Multi award-winning playwright Philip Ridley returns to the Arcola with his contemporary classic Ghost From A Perfect Place, a scorchingly dark comedy where a monster from the past meets the monsters of the present.
I caught up with the girl gang in the show to find out more about what people can expect from the show.
Florence Hall (Rio Sparks)
Rachel Redford (MIss Kerosene)
Scarlett Brookes (Miss Sulpher)
Tell me about yourself and some of your career highlights so far.
SB – I graduated from drama school two years ago and have since been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to meet and work with some really lovely and talented people. It’s all been a highlight, I’m learning all the time.
RR – I am a welsh actress who graduated from RADA last July. Highlight has been just STARTING my career really..
FH-I loved doing ‘Children Of The Sun’ at the National, it was such a wonderful cast and I had a really good time.
Tell me about the show you are doing and what attracted you to the role
FB – It’s so unlike any character I’ve played before. I loved the idea of being able to throw myself into something new.
SB – I am a big fan of Philip Ridleys. I loved the boldness of the piece and found the dialogue very funny, but also dark and poetic.
RR – It’s not a role I would usually be chosen for, it’s great to have the experience of playing someone so fast paced and young. I also love Philip Ridley’s work!
Have you ever had any funny/disastrous on-stage experiences?
SB – there’s probably loads. im quite clumsy, so I’ve always got a story about falling over or something embaressing like that!
RR – I had to go on stage once wearing a cow bell, udders and a mesh mask. Half way through the performance my cow bells fell off.. the most embarrassing thing was that the performance was meant to be sexy!!
FH – The lit end of a cigarette fell down my corset and set fire to my boobs.
Are there any other theatre roles that you would like to have a go at playing?
SB – lots!
RR – Masha- The Three Sisters
FH-Whenever I’m asked this question I suddenly forget every play and every character that exists….Ummm…Blanche Dubois? Miss Julie? I’m sure there’s a more interesting answer in there somewhere.
If you could be the opposite sex for a day, what theatre role would you like the play?
RR-Konstantin – The Seagull
FH-Aladdin
What are your thoughts on theatre etiquette? What things annoy you when you are performing or when you are in the audience?
SB-mobile phones!!
RR-People that check their phones through out is bad etiquette!
FH-I get particularly annoyed when someone in the front row of a small theatre tops up his red wine glass during a quiet moment.
Why do you think people should come and see your new show?
SB – its a really bold and exciting piece of theatre. And also a chance to see some of Ridleys earlier work.
RR-A new generation of ‘in yer face’ theatre lovers should come and discover Philip Ridley’s work, also, faithful fans should come and experience just how well it is written for this era. Ridley is well ahead of his time.
FH-Because Philip Ridley discovered Girl Power before the Spice Girls had released ‘Wannabe’.
Thanks for having Tea With Wilma
Ghost From a Perfect Place runs at Arcola Theatre to Saturday 11 October. Click here for tickets.