The most recent by Sedos at Bridewell Theatre was an intriguing play named When The Rains Stops Falling. Seamlessly following sequences of movement through different times and places, it presents a story that pieces together as the show goes on, to reveal all that happened while the rain poured continuously.
You can read my full review here:
A fundamental character, known as Gabrielle York, was played by Freya Thomas, who I have also seen in a previous show, so already suspected she was going to be wonderful. She has told me a little more about being part of the show, and how she prepared for taking on the role.
Please may you talk a bit about When The Rain Stops Falling, and what drew you to being part of this play?
When The Rain Stops Falling is a brilliantly written ensemble play, weaving seven character's histories together over four different time periods. What struck me most about the play is how beautifully it is written, subtle nuances and echos between the past and future really gives it a depth and complexity which is a wonderful challenge to an actor!
What was the process of learning what appear as such complex movements between scenes, and understanding the multi layered storyline?
The fluid transitions and act one and two opening movement sequences were achieved by really getting to know our other cast members, and by being aware and feeling the constant presence of the nine of us on stage.
To get a better idea of how the play forms for the characters, we initially rehearsed our scenes in order just with our scene partner, and then performed them to the rest of the cast consecutively and in chronological order. This allowed us to see the play "flattened out" with each character's arc played out as they would have experienced it.
What was it like having to become a part that required a different accent to your native one?
After the initial efforts to learn the basic building blocks, I actually found the accent very useful in helping find the character and give her a voice. Once it was there, it mainly became a task of making sure the accent didn't take precedence over the acting, and simply enhanced and deepened the characterisation we had built around it.
Is there a particular part of the script that stands out to you?
I absolutely love the end sequence of scenes where all the secrets are beginning to unravel and the audience are almost aware of each reveal before they happen. And then the final scene brings everything back together into one final satisfying conclusion.
I thought that was brilliant too, and definitely a favourite bit for me!
As this has been your second Sedos show, can you tell us a bit about what it’s like being part of this theatre company?
Sedos is an excellent company, and one I am very happy to be part of. Their shows are of consistently high standards, as are the people, who are both incredibly talented and wonderfully welcoming to all members!
What’s your dream role, and why?
Lady Macbeth, there is so much subtlety and complex motivations in that part, a real challenge!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Hopefully doing another Sedos show!
And lastly, who inspires you, and why?
Hedy Lamarr - an Austrian born Hollywood actress who, despite having no formal academic background, was a keen inventor and developed a radio signal system during WWII which became the basis for the Bluetooth and GPS technologies we use today. A true polymath, and someone who devoted almost equal effort to both science and the arts!
Thanks so much to Freya for her contributions to this, and giving some great, concise answers! I look forward to supporting you in more shows going forward, and can assure that others should too.