What attracted you to the role of Mrs. Kitty Warren in G.
B. Shaw's Mrs Warren's Profession?
She's a dame! I get to show her from two angles: Cockney, to show
where she came from, and middle-class, to show where she is
now.
What do you like best about this play?
It's funny and so sad and packs a punch with its comments on
society.
Why is this work not a museum piece?
Because the moral issues of what people will do to escape poverty
and prejudices are still current.
What was the atmosphere like in the rehearsal room? What
discussions were sparked by the subject matter?
It's very easy and there's lots of laughter. We talk about
prostitution, now and then. Very interesting subject matter!
What is your favourite scene in the play?
The final scene in Act Four between Mrs Warren and her
daughter.
Your favourite line?
Mrs. Warren: "But Lord help the world if everybody took to doing
the right thing!"
What are your memories of your first production at STC
(Arcadiain 1994)?
There are many, but meeting Tom Stoppard, who came out for the
previews and opening night, was very exciting.
What is one lesson you have learned from working at
STC?
Don't eat too many cream biscuits at morning tea when you're doing
a corset play.
What has been your favourite STC role?
That's too hard - it's like asking a mother which of your children
is your favourite.
What was your favourite costume in an STC
production?
I've had many, but probably Lady Sneerwell in The School for
Scandaldirected by Judy Davis. The designer was the late
great Kristian Fredrikson and I had swathes of purple silk, a
huge wig and a dead fox around my neck. Heaven.
What role would you love to play at STC?
I'd love to be in anything by Chekhov or Coward at the moment.
Great writers, great roles.
How has STC changed since you first performed
here?
It is now an international company, I suppose. It's really stepped
onto the world stage.
Mrs
Warren's Profession, Wharf 1 Theatre, 14 February - 6 April and
from 4 - 20 July, 2013.
Feature: Being Mrs Warren
Date posted: 13 Mar 2013Author: STC