It may only be Oliver Tourle’s second one-man performance, but he’s still being brave enough to turn the rules of theatre on their head for his show, Live and Backstage.

The 25-year-old will be stepping on stage at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells, where he started working backstage 10 years ago.

So it’s no surprise that backstage figures prominently in his show.

The audience will enter through the stage door to get to their seats.

It’s a novel approach, but it’s one he hopes will pay off.

The former Hillview School pupil said: “I have always shied away from being on stage but I did my first one-man show last year and I got a taste for it.

“I wanted to have a different spin on it this time,” he said. “It incorporates everything I’m about – backstage, performing and giving the audience something different. I was able to bring something to the theatre and it wouldn’t have been in use that day. I’m trying to keep as much of it a secret as possible! It is a big night for me.”

The show gives a unique glimpse of how the theatre really works, backstage and on stage, as audience members watch his performance from the stage itself, allowing them to appreciate the unique vantage point which most audience members will never get to experience.

A singer and performer, his show will feature songs from old favourites to newer ones. He said: “I love a huge variety of songs. I hope there will be something everyone enjoys.”

He will be taking on his performance on Saturday, November 26, when the theatre would otherwise not have been booked.

His opportunity to step on stage is partly thanks to new theatre director, John-Jackson Almond, who is keen to encourage creative local talent and enterprise.

“Young people create brave theatre, but are rarely given the opportunity to showcase it. There is a breadth and depth of home-grown talent on our doorstep and the Assembly Hall Theatre is an ideal outlet for producers of the future.”

Ollie added: “Producing my own one-man show has been a very rewarding venture and being able to showcase my show, in a venue so close to my heart, is really exciting. It’s total creative freedom.”

Oliver will be joined by a five-piece band for the show which includes stories, comedy and music.

DETAILS

Oliver Tourle: Live and Backstage is at the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells on Saturday, November 26 at 8pm. For tickets at £18 visit olivertourle.com, assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk or call 01892 530613.