FRIGID New York Interview - Gillian English of "Love in the Time of Time Machines"

By Byrne Harrison

Name: Gillian English     

Show:  Love in the Time of Time Machines

Website: www.thetheatreelusive.com

Gillian English is the Artistic Producer and founder of The Theatre Elusive. Originally from Nova Scotia, Gillian trained in theatre at Dalhousie University and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). A Toronto based performer; Gillian is one half of the comedy duo “The Young Geologists”, who have headlined the London Big Comedy Go-To, and The Spring Fever Festival. In the past year, Gillian has been featured by the CBC, CTV, The National Post, and NOW! Magazine and many other media outlets for her work in the theatre and comedy. Recent theatre credits include: Antony and Cleopatra (The Theatre Elusive), I Don’t Like You (The Theatre Elusive), Matt and Ben (The Theatre Elusive), The Wormwood Prince (Next Stage Theatre).

What’s your show about?

Our show is the classic tale of boy meets girl; boy loses girl; boy travels through time to get girl back; hijinks ensue.

What inspired you to participate in it?

I read Mindy Kaling’s book “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns)” and in it she gives the advice that if you’re starting in show business, write yourself the ideal in the ideal play. (I’m paraphrasing) But I’ve never really tried to write a play before. So instead I enlisted the help of my very funny writer friends David Tichauer and Ned Petrie. Together we came up with the play and decided to take it on tour.

Who else is involved with the show?

David Tichauer and Ned Petrie wrote this play, and Chris Gibbs directed. All three of them are huge fixtures in the Toronto comedy scene and brought so much wit and nuance to the process, the play just keeps growing with every performance.

Who is your dream audience for this show?

A full house of people who are ready to be swept up in a hilarious story of love and loss. These people will also not be afraid to laugh out loud, or hold their breath in anticipation. They’ve probably had at least one glass of wine.

Who are your biggest influences?

I love all of the amazing women in comedy; Gilda Radner, Joan Rivers, Tiny Fey, Amy Poehler, Kristen Wiig, Rashida Jones, Rebel Wilson, and of course Mindy Kaling

What other shows are you planning to see at FRIGID?

I’ve heard so much about  A Day in the Life of Miss Hiccup I’ll be checking that one out for sure.

What's next for you after FRIGID?

We’re taking Love in the Time of Time Machines to the Montreal Fringe Festival and the Chicago Fringe Festival. I also hope to be home long enough to play a few games of Aussie Rules Football with the High Park Demons. Carn the Dees!

Lightning round

Paper or plastic? Paper, please.

Comedy or drama? Comedy.

Beach or mountains? Beach all the way. Preferably a Nova Scotian beach.

Black box or proscenium? Proscenium.

Glee or Smash? Smash

Cats or dogs? Cats.

Musical or straight play? Straight play, with awesome sound design.


Love in the Time of Time Machines plays at UNDER St. Marks on the following dates:

Feb 25, 5:30PM
Mar 01, 7:05PM
Mar 02, 5:15PM