Spinelessness

I resume blogging after a rather lengthy break; the past few weeks has been filled with filming, line-learning, rehearsals and performance.

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).

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. 

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.

Flaunting said headshot.