Later this week our community production His Last Report, in association with Riding Lights Theatre Company will be premiering here in York (19 Jul – 03 Aug.)
Ahead of the show opening we caught up with cast member Helen Clarke, who is playing Lydia Rowntree. This is Helen’s first ever community production at York Theatre Royal. Read on to find out how she is finding being part of such a large-scale production and hear more about what you can expect from the show…
Photo credit: Helen Clarke and Mark Payton in rehearsals. Photographer: Mike Darley
Why did you decide to take part in His Last Report?
I’ve always really loved acting and when I was younger I had a lot of fun being part of the Riding Lights Youth Theatre. Since then, I hadn’t really acted at all until last year when I got back onstage with the York Settlement Community Players for their production of Picasso at the Lapin Agile. That reminded me just how much I enjoyed acting and particularly the community aspect of it. I love getting to meet new people – and having the chance to be part of a show coming together on this scale is something really special.
Tell us a little bit about your character?
I play Lydia Rowntree, the wife of Seebohm. I didn’t know a lot about Lydia before starting work on the play and it’s been so interesting to learn more about her and develop her as a character. In the play we explore her relationship with Seebohm and the wider Rowntree family. The story features lots of strong female characters and we get to see how the women had a real impact. It does feel like such an honour to be playing a Rowntree on stage in York and I hope I manage to do it justice!
How has the process been so far?
In a word: fun! I’ve enjoyed working with the Directors Paul and Juliet and the rehearsal process has felt very collaborative. We’ve been given a lot of space to develop our characters whilst also being very supported by them both.
The costumes are also fabulous and it’s been wonderful to see that side of things. The wardrobe team and volunteers are amazing. There is some gorgeous intricate embroidery on my costume and it feels very fancy! I can’t wait to wear them on stage.
What are you most looking forward to?
Seeing the show come together! We are all working so hard on our individual parts – whether that’s acting, choir, set, costume, etc – and to see all of that hard work pay off is going to be so special. The sense of community when you work on a show like this is so important and I can’t wait for us all to come together and for the audience to see it.
Photo credit: Cast of His Last Report in rehearsals. Photographer – Mike Darley
Why should people come and see the show?
Well, it’s going to be a real celebration of the community and have lots to keep people entertained. There’s so much joy and spectacle in the show and I hope people will have a fun night out.
Alongside all that though it is also a play that is inspiring, and gets people to think about their experiences and how they can make a difference to support each other and the wider community.
Don’t miss His Last Report, opening at York Theatre Royal on 19 Jul with a ‘pay what you can’ performance. The show runs until 03 August with tickets from £15.
Find out more: https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/his-last-report/
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