Virtual Programme
ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE
What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?
I don’t mean skipping church because you’re too hungover, bad.
I mean having an affair, bad.
I mean walking out on your children, bad.
I mean opening a tube of green Pringles on a long car journey, bad.
Erin has 4.
4 things that she believes are unforgivable.
4 things that keep her up at night.
The 4 worst things she has ever done, and she’s about to confess them all.
Written and directed by Ewan McGowan, with contributions from Louise O'Dowd and Rosie McWilliams, and performed by Katie Shortt, ‘The 4 Worst Things’ is a dark comedy which explores themes of meaning, morality, existentialism and grief in a uniquely funny and thought-provoking way.
TW: This play contains strong language and mature themes, such as sexual assault and drug abuse. Audience discretion is advised.
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A message from the director:
"What's the worst thing you've ever done?"
As we walked around Belfast asking people on the street this question for a promotional video, we were often greeted with the response: "I'm not sure", "I can't think", or , "Well, I couldn't say it on camera!". Whether out of embarrassment, shame or guilt, we all have things that we wouldn't share. That's what makes this play so interesting, it's opening up the parts of a person that we never get to see.
When myself and Louise O'Dowd began brainstorming ideas for a play, we began by looking at key events in our lives. For Louise, a key turning point was the existential crisis she experienced while drunk on a trampoline. "If God was real, you'd think he would have given me the ability to handle my liquor". We took this to its natural conclusion: nihilism.
“Our lives are so brief and unimportant. The cosmos cares nothing for us. For what we've done; Had we wrought evil instead of good. Had I chosen to abuse ... None of it would have mattered. There is no counting. No reckoning. No final judgement. There is simply silence. And darkness. Utter and absolute..."
From Ubisoft's 'Assassins Creed'
We can see nihilism as scary, but Erin sees it as freeing. A relinquishment of guilt or accountability. 'What's the Worst Thing You've Ever Done?'. Who cares? Nothing matters anyway.
Or does it?
Ewan McGowan
“Ive really enjoyed developing the character of Erin and it's been really empowering to create a unique piece of theatre within the Belfast scene on our own terms as emerging artists here.”
Katie Shortt- Erin
Cast and Crew
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Erin
Katie Shortt
Katie is originally from Belfast, where she trained at the Lyric Theatre’s Drama Studio before training at drama school and is currently just starting her third year in BA Acting at Leeds Conservatoire. She began her youth training performing for Fortwilliam Musical Society before gaining a Scholarship to join the inaugural cohort at the James Huish Academy of Performing Arts. Katie wishes to greatly thank JHA, The Lyric’s Drama Studio and Leeds Conservatoire for her intense professional training and for providing constant support as she enters her career. Theatrical credits include Marta in ‘Company’ at the Grand Opera House Belfast, Mina in ‘Dracula’ (Workshop) at the Lyric Theatre Belfast and the one-woman play ‘The Four Worst Things I’ve Ever Done’. Katie will also be playing the lead of Astrid in Leeds Conservatoire’s third year show ‘Boys Will Be Boys’ in December 2022. Whilst training, Katie also starred as Sam in the short film ‘What We Left Behind’ which gained acclaimed official selection at Paris Film Festival, Prague Short Film Festival and the International Youth Film Festival, and further screen projects are wrapped and to be announced soon, including 'The Black Dog' with Brunswick Productions. Alongside her theatre and screen work, Katie also plays classical flute (Grade 8) and piano. She also enjoys co-producing drag and burlesque cabaret shows in Leeds. Katie looks forward to a multidisciplinary career in acting, producing and directing in both England and Northern Ireland.
Scriptwriter & Director
Ewan McGowan
A student-teacher at Stranmillis University, Ewan has been involved in the theatre scene in Northern Ireland from a young age. On stage, he has performed in some of the most iconic theatres in Northern Ireland, including the Grand Opera House and Lyric Theatre. Ewan's true passion lies in directing, however, with credits include 'The Black Dog' (Brunswick Productions), 'The Man Who Fell to Pieces' (OLSPCK/Tinderbox), 'Come From Away' (QMTS, Assistant Director) and Bugsy Malone (Grand Opera House, Shadowing Director). His unique character-driven storytelling style emanates through his projects. 'The 4 Worst Things' is Ewan's only writing credit to date.
Producer
Rosie McWilliams
Rosie is from Bangor and has recently qualified as a primary school teacher from Liverpool John Moores. She has been involved in a number of productions both in school and in university. Following the success of their version of ‘The Man Who Fell To Pieces’ (OLSPCK/Tinderbox), Rosie became one of the founding members and the producer of Brunswick Productions. Rosie is passionate about storytelling as a way of bringing us together and fostering empathy between all people.
Light and Sound Technician
Rory Gray
After finishing his GCSE’s and deciding that school wasn’t for him, Rory studied Performing Arts at SERC, following his love for acting and theatre. While completing the course, he chose Lighting Design as a secondary module as he always had a knack for technology after being the main technician for almost all of his school’s performances, from GCSE plays to A-Level performances.
While he mainly aspires to act in the future, he believes that it’s always good to expand your horizons and add more skills under your belt. "As a member of Brunswick Productions, I took the role of Light and Sound Technician for 'The Four Worst Things I’ve Ever Done'. The rest is history yet to be made!"
Voice Actors
James Huish - Priest
Joan McGowan-Gregg - Erin's mum and Granny Murphy
Sean Cooper - Keith
Clodagh McLaughlin - Aoife (Young)
Erin Harding - Aoife (Old)
Avah Huppe - Sarah
Art by Kaylee Schofield
"Kaylee Schofield is an Autistic Artist from the City of Bangor. Dribble Scribble - Kaylee Schofield Artworks is the combination of traditional and digital art - with multiple collections, prints, and offers promoted and posted every Saturday at 8pm".
The fantastic art you see around the set was designed and hand-painted by the amazingly talented Kaylee Schofield. You can support her by visiting her social media accounts and her online store using the links below.
Browse some of Kaylee's Work:
Some Rehearsal Pics
Brunswick Productions
We are a group of young filmmaking, business and education students with one thing in common- a passion for film and theatre. Growing up in Northern Ireland's amateur theatre scene, we were able to see the vast amount of local talent who, sadly, often go unnoticed. Therefore, we decided to create a company with the aim of providing a platform for these individuals. Through our projects we aim to tell stories surrounding important and topical issues, such as mental health. We use the mediums of film and theatre to display this in a profound and thought-provoking manner. With a unique style, we hope to make a genuine difference through our art.
The Brunswick Team.
Ewan McGowan
Creative Director
Rosie McWilliams
Executive Producer
Louis Fitzpatrick
Screenwriter, director and Cinematographer
Rory Gray
Producer
Exclusive look- The Black Dog
Currently in post-production, 'The Black Dog' is Brunswick Productions' debut short film. It follows Louise, a young girl, as she deals with the loss of her best friend. The film dives into themes such as grief and mental health.
