1986. Sir Clive Sinclair’s electronics empire is collapsing around him – the Sinclair C5 becoming the latest disaster. Facing bankruptcy, Sinclair’s last throw of the dice is to broker a deal over dinner with his arch rival – rising star Alan Sugar. It’s a dinner where there can only be one winner…
Cast:
Daniel Thackeray as Sir Clive Sinclair
Matthew O’Neill / Steve Cain as Alan Sugar
Naomi Sumner / Jess Lee as Waitress
Crew:
Written and Directed by Daniel Thackeray from an idea by Gareth Kavanagh
Produced by Gareth Kavanagh
Assistant Director Peter M George
Show Photography by Shay Rowan
A Scytheplays and Room 5064 Co-Production.
Press and Reviews:
- Nominated for New Writing at the Buxton Fringe Awards 2015
- Manchester Evening News interview with Writer Daniel Thackeray
- The Public Reviews: “A brilliant sense of fun and intrigue.”
- Manchester Evening News: “The dialogue was slick and quick, and brought many a nostalgic laugh.”
- Manchester Salon: “‘Together in Electric Dreams’ is a good blend of comedy and serious, real issues.”
Behind the Scenes:
A chapter in Alan Sugar’s autobiography regarding a crunch dinner meeting between Sugar and Sir Clive Sinclair and the subsequent gladiatorial battle between their business empires provided a starting point for Producer Gareth Kavanagh.
“I was particularly drawn to the idea of the well-mannered Sinclair, frantically treading water as his business was haemorrhaging money and the bold, brash new kid on the block in Alan Sugar,” says Gareth, “Especially as there were a number of nostalgic touchpoints: the ZX Spectrum, the 1980’s, and Alan Sugar’s ongoing success in The Apprentice provided an interesting modern day touchstone.”
Gareth mentioned the idea to regular collaborator Dan Thackeray, who Gareth thought bore a resemblance to Sinclair. Dan was fascinated by the idea and agreed to play the part – if he could write the script.
Researching the lives of both Sugar and Sinclair, Dan was fascinated with the contrast between them – especially given the play’s setting – a Japanese karaoke restaurant. “Sugar naturally conducted a lot of his business in Japan, and karaoke is a key part of that culture. But for Sinclair, he’s a fish out of water in that setting.”
A smash hit for the Greater Manchester Fringe, the play returned to several North West venues including the Buxton Fringe as well as computer events including PlayExpo and Eurocon. The enduring theme of the play, and continued affection for the ZX Spectrum mean we might not have seen the last of this battle of the electronics titans…
