Embark on a theatrical journey as we step into the enchanting world of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, brought to life by the captivating talents of the Actors From The London Stage.
In this whimsical realm where love, mischief, and magic intertwine, these skilled performers transport audiences to the heart of one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies. As the spotlight shines on the timeless story, the stage becomes a playground for imagination, and the actors, true artisans of their craft, weave a tapestry of laughter and wonder.
Join us in getting to know the Actors From The London Stage, as they prepare for a magical performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
What do you look forward to the most when performing in front of an audience?
The shared experience between audience and actor. The feeling of each performance only happens once. Every show is different and unique!
What do you feel is the most challenging aspect of performing in Shakespeare productions?
Honestly, making sure we understand the language properly and making sure the audience understands what we are saying. We have so many elitist presumptions about Shakespeare and it’s really important to bring the language alive for the audience, to demystify it for us and for them.
How does this particular production make you feel?
Right now, it feels like we can’t remember anything! (We are in week 3 of rehearsals) It’s challenging and incredibly rewarding, though. We are doing everything: stage managing, wardrobe, music, as well as multi-rolling. It feels like we are spinning lots of different plates.
Are there any messages or feelings you’d like the audience to take away from this production?
We’d really like the audience to make up their own minds. We will have done our job well if the audience leaves with their own impression and experience of the play. This could be the chaos of love, the way in which even in the ugliest points of life, love can transform us, the way in which humans have to live within authoritative power structures, but as well as this, it is so important to just have a good night out and experience some mischievous magic.
What is your favorite Shakespeare play?
There are so many! But if we had to choose….
Sam: King Lear
Waggy: Twelfth Night
Anna: Julius Caesar
Natasha: A double bill Cymbeline matinee, Macbeth in the evening.
Lucy: Much Ado About Nothing
What inspired you to get involved in theater?
We all agreed we wanted to be part of a creative community and believe theater has a purpose in society.
How do you prepare before a performance?
Brush your teeth.
Do you have a favorite or memorable performance?
“Audience Choice” Midnight Matinée of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Globe Theatre.
How do you stay motivated?
Exercise, lifting weights, going for runs, yoga, and connecting with people that we love; and trying to avoid the fourth pint.
What’s the most enjoyable part of your work? The most challenging?
Travel is very enjoyable, working with wonderful people, personal growth, and connecting with audiences. Particularly with AFTLS, realizing that we all have transferable skills to share with students at the very beginning of their professional life. Even things that can go wrong, can be brilliant. Corpsing (laughing on stage) is amazingly joyous.
At what age did you begin acting?
Sam: 22
Anna: Acting a fool from birth.
Lucy: Made her West End professional debut at 13!!
Natasha: Played the ring leader at four, but forgot all her lines.
Waggy: 27
Which artists/actors inspire you?
Viola Davis, Helen McCrory, Conleth Hill, Laurel and Hardy, and Jim Broadbent.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Table tennis, cooking, bread making, beer and football, and Natasha spends a lot of time stopping her cat from destroying her flat.
Do you have any advice that you would give to aspiring artists/actors?
Look after yourself! And be your most authentic self.
Any other comments you’d like to share?
We are just so excited to come to the United States, perform, and work with students. And to explore each of the states we are going to.
Get ready for an enchanting performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream on January 24-26!
January 24-26 at 7:30 p.m.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Actors From The London Stage present A Midsummer Night’s Dream
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is brought to life by Actors From The London Stage, a dynamic five-actor company that tours the United States twice annually. With each actor portraying multiple roles, A Midsummer Night’s Dream promises a delightful night of theatrical entertainment.
Made possible by the Gayle and Steven C. Francis Endowment for Excellence in Creativity.
