Following my work on Matt Hilton's The Day, I was cast in a one-woman short play as part of the project Theatre Uncut Lancaster. Spine by Clara Brennan tells the story of Glenda, a library-robbing, senile widow who lets a room to Amy (me), and the carer/patient, mother/daughter, best friend relationship between the two that ensues. I spent the best part of six weeks learning this four-page monologue, which I performed at Lancaster's DT3; a converted church hall which now serves as a small theatre. During this piece, we learn of Glenda's late husband's antics with lingerie catalogues and 'tousers round his ankles'; her obsesion with pastry and tins of fruit cake; Amy's growing love of literature, and Glenda's heartbreak at her beloved libraries being shut down by councils all over the country.
This was, without a doubt, one of my favourite roles to have played so far. Overlooking Ms. Brennan's dubious attempts to write as a teenager (with the inclusion of gems like 'rock up' and 'weird-ass'), the script was emotional, intelligent, funny and heart-warming all at the same time. Everything I've dreamed of in terms of performance.
In other news, I have finally managed to get some professional standard headshots taken (as opposed to off-the-cuff accidents taken by my boyfriend at parties and such). This time, at the hands of the talented Mr Gnosill (director of The Day and cameraman for The Wedding Dress).
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| In rehearsal for 'Spine'; two days til cutain up. |
I must also express my love for a new-found masterpiece: Quills by Doug Wright. After having been introduced to the 2000 film version starring Geoffrey Rush, Joaquin Phoenix, Kate Winslet and Michael Caine, I pursued the original 1995 play. I hoped upon hope that it would be an American work; wanting desperately to use it for my dissertation, as it tells the story of the Marquis De Sade's time at the Charenton Asylum. Lo and behold; I wasn't disappointed. If you liked Amadeus, Elizabeth, Shakespeare in Love and From Hell; this is defintely one to watch out for.
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| A still from Doug Wright's 'Quills' (2000) |
So, October and November have been exhausting, but deeply satisfying - one couldn't ask for more when it comes to experience.
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| Flaunting said headshot. |
