Theatre has been a comfort in some of the darkest and most challenging times of my life. I have immersed myself in creating believable and genuine characters and channelled my energy and emotions into those parts. The sadness that Eva feels in The Accrington Pals when reading aloud a poem that choked me up every night on stage which concluded ‘But time will assuage their heartfelt grief. Of their sons they will proudly tell. How in gallant charge in the worldwide war as pals they fought and fell.’ Fictional and non-fictional characters throughout our history have felt grief and loss, reminding us we are not alone. It is a part of life, and as hard as that is, we go on. We continue living.
Theatre brings such joy and laughter to so many people. On stage and off. The unsung heroes of props and prompts, lighting and design, scenery and costume, directors, and dressers – without them there would be no show. How lucky us performers are to have these theatre fairies – sprinkling good luck (or leg-breaking if you’re in Am-Dram!) wishes and practical support. To those fellow actors who open themselves up to being vulnerable, and trust that on stage they have ultimate faith in one another. I have memorable moments where I’ve wanted to laugh aloud on stage or come off stage buzzing from a brilliant performance and audience and that smile won’t fade from my face for hours. It is electric. Ed will never forgive me if I fail to mention the time in Charley’s Aunt where I arrived on stage without my flower prop and confidently stated ‘I’ve brought you some flowers‘ and quickly involved poor Tony the butler in my stage mishap and asked that the butler fetch my flowers! Teamwork is what it is all about hey?
Theatre brings people together – and for that period of rehearsal and performance week, you are like an actual family. Show folk will tell you, there’s no bond made with people like sharing a dressing room! Individuals from different walks of life, culture, demographics, and diverse experiences. What a magical potion of excitement that brings energy onto the stage! My heart lies with a decent play, but I love Panto (my Dad would disown me if I didn’t!) and musicals too – I’ve been lucky enough to perform alongside my sisters and my Dad which is just the best. I’ve made lifelong friends through theatre, and although I may have semi-retired whilst my Viola & Charlie are little – I’ll be back one day. In the meantime, I love supporting friends in shows, seeing new plays, and sitting on the occasional audition panel with my Dad to brush up my Shakespeare/keep in touch with the theatre world.
I am so grateful for my theatre experiences. I can’t wait to tread the boards again one day, but until then I’ll leave you with my favourite closing speech from Dancing at Lughnasa which holds a special place in my heart. So, live life…‘Dancing as if the very heart of life and all its hopes might be found in those assuaging notes and those hushed rhythms and in those silent and hypnotic movements. Dancing as if language no longer existed because words were no longer necessary.‘
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