Cast for Chekhov at the Chapel
Here's a little bit of information about our cast, all pictures are by Georgia Cook. You can also click on the links to view detailed CV's.
Andrew Thompson - The Old Man
Born and raised in the North East and supporting Sunderland FC I'm a man much used to pessimism. When first deciding to be an actor (or as its known back home: ostracizing yourself from the womb of the mining community), I searched for opportunities, and knew I'd 'made it' when at 16 I spent half my Christmas dressed as a giant gnome and the other half playing the rear end of a cow! Clearly mine was a face for radio. Eventually with a degree in English and the bovine glory at my heels I moved to London where I trained for 2 years and hope to progress to the front end of said cow before I'm 30. This is my first role having newly graduated, so for that I'm grateful to Becca and Bronwen. I'm excited at the prospect and challenge and hope it is the first of many steps for the company.
Sunderland FC are still losing, but at least now we're doing it in record style!
http://www.spotlight.com/interactive/cv/9252-1270-9916
Stephen Doran - The Hunter
When I was 8 traveling in the family car with my mother (she was driving) and I decided to make a statement that would change the course of my life and that of theatre in general. “Mother” I said in a fairly confident tone “I know what I want to be...” “And what’s that, dear” “I want to be an actress” The car swerved off the road and my mother and I had a deeply unnerving and life shattering conversation about the differences between boys and girlies. Come and see the show to see if my dream has come true...
Harriet Carmichael - The Bride
Since training at the Oxford School of Drama, I have enjoyed a varied acting career on stage, radio, bit of telly and the odd role in those straight-to-DVD type feature films.
Being a massive fan of radio drama, this new world of podcasts and all that’s digital seems a good thing to me. I’m glad that Chekhov will finally get his chance to ‘go live’.
My favourite Russian proverb is: Better a fair pair of heels than a halter …..(especially if they are Blahniks)
http://www.thespotlight.co.uk/cv/2517-4473-9162
Ben Thompson - The Student
I trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Since graduating in 2003 my theatre work has involved being a darling, a reindeer, a peasant and Dave the Chav. You could say I’m flexible.
You might also find yourself looking up to me when I’m stiltwalking at various festivals around the country with my street theatre company ‘The Blokes’.
http://www.spotlightcd.com/interactive/cv/069545013244
Kate Cook - The Widow
I went to drama school then acted for many years before undertaking an MA in Text and Performance at RADA/Kings College London. I have appeared in a mixture of film and theatre and am also now writing.
I’m really enjoying this Cilgwyn Theatre devising experience through which my grey matter is being challenged and all sorts of little facts are being gathered – one of which concerns a ‘Beard Tax’, which I discovered this morning actually occurred during the time of Peter the Great - about 200 years before our play – this fact will probably not therefore be making an appearance in ‘Chekov at the Chapel’.
http://www.spotlightcd.com/interactive/cv/9047-4532-5145
Philippa Johnson - A Gypsy
I Studied for 3 years at The Arts Educational School, London and worked for several years with the National Youth Music Theatre.
I grew up determined to be great at all things performing and went through various phases believing myself to be the next rude-girl street dancer or diva gospel singer and have since come the realisation (to the relief of many!) that I will never make it as a prima ballerina or the next female rap artist! but I can at least have as many strings to my bow as possible...including the violin!
Having said all that I still have some pretty cool rap lyrics under my belt if anyone is interested.
http://www.spotlightcd.com/interactive/cv/0451-3427-9004
Sophie Elliott - A Gypsy
I'd never auditioned before, I was the last person to be seen for the local youth theatre summer school and suddenly found myself, aged twelve, a very very nervous Alice in Wonderland. Needless to say that the Wonderland of the theatre, with all its weird and wonderful creatures, has had me spellbound ever since. So, nine years on, and having recently gained my degree in drama from Bristol University, here I am... my first 'proper' job, ironically once more the last of the company to be cast; here's to the second wave.
Susanna Widenbar - A Gypsy
Favourite Colour: Green
Star Sign: Leo
Training: I did a drama degree then saved my money up and followed it a few years later with a postgraduate at East 15 drama school.
Acting Experience: A lot of theatre, including children’s theatre, also several short or low budget films. I am also children’s party entertainer in the guise of my alter-ego, Sunflower.
Hobbies and interests: Painting and drawing, gardening, palmistry, astronomy, jewellery making.
Likes: Tiramisu, hot chocolate, pasta, yoghurt (lots of food really), traveling, languages, playing games (any at all).
Dislikes: Dirt, people who give up, people who take up the whole pavement but walk really slowly, rudeness, salami, growing up.
Worst habit: Not being able to say no.
Claim to fame: I was once at a house party with George Lucas. I also trained as an actor with the founders of Cilgwyn Theatre Co.!
Rebecca Ryder - The Peasant
Rebecca had a career as an international snow boarder, but gave it all up to pursue roles as diverse as small teenage boy one and small teenage boy two. She is pleasantly suprised to be playing her gender in this production, but is going to have to get rid of the beard.
Bronwen Wilson - The Lady
Well, she thought she ran the show so might as well be in it. At least she doesn't have any lines so that's one less thing to worry about. Bronwen is thinking about changing her stage name like Becca Cox has (see above). That way people wont realise she's been casting herself.