Welcome Llewella

I am utterly bowled over by our casting of Enid, Jean’s nurse. Llewella Gideon, star of “The Real McCoy” and “Absolutely Fabulous” is joining the company. One of the UK’s most versatile performers Llewella has appeared recently in her own solo stage show “Little Big Woman” (also a successful Radio 4 sitcom) and “Family Man” at Theatre Royal Stratford East. I’m so grateful she’s able to be our Enid, bringing all her comic talents and natural warmth to this vital role.

Second draft success

Working with a living writer has its advantages. And when said writer is also one of your actors then there’s an opportunity for interaction and negotiation that a director can really benefit from. Lucy’s performance of Jean is brittle and raw – even when listening to her read from the script sitting in my flat. The situation also means we are constantly working on the text, with me being (hopefully) a sensitive and honest editor. Thankfully Lucy’s disciplined approach meant that our second read through had a new and improved draft of the script. I read in for Enid again (!!) and the running time was down to about 11 minutes. We’re nearly there. And I have an announcement pending about an exciting addition to our cast…