The creator of Little Blonde Hen (featuring three of our favourites actresses), playwrite Thomas Sainsbury, has spoken about working with the stars of The Tribe, their skills and the roles they play in the production, aswell as his playwriting. Read it, it’s not long and is a good insight on the play and how Beth, Tori and Toni work.
You’ve worked with Victoria Spence, Antonia Prebble and Beth Allen in the past, how did you manage to get them together for this production?
The three actresses are great friends in real life so I think they wanted to work together. And then I just wrote a script and sent it their way and they were all keen. And Antonia is currently in hiatus from Outrageous Fortune so it all worked out brilliantly. I just think the universe was smiling on me at the time.
What qualities do you think they each bring to the play?
They’re all terrific actresses and workers in general. Tori’s playing the lead and brings a great, vulnerable centre to the piece. Beth is playing the villain and she’s brilliant at really getting into a character and just asking questions, and working things out all the time, making everything right. And Antonia is playing the OCD maid of honour and brings a brilliant, erratic energy to the part. She also has awesome comic timing and is great at delivery the joke lines, or changing them so they are funnier.
The play is about a Hen night. How did you get into the female psyche and what sort of research did you undertake whilst writing/developing the production?
I spend a lot of time with women so it was quite easy to write the piece. I also asked a lot of girls about hen’s nights. I was working at a London costume store when I was writing it and would have groups of women come in, asking for outrageous costumes. And then, once the script is written, I ask the actors for feedback, and during rehearsal we are constantly adapting the script to make it seem right, and logical.
You’ve written plays in different genres, drama, comedy, sci-fi, thriller… Do you have a favourite? And where do you look to for ideas for your works?
I have always been a fan of the thriller and want to write the ultimate thriller. But I really like every genre. It just depends on my mood. Ideas come to me all the time, just from life. If you look anywhere, or listen to any conversation, there is a story there.
How is work on your next production Cindy and Eric Go To Hell coming along? Any sneaky info?
Cindy and Eric go to hell is coming along very, very nicely. Still a lot to do, but I think it’s going to be a hilarious production. Sneaky info? Nothing but an angel get’s her wings cut off. Hmm…
Well, definitely alot of info there… Victoria in the lead, Beth as the villian, Antonia an OCD maid of honour!?!
- I so want to see this!
If you live in NZ, ticketing info is here. The full cast is as follows: Antonia Prebble (Outrageous Fortune), Siobhan Marshall (Outrageous Fortune), Victoria Spence (The Tribe, Atlantis High), Beth Allen (Shortland Street), Serena Cotton (Insider’s Guide to Love), Claire Van Beek (The Needies) and Jessica Joy Wood (The Ferryman, A Simple Procedure). The play is rated ‘R18′.
Photo of Thomas by Jason Oxenham/Auckland City Harbour News.
Interview by Shabbs.
He is hot! Sorry just had to get that in.
Great interview, I love what he say about the girls from The Tribe. It’s so great how theyve remained good friends and are working together. Wish I could also attend it.
And well done to Victoria for getting the lead!
I definitely agree Anna.
He is hot!
He’s around 26 years old I believe.
PS, you can read the first scene between Elvira and Nicole (Antonia Prebble and Victoria Spence) on Thomas Sainbury’s blog here: http://basementspace.wordpress.com/2009/02/22/down-and-out-and-struggling-in-london-part-seven/
Right, I’m off bank holiday shopping.
I love that there still friends, and good on Tori for getting to lead.
Hey nice interview. I’m going to see this play. I have only seen Antonia Prebble in Outrageous and Beth Allen in Shortland Street, though I think I remember Beth Allen appearing in Shortland Street as a model or actress (it’s a bit hazy!).
I think the play is a great chance to see them and also Siobhan Marshall acting live. Can’t wait for series 5 of OF!
Beth is still in shortland street from what i can gather http://tvnz.co.nz/shortland-street which she is as i just checked she wasnt a model thats outrageous fortune where she appeared for one episode as a Model.
Jessica
I meant she was in a model in Outrageous Fortune. I was typing quickly, so it was a typo hah. Yeah she is still in Shortland Street playing a doctor.
Take pictures Rich lol!
[...] were all familiar with Thomas Sainsbury’s work having previously worked with him and Thomas gave the blog an interview about working with the ladies and how they fit in to their [...]