Love and Information
by Caryl Churchill
by Caryl Churchill
ABOUT THE SHOW
Someone can’t get a signal. Someone won’t answer the door.
Someone put an elephant on the stairs. Someone’s not ready to talk.
Someone hates irrational numbers. Someone told the police.
Someone got a message from the traffic light. Someone doesn’t understand pain.
Someone’s never felt like this before.
In over fifty scenes, more than a hundred characters are confronted with the things they know, don’t know, want to know, or want to forget.
We get a glimpse of their attempts to discover meaning in the moment. In an age of big data and splintered attention spans, Love and Information challenges us to understand what it means to be truly connected with each other.
“Love and Information” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
LOVE AND INFORMATION was first presented by The English Stage Company at The Royal Court Theatre in the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs, London, England on 6 September 2012. The US premier was presented at New York Theatre Workshop, New York on 19 February 2014, directed by James McDonald.
THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR(S)’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: https://concordtheatricals.com/resources/protecting-artists
With thanks for continued support from
Our purpose: To help make your ambition a reality
WM Financial
Investment Advisor
Box 77 215 Water Street St. John’s, NL A1C 6C9
Tel: 709-576-2555
dean.menchions@cibc.com
Founded in 2014, with our first production in 2015, Mad as Hops has created all kinds of stories: full of mystery, love, revenge, disaster, hope, and magic.
Last year, Mad as Hops became a theatre collective, making our cast and crew an integral part of the creative team.
This is one of our favourite stories, and we’re excited to share it with you.
THE PLAYWRIGHT
Caryl Churchill was born on 3 September 1938 in London and grew up in the Lake District and in Montreal. She was educated at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford. Downstairs, her first play written while she was still at university, was first staged in 1958 and won an award at the Sunday Times National Union of Students Drama Festival.
Caryl Churchill’s plays include: Owners, Traps, Light Shining in Buckinghamshire, Cloud 9, Top Girls, Fen, Serious Money, Ice Cream, Mad Forest, The Skriker, Blue Heart, This is a Chair, Far Away, A Number, Drunk Enough To Say I Love You?, Seven Jewish Children, Love & Information, Here We Go and Escaped Alone. Music theatre includes Lives of the Great Poisoners and Hotel, both with Orlando Gough. Caryl has also written for radio and television.
THE COMPANY
Performed by
Addison Brooklyn
Luna Foote
Bria Gibbons
Emyn Hayden
Tanner Hudson
Mary J
Masha Lazutkina
Ryn Lewis
Quinn Parsons
Rose Walters
Cole Williams
Stage managed by
Audrey Gerow and April Walters
Original music
composed and performed by
Addison Brooklyn
Directed by
John Bowden and Trevor Menchions
ADDISON BROOKLYN is a songwriter from Cupid’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Originally classically-trained in piano, she advocates for mental health through her written music, and now, theatre. Addison is passionate about connecting the audience through the emotions of art.
LUNA FOOTE has done many productions ranging from Stage and Film and everywhere in between. On stage, they have portrayed a variety of roles such as Emi Edwards in Begets: Fall of a High School Ronin and Maeve in The Grown Ups with Mad As Hops, Christie in Aftershocks, a Dog With Two Tales original play written and directed by Cameron and Noah Johnston, Bridey in Bridey’s Birth Control with PriniciPALs Productions and most recently Frankenpuppet with Play Dead Productions. As for film, Luna has been so fortunate to have worked alongside actors from such things as Deadpool and Frontier, as well as acting in Hunting Pignut, written and directed by Martine Blue and starred in Perfect Family as Nadia, also written and directed by Martine Blue. Doing other projects such as various Jungles Jim’s commercials and plenty of stage productions, Luna would like to thank Mad as Hops productions for this opportunity and for building a community for theatre actors to thrive. They would also like to thank their parents Donna and Bill Foote for their unconditional love and support.
AUDREY GEROW is a Puppeteer/Puppet Builder, Producer, Stage Manager, and Actor based out of St. John’s, Newfoundland (Ktaqmkuk) and Labrador who has a love for all things theatre. Recent theatre credits include: Puppeteer (Brass Button Man/The Kraken/The Selkies - Under The Bridge Productions), Puppeteer (It’s Up to You - Studio Squidcicle), Production Assistant (Coriolanus - Shakespeare by the Sea), Puppeteer/Puppet Builder (Frankenpuppet - Jamie Skidmore), Assistant Stage Manager/Production Assistant (Tamasha, O Tamasha! - This Might Be Satire Productions), Stage Manager (Much Ado About Nothing - Shakespeare by the Sea), Stage Manager (Love’s Labour’s Lost - Shakespeare by the Sea), Puppeteer/Puppet Designer (Land of Sparrows - Venus Barrington), Writer/Director/Puppet Designer - The Wholly Untrue Origin of the Ugly Stick).
