Playright JB Priestley and rock legend Lou Reed might seem like an unlikely pairing but their work has been fused with impressive results in a new video filmed in Angus.
The combination of talents came about when two Dundee filmmakers were commissioned to create a promotional video for a play being staged at the city’s Rep and Edinburgh’s Lyceum Theatre.
Ed Broughton and Nikki Steel of Bonnie Brae Productions, based in the Chambers East building in Dundee’s Albert Square, came up with the concept of using a new version of Lou Reed’s classic song Perfect Day as the soundtrack to Priestley’s play Time and the Conways.
The sumptuous mini costume drama was filmed in Arbroath’s Hospitalfield House, recreating the atmosphere of hit TV series Downton Abbey.
The play jumps back and forth through several decades and shows how the actions of one moment bring vast consequences further down the line, reflected perfectly in the melancholy line: “You’re going to reap just what you sow”.
Ed said: “It might surprise people that we chose a song by one of the most anarchic figures of American rock music to promote the work of a great 20th century playwright like Priestley but they make an eerily good mix.”
Working to tight deadlines, they were able to call in skilled assistance from other elements of Fleet Collective, the Chambers East-based digital arts agency of which they are members.
Nikki said: “Hospitalfield House was a superb location for us. We wanted people to have an idea of the mood and setting of the play.
“This involved recreating a drinks party, full of wealthy and privileged guests sipping champagne in a beautifully furnished and decorated mansion. It worked even better than we’d hoped.”
Graham King of Dundee Rep Theatre said: “Bonnie Brae are a brilliant asset to the Fleet Collective and Dundee. Their work is of the highest of quality and they were our only choice. It has helped our social media campaign surrounding the production.”
Time and the Conways will be performed at Dundee Rep from March 13 to 30.