InterACT productions was set up in 2003 by Lauren Bigby who wanted to try her hand at directing. InterACT’s first production was Essex Girl’s by Rebecca Prichard in June of 2003. Rebecca Prichard is a well known modern writer of Contemporary British Drama has also written for radio. She is under commission to Out of Joint Theatre Company, The Royal Court Theatre, The Bush Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

It was by coincidence that Lauren Bigby found out that Prichard as a child grew up in the same town Billericay and went to the same School Mayflower County High as herself. It was then that Lauren Bigby decided that Essex Girl’s must be put on at Mayflower County High’s theatre. Lauren Bigby contacted Rebecca Prichard about ‘Essex Girl’s’ and was honoured when Prichard came down to see the performance. Prichard gave it a glowing review saying that the production was just a good as debut one at the Royal Court Theatre in 1994 that was directed by her and the cast included Siobhan Hayes (the actress who appears as Abi in the BBC comedy series My Family).

After that Lauren Bigby was invited to work with Rebecca Prichard as her assistant for the Clean Break Theatre Company in London.

Over the years of working in the industry Lauren Bigby noticed that despite how talented a person is the well known phrase “It’s not what you know it’s who you know” that counts. Famous Actor’s and casting directors children are always a shoe in for the top roles and even talented actors who made it on their own merit such Ray Winstone have children who are in the limelight (his daughter Jamie was in the film KIDULTHOOD).

It was then that Lauren Bigby decided to make InterACT productions about getting talented people the most exposure and connections they could. “Every gifted person should have the opportunity to be seen and to do projects that they can be proud of, we are aiming to collaborate with as many different people and companies as we can”

InterACT is also about keeping focused and determined as in this business there are loads of set backs as even the famous find out; Antony Sher was turned down by RADA and Central but still went on to create a series of triumphs on stage, including "Richard III" and "Macbeth", Oscar winner Clint Eastwood was once told by a Universal Pictures executive that his future wasn't very promising and The Godfather had somewhat humble beginnings. Based on the Mario Puzo novel, the film was initially rejected by a number of directors before being handed to Francis Ford Coppola when he was still a 31-year-old Hollywood up-and-comer and where would Matt Damon and Ben Affleck be if they had given up on their first screenplay "Good Will Hunting” 

InterACT is also about getting more people interested in theatre again rather than sitting at home watching the latest reality TV show.

 InterACT’s next production is “Bacon Sandwich” by Tim Massey which won him TAPS (Training And Performance Showcase) Tenth Anniversary Drama Writer of the Year Award, which he received at a ceremony at BAFTA in London in March 2004. Bacon Sandwich was written in the autumn of 2000, was first presented to sell-out audiences at the Alma Tavern from 14 to 19 May 2001.

InterACT’s production of Bacon Sandwich will be taking place at the Brentwood Theatre which have the lovely slogan “built for the community, by the community” which fits it with InterACT’s values. The Performance dates are Friday July 6th and Saturday July 7th at 8pm.

Bacon Sandwich is a four handed modern naturalistic comedy which has a great cast with Film, TV and Theatre experience. This production will be directed by Lauren Bigby who will also be acting in it. It also sees the collaboration of two other theatre companies Fluff productions and HENS Theatre Company. Fluff productions is an all female theatre company founded in 2004 which aims to promote new roles and writing for women, there founder and member Emily North will be assisting the direction for Bacon Sandwich. HENS Theatre Company was set up in 2001 and has done TIE, workshops, Drama Classes and productions all around Essex.  They are also the winner of The Phillip Lawrence Award.

 After Bacon Sandwich ……………. Lauren Bigby is currently working on a script amongst other project idea’s, it seems InterACT has its fingers in many pies!

About Bacon Sandwich

Bacon Sandwich is set early in the morning of Wendy and Greg's wedding day. Following conspicuously alcoholic stag and hen night parties, the bride and her chief bridesmaid wake up on a deserted train while the groom and his best man are in the care of the local constabulary. Greg is in a dress and Wendy is trapped in a ball and chain. These predicaments provide ample opportunity for the four friends to face each other with a few home truths about their relationships, superstitions and sexual prowess.

When the over-assertive, asthmatic vegetarian Wendy discovers her husband-to-be munching on a bacon sandwich in a railway station buffet the couple have a confrontation about their suitability for wedded bliss.

Photo's from Bacon Sandwich

Photo's From Essex Girls

The CAST with director Lauren Bigby

Act one!    

Act Two

Essex Girls - Play

"…Essex Girls managed to be engaging and thought provoking……. The play was directed by another Mayflower graduate, Lauren Bigby. She’s clearly a competent director…" (Nick Hallissey - Evening Echo)