Kids Week is now well underway, and we were lucky enough to attend The Go-Between post show Q&A workshop to find out more about the show from the cast and creatives:
What is it like working with Michael Crawford?
Dominic (resident theatre director): He’s a perfectionist and he has a very good instinct. He offers great advice to the young boys, like ‘it doesn’t matter how many times you’ve done it [the part], it’s the first time they [the audience] are seeing it.
What’s the resident director’s role?
Dominic: If you think about the show like a picture, it’s to keep the picture consistent and sharp every time. It’s a hard job as you do sometimes think we could change this and that, but the job is to keep it the same.
What’s it like being an understudy?
Jessica Duncan: During rehearsals, the understudies watch everything and take notes and because everything changes all the time during the rehearsal period, we’re constantly rewriting the notes. When the show is playing on stage, the understudies are always present and most times watch the show from the auditorium with the audience. There is a point in the show (the umbrellas scene) at which we can leave, but it’s great being on set even when not performing as it makes us feel part of the company.
What happens if you forget your lines?
Stuart Ward: Forget about it! There are no prompts. You have to improvise your way out of it. This is when the other actors around you become your best friends.
Is there a full size pool at the back for characters to dive into?
Stuart Ward: Of course not! Instead, it’s a thick crash mat, sound effects and lots of water spray (by a lovely lady called Mel)!
Do you have to keep fit to be in the show?
Silas Wyatt-Barke: If you’ve seen the show, you’ll know the kids are lifted up in the air. To make it easier to be lifted, time is made for body conditioning. This helps you to know how to hold yourself when you’re being lifted; you have to help each other.
What’s the best thing about working in the West End?
Stuart Ward: Having a dressing room in the middle of Soho, it’s like having a studio flat in London!
If you had the option to do something other than acting, what would you do?
All: Keep acting!
Stuart Ward: I find TV less personable. Theatre is where it’s at for me, theatre is the best.
You have until 15 October to see The Go-Between at the Apollo Theatre. Book with us today. Families take note; Kids Week offers children aged 16 or younger the chance to see this show for free with a paying adult for performances until 7 September.