Interview: Alexander Millington talks Split Infinitive and Buxton Festival Fringe

Split Infinitive's what are we going to do when this is all over?

Welcome to Jackstage's brand new series of Interviews! Join us as we speak to actors and creatives from the theatre industry, and what shapes their work.

Up first is Alexander Millington, performer and co-founder of theatre company Split Infinitive. Alongside Helen Millington, the pair are set to debut their latest play what are we going to do when this is all over? at Buxton Festival Fringe this summer, followed by regional venues across the UK. Autobiographical and immersive, here's what Alexander has to say about the piece:

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1. Could you begin by telling us a little bit about the show? What can audiences expect from 'what are we going to do when this is all over?'?

what are we going to do when this is all over? is our fourth touring production. With each of our productions we try and put more and more of ourselves into the show. We incorporate autobiographical elements into what are we going to do, more than we ever have previously. The show depicts elements of our relationship, laying it bare in front of an audience with some particularly dark and intimate details. Audiences can expect to see Split Infinitive’s regular mix of honesty and darkness, blended together with intimate moments of interaction. Our signature style of conversational storytelling is what we hope helps our audience to connect with our stories as they have through each of our tours. On a more literal note, they can expect loud music, high drama and maybe even a little snack or two!

2. What influenced you and Helen [Millington] to create this piece?

We have both always been fascinated with memories – ours, our friends, strangers. A big influence for me [Alexander] was my grandmother, who sadly developed dementia in her later years. Watching her change from the independent and social woman she once was, to the person she became who could not remember my face, things we had done that day, or even things from years before, was devastating. As Helen’s own life has begun to change over recent years, we wanted to bring together both of our experiences to create this new show.

3. We see that you've performed at Buxton Festival Fringe, most recently with your production of A Caravan Named Desire. What is the atmosphere like for those that haven't been before?

The atmosphere at Buxton Fringe is unlike any other fringe we have participated in. It’s so relaxed (in a good way). The beautiful countryside around Buxton is so stunning that it seems to make everyone (performers and audiences) relaxed and ready for a good time. Other festivals can feel very hectic and rushed and time-pressured, but at Buxton, everyone is so kind and supportive that everything just feels easy. Everyone just wants everyone else to do well.

4. Who should see this show? Is there a certain audience you're trying to reach?

what are we going to do when this is all over? is probably our darkest play to date. So, firstly, we’d say anyone who likes to see people pushed to their limits; people who like drama and complexity in relationships; people who love music and feel a connection to it. We don’t tend to make our work for any specific audience, just shows that can appeal to a wide spectrum of people from regular theatre goers, followers of fringe work, and even those who might not be regular attendees to the theatre.

5. In three words, how would you convince the general public to book a ticket?

Music makes memories.

6. Where can people come and see you performing across your tour?

• Underground at Spring Gardens, Buxton Fringe: 10th, 12th, 17th & 18th June

• The Hen & Chickens Theatre, London: 13th - 17th October

• The MET Studio, Stafford: 20th October

• Terry O’Toole Theatre, Lincoln: 26th November

Check out the show page here!