Ayrshire actor brings legendary American writer to life in new one-man show
However, that is exactly what Ken O'Hara will be doing this summer at Ayr's Gaiety Theatre and Harbour Art Centre, Irvine with his new play, Mark Twain in Person.
Ken presents his plays through his own company MAD Productions and has previously toured with his solo performances, supported by The Gaiety, including Catherine Czerkawska's The Price Of A Fish Supper, about the demise of the Ayrshire fishing industry, and Greg Oliver Bodine's adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
Ken says: 'I love solo performance. It's terrifying, yes, but the creative aspect is so challenging and rewarding. Like Rab and Dickens in my previous productions, Mark Twain is telling stories and this demands interaction with the audience.
'I love the buzz of working with an audience at this level: watching them, listening to, and riding the waves of reaction.'
The play is conceived by Ken, showing Mark Twain during one of his lecturing tours of the USA in 1900, using Twain's own material. Ken transforms himself into the character of Twain with great aplomb, donning the famous white suit, with cigar and whisky in hand, and has a remarkable resemblance to the man.
The play will premiere at Ayr's Gaiety Theatre on August 21 and 22, and at the HAC, Irvine on August 30.
Tickets are available from both venues' box office.
The play is directed by Isi Nimmo.
Get ready to be entertained by Twain's boyhood memories, his experience of the American Civil War, and many other stories from his life, including a strange-looking dog, his observations on humanity and his time as a River Boat pilot on the Mississippi.
The play contains Twain's one-liners and witticisms with which he has become celebrated.
Please be aware there is use of a racial epithet in the context of Twain's writing.
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