BRIA GIBBONS has had almost a decade of acting experience in central Newfoundland, but now based out of St Johns. Love and Information will be her third play with Mad as Hops productions. You may recognize her from previous roles such as Waitress, Milton the monkey, or Waitress.
EMYN HAYDEN is a multi-disciplined artist with a rich background in dry hair sculpting and the performing arts. Professionally trained and self-taught, he views creative expression as essential to both personal growth and community connection. His exploration of various artistic mediums has deepened his understanding of self-expression, the importance of safe spaces, and the transformative power of community—values that inform every aspect of his work. Storytelling lies at the core of Emyn’s artistic identity. From his early days crafting stories on paper to his career as a hairstylist, he has developed a keen ability to listen attentively and ask purposeful questions, creating authentic connections with those around him. This ethos of care and empathy shapes his outlook on theatre and writing, which seeks to uplift marginalized voices, foster education, and engage diverse communities. Emyn is committed to telling stories that reflect the lives of those he cherishes, celebrating them with authenticity and admiration. He hopes audiences feel genuinely seen, heard, and represented in his work and is confident you will enjoy Love and Information! He is extremely grateful to the cast, crew and directors for the endless support, inside and outside of the theatre.
TANNER HUDSON is a writer and actor from Conception Bay South. After falling in love with theatre during his high school days, he has since acted in several local productions and given award-winning performances. This is his long overdue second show with Mad as Hops, having previously performed in their rendition of The Grown Ups in 2023.
MARY J may be new to the theatre but she is not new to the stage. A storyteller, comedian, emcee and actor, this St. John’s-based entertainer has performed on stages such as the historic Majestic Theatre in St. John’s NL and West Side Comedy Club in New York. Inspired by the community connectedness of oral tradition she likes to use her quick wit and passionate expression to bring authenticity and life to each character she plays and joke she cracks. You can keep up with her shows and project @the.mj.experience on Instagram! Thank you to Mad as Hops Productions, I am happy to make my theatre debut in your rendition of Love and Information!
MASHA LAZUTKINA is a film student at the College of the North Atlantic. It’s her first time acting with Mad As Hops Productions and is very excited to work with everyone. She has played in a couple of productions from stage before such as The Monologue Show (from Hell) and In The Forests of The Night. She is super-excited for the show and can’t wait to see how it will turn out! Hope everyone will enjoy it just as much!
KATHRYN LEWIS is a performer based in St. John's, and this will be her fourth show with Mad as Hops Productions. This will also be her second time acting with the company, with previous acting in All in the Timing. She's also previously been an assistant stage manager and sound assistant in the productions Almost, Maine and The Grownups.
QUINN PARSONS is a 21 year old actor from Clarenville, NL. After 3 years of being away from the stage, he is very excited to be back for Love and Information.
APRIL WALTERS is delighted to be making her debut as an assistant stage manager for the Mad as Hops theatre company. April is an aspiring artist with a focus on video games, film, and now theatre. She has always been surrounded by the arts through her family, especially when being recruited by her older sister, Rose Walters, to help run lines or give feedback. April is grateful for the opportunities and experiences Mad as Hops Productions has provided and is thrilled to see what comes next!
ROSE WALTERS is thrilled to be making her return to the stage after an almost decade long hiatus. As one of the original actors in Mad as Hops’ first production of Love and Information, Rose has had a blast reimagining the scenes with all her peers, both new and old. Growing up doing improv with her schools and acting in a few plays with Mad as Hops back in their debut days, the now 27 year old has always had a passion for acting. Rose took some time away from the theatre to pursue a BA and an artistic diploma, but she never lost that passion for the performing arts. When director Trevor Menchions reached out to ask Rose about returning to the stage, she was more than happy to join this production. She couldn’t have asked for a better crew to help her get back in the saddle and she is excited for all things to come!
COLE WILLIAMS is an actor from Goulds, NL. He has been a part of organised acting since 10 years old and has been a part of film and stage productions over the years. He has trained with Patricia Andrew’s acting camps for many years. Past works include, Dracula and 1984 with AOR, Son of a Critch (cast as Big Tom), An Unmarked Door (Strange Bedfellows), and has been with Mad as Hops for ten years now. He hopes you enjoy the show!
JOHN BOWDEN and TREVOR MENCHIONS are the founders and directors of Mad as Hops. They will save this space and their word count for congratulations for the cast and crew. Well done, all.
OUR SINCERE THANKS TO
Staff of the Arts and Culture Centre St. John's
Megs Scott - Ebb Tides Photography
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
Stand-Up Comedy NL is the main hub for comedy in Newfoundland and Labrador. It promotes local shows, supports comedians, and helps grow the province’s comedy community. The organization highlights upcoming events, connects performers with venues, and organizes live shows and workshops for both new and experienced comics. By partnering with local businesses and venues, Stand-Up Comedy NL fosters a thriving, inclusive comedy scene and keeps audiences up to date on where to find the best laughs across the island.