Elgin Amateur Dramatics Society releases new four-part podcast called Laughing Gas
AFTER successfully launching a podcast for the first time during lockdown, Elgin Amateur Dramatics Society have released a second effort this summer.
The group's recently-released four-part podcast, which lasts around an hour all-in, is called Laughing Gas and has a dark storyline.
The show was made entirely in Moray by a local cast – although the soundtrack was done by John Davidson, who now lives in Ireland.
There was even a chance for local five-year-old girl Edith McLaren to get her first acting credit, with has now inspired the youngster to dream of a career in the industry.
Ian Glover, who wrote, directed and edited the podcast, said: "The show is a bit darker this time but it's audio so people can decide if they want to carry on. It's not horrific, but it is more of a drama.
"Edith had her voice taped – it's the first time she's done anything like this. It's a bit like the kid from The Shining – she didn't know it was horror, but we made a comedy reel for her.
"We had 125 listens in the first week after releases so we are trying to promote it and see if there's further interest. Last year we got more than 600 listens over the year, which was great.
"It's a new and interesting thing for Elgin Amateur Dramatics Society. The show is different but it has been very well-received so far."
Podcasting was a positive which came out of a negative for EADS, who turned to creating them when it was no longer possible to meet up in person during the coronavirus pandemic.
They've now found real value in the format – which Ian said they'll continue to use in future.
"Covid meant we couldn't perform live so we re-thought, regrouped and came up with an alternative way," Ian added.
"We've now discovered this might be a good way of getting stuff out cheaply, while still doing it in-house with local actors and a local technical team.
"We are looking at the possibility of doing other projects this way."
Other actors featuring in Laughing Gas include Rachel Bradley, who had almost given up on acting but has been reinvigorated by the podcast.
Tiarnan Clarke, Andrew Sutherland and Lindsay Knight were also involved with the production.
Laughing Gas is available on Spotify and Achor. Ian added that the show contains adult material and should only be listened to by an audience aged 18 and over.
