Interview: Bryan Oliver talks “Scavengers”

July 2023

Writer and Director Bryan Oliver is set to bring new work “Scavengers” to the Camden Fringe in August. Telling the tale of a post- apocalyptic world in which a group of scavengers battle to survive in overwhelming circumstances, the show will play at the Etcetera Theatre from the 16th – 20th August. Here, Bryan lifts the lid on this latest show, its cast and what drives him as an audience member…

So tell me a little bit about Scavengers – what’s it all about?

It’s an Eco-thriller set in a London Tower block. Wikki and Zeb are lovers hiding away from the Warlord’s hunters. Wikki is much older than Zeb and when Finn, another survivor, breaks in looking for food and water, all their lives are thrown into danger and confusion. There is also a lot of humanity and humour, and Zeb is a big Motown fan!

And how does this piece relate to your previous work – is this new territory or more of a natural progression?

My last play “Experiment 150” was on at The White Bear Theatre before we all got hit by Covid. It depicted a world of experimental mind control where people were being programmed like machines. “Scavengers” is a natural progression into another type of dystopian future and is Urban Wolves Theatre Company’s second production.

What would you say ultimately drives your characters in Scavengers?

The will to survive. They have all seen terrible things after an ecological disaster and are living from day to day Scavenging for food. They are forced to confront sexual longings, fears, and deadly outside forces that threaten to destroy everything they believe and desperately cling on to.

What can you tell me about your cast?

I have a very strong cast (Grace Richardson, Matteo Piombino and Neil Hobbs), who are all excited to go on the journey of the characters. Grace recently played Alice in the film “Deserted” and worked with Neil on the film “A Car At Night.” She trained with The National Youth Theatre. Matteo can be seen in “County Lines”, “How To Talk To Girls At Parties”, “Amore Criminale” and BBC’s “Doctors”.   Neil has done a great deal of Stage, Film and TV acting and was Gold Movie award Winner Best Actor in 2018.    

Sounds like a cracking line-up. Who are you hoping will see this work and what are you hoping they’ll take away with them?

I’m hoping that people from all walks of life will come along and see the play and that they will find it moving, challenging and thought provoking.

Quick-fire round then: let’s start with your route into the arts?

I’m a working- class boy who had a dream of becoming an actor and a writer. I remember being blown away by Brando and Dean’s acting and the writing of Ibsen, Pinter, and Arthur Miller to name but a few. Seeing their work, I knew instantly that was what I wanted to do with my life.

Your own tastes and influences?

I love theatre that is dynamic and has things to say about the world we live in. As an audience member I want to be moved to tears and/or laughter. I want to come out feeling alive, energised, challenged.

Best advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to theatre-making?

Follow your dreams. Keep turning up.

Great advice. And what would your advice be to up and coming creatives?

Follow your dreams. Keep turning up.

Still great advice! Finally and crucially then: why should audiences come along to see Scavenger this August?

It’s going to be a journey. An experience. Maybe it will move you and blow your mind.

So there you have it! You can catch Bryan Oliver’s “Scavengers” at the Etcetera Theatre from the 16th – 20th August 2023 as part of the Camden Fringe – more information and tickets can be found here.