Patrons Insight: Loveplay

What has performing in Loveplay been like for you?
Ella: My three characters in Loveplay are Dorcas (Scene 1), Matilda (Scene 3) and Brigitta (Scene 10). The actors are on the stage for the whole performance, even when we are not involved in a scene. I really enjoy this – it creates a lovely supportive, playful atmosphere.

Maya: My three characters are Helen (Scene 4), Milly (Scene 6) and Lynne (Scene 9). I found I connected particularly with Helen, although I wouldn’t have expected to as she is from the Renaissance. I felt she brought out parts of myself which I don’t necessarily get to explore in everyday life.

It was challenging in some ways because we get such a short space of time in the play to understand each character. The longest scene is Scene 10, which is 16 pages long. Most other scenes are between 2-7 pages.

Ella: We’ve all built these characters from such short scenes, whereas normally you’d have a whole play, yet they all feel so well-rounded and real – Buffini’s writing helps with that!

When you are playing so many different roles, how do you get into the headspace of each character?
Ella: This has been challenging for me as we are on stage for the whole production. There is no opportunity to “de-role” privately using a technique like spraying perfume, eating a certain food or listening to music, which is what I usually do. Between your scenes, you must stay present on stage while also thinking about your next character and getting in the zone.

There are also physical transitions between the scenes: for example, between Scenes 1 and 3 I get dressed into my next costume on the stage and the sound changes as well, which helps me to put the new role “on”.

Maya: We also spent loads of time in rehearsal on movement and understanding who each character is. The table work with our director, Ola Ince, was so detailed that when we got on stage, we knew exactly what we needed to do.

Has it been different rehearsing a play for public performance, compared to the closed projects you have previously worked on?
Ella: I don’t think it’s been that different, as our training prior to this point has prepared us so well. I feel like Guildhall gives you everything you need to find your own approach to preparing a role, so I felt ready going into this production.

Maya: The difference for me is that we’re not doing anything else alongside the production. In the past, we’d have a morning of lessons then focus on our performance project in the afternoon. This term, we’ve been rehearsing our production every day and can completely focus on it, which I love.

It’s also very different to work with so many new people. It’s not just 11 actors and the director anymore: now, we are working with Production Arts students, which has been great. Tech rehearsals were a new experience, as it’s an important opportunity for Production Arts to try out their ideas, rather than being about the actors rehearsing their scenes. I’ve really enjoyed watching the Production Arts cohort at work: everyone is so passionate about what they do.

What initially appealed to you about Guildhall’s acting course?
Maya: I knew I liked Guildhall when I came here for my second-round audition. I loved the energy when I walked in and, by the time the final round came along, I was thinking “I just have to be here in September”.

Ella: The first time I came to London was when my dad and I visited some drama school open days. Honestly, I was feeling uncertain about coming to drama school and if I would enjoy the atmosphere. However, when I arrived at Guildhall there was such a warm feeling and I felt so comfortable. 

Maya: It was the same atmosphere at the auditions: it felt like the panel wanted me to get in, rather than trying to test me.

Describe Guildhall’s atmosphere in three words.
Ella: Playful, open-hearted, challenging (in a good way!).

Maya: Encouraging, safe, family.