Chorleywooder and ex SCD student Jack Rooke made it to the *2015 Total Theatre Awards shortlist for an Emerging Company Artist award with his show Good Grief .
The show, which explores the relationship between tragedy and happiness in a compelling blend of comedy, storytelling and film was co-written with Jack’s 85 year-old Nan, Sicel
y Rooke. (below left) Jack spoke to Serena Basra about the awards and his EdFringe experience
Serena: How did it 
feel performing at the Fringe this year, and at one of the most respected venues? Jack: I was really chuffed to be performing at the fringe, especially at one of the premier venues for new writing and comedy. It’s been a very weird month, the show has been received better than I thought it ever would. We’ve been nominated for a Total Theatre award, had numerous 5 star reviews and featured in the New York Times. It’s been really bizarre yet brilliant.
S: I’m sure at the Fringe there are plenty of exciting artists around every corner. Who did you meet that particularly stood out for you? J: It’s been nice meeting other artists and talking to them about performing. In particular it was nice to meet Josie Long, and it was weird when she had been recommended my show without me even telling her about it! She’s one of 
the best comics around and someone who actually cares about issues that aren’t always funny.
S: Finally, what did it mean to be nominated for this award
J: To be nominated is an amazing privilege. There are 3000 shows this year and only 5 were shortlisted for an emerging artist prize so I couldn’t be more chuffed. Apparently Judges reviewed 522 shows across the first 11 days of the festival before they made their selection of 31 to shortlist for all the awards
More on Jack’s shows at : http://www.thegoodgriefproject.com/
* Total Theatre Awards 2015
“This year’s awards celebrate some exceptional artist-led and independent work” says Total Theatre Producer Jo Crowley, “ The awarded artists have created work that demonstrates the power of theatre and live performance to communicate, entertain and inspire audiences – cutting across boundaries of background, nationality and language. Much of which has been made in challenging circumstances, with limited resource and could easily slip through the gaps, and we are therefore delighted that Total Theatre is recognising, championing and celebrating this work. The award for Show by an Emerging Company Artist went to Breach’s production of The Beanfield.”