers and what audiences can expect from this show at Live Theatre?

Chaya: Bangers uses the interplay of music and language to help two people navigate their complex relationships with love, sex, and other things while also exploring how music plays a part in it all. It’s a show with a lot of energy and heart, so audiences can expect that when they come to see it.

Steph: It’s a party with a story – a lyrical narrative with classic garage tracks, as well as hip hop, R&B, and drum and bass bangers. Like Chaya says, it is brimming with energy and heart, and I’d say audiences can expect to have a banging night! It’s hilarious, heartwarming and very fun.

What makes Bangers stand out in the world of gig theatre, and what do you think will surprise people most when they see it?

Chaya: You can see in the show how music can be such a huge part of our lives and emotions, helping us evolve. I hope it inspires people to consider or reflect on how music may help or affect them.

Steph: Music isn’t just a narrative device for Bangers, it’s at the very heart of the piece. I’d go as far to say it’s actually something different from gig theatre – it pushes the boundaries of theatre, and explores how the two industries, music and theatre, can create something new and unique.

How does the music in Bangers contribute to the overall atmosphere and storytelling of the show?

Chaya: It’s integral to the atmosphere and storytelling. One of the characters is the DJ, and Duramaney (our incredible multi-talented DJ/actor/sound designer) is multitasking to the max as he live-mixes and narrates throughout the entire piece. He’s totally driving the story and the characters with his words and music, bringing the vibes and supporting the characters’ journeys all the way through

Steph: I think Chaya summed it up perfectly! Music doesn’t just drive the narrative, it IS the narrative. Even the dialogue is lyrical, so the storytelling feels like a fluid musical motion.

What themes or messages do you hope audiences will take away after seeing Bangers?

Chaya: What’s great about this piece is that it’s truly a show made for people to enjoy together. I hope the audience feels a sense of community and connection and how empowering that can be. We want everyone to feel involved in the story, to come along for the ride with us, enjoy the garage classics, sing along, laugh, and maybe even cry!

Steph: There’s so many themes and messages I’d love audiences to take away – mainly about the power of music, the possibilities of theatre, and a sense of community.

How has the show evolved since its initial run, and are there any exciting new elements or changes for this upcoming tour?

Chaya: I have only been brought on for this iteration of it, so I can’t speak about the previous versions in as much detail. However, having any new team member in a cast or creative team will always give a show a different energy, and we were lucky enough to be given the license to truly put our fresh creative perspectives on the piece with two new cast members and a new director. I won’t give too much away, but we have made use of some other skill sets that are new from the original version, which are a lot of fun.

Steph: Having been with the show at the Arcola in London last year, I can say that there’s definitely a fresh spin this time around, but the fundamental heart of the piece is the same. The new cast have brought so much to the show, as has our amazing director, Vicky Moran. It’s been so exciting to see their interpretations and instincts!

What’s the most rewarding part of being involved in a show like Bangers?

Chaya: It’s a story that will hopefully reach audiences who might not be typical theatre-goers or who don’t often see themselves reflected on stage, and the opportunity to be part of a show that does that is hugely rewarding.

Also, as a musician as well as an actor, I’ve really enjoyed how closely interlinked music and acting can be, especially with regard to rhythm and text. It’s such a great challenge, and being given the responsibility of telling a new story that I hope many people will take something from is incredibly fulfilling. I don’t take it for granted.

Steph: We’ve been running wraparound events alongside the performances of Bangers, collaborating with organisations that work with young performers, emerging DJs, and others who wouldn’t normally access theatre.

This show lends itself so well to engaging with non-typical audiences, and connecting with those audiences through wraparound activities is the most rewarding part for me. It’s one step in my mission to make theatre more accessible!

The show explores how music shapes our identities. Can you talk about your own personal connection to the music featured in Bangers?

Chaya: To be honest, I just love the whole soundtrack. It’s music that you can’t listen to without feeling a lift of energy. I can’t help but sing along and groove to it – it’s just a wonderful feeling how it impacts and affects my body and soul.

Steph: I grew up in London and, as a result, grew up going to garage and drum & bass raves. This show features some of my favourite tracks and is very nostalgic for me.

What’s one thing you hope audiences experience or feel while watching Bangers?

Chaya: Energy!

Steph: Good vibes!

BANGERS – an acclaimed ‘garage/R&B gig theatre’ show is coming to Live Theatre from 11 – 13 March. Grab your tickets here.