Fear and hysteria grip a feuding community as a battle between innocence and guilt exposes the very darkest corners of human nature.
When a group of young girls are discovered dancing and chanting in the forest, they are accused of witchcraft. With the threat of execution hanging over them, the girls draw the people of the town into a world of secrets, lies and manipulation where the only goal is self-preservation.
Arthur Miller’s enduring masterpiece based on the events of the infamous Salem witch trials is directed by Anthony Lau (Miss Saigon, Anna Karenina).
The Crucible is coming to Sheffield Theatres from Saturday 1st March – Saturday 30th March. Buy your tickets here! Honor Kneafsey is playing Betty Parris, and we sit down with Kneafsey to chat more about Sheffield Theatres’ upcoming production.
How are rehearsals for The Crucible going?
Rehearsals have been going great, they have been tiring and full on but the atmosphere in the room truly keeps you going. And when things may get a little tiring, we play a game of volleyball, with a clothing rail as the net, to wake ourselves back up and things have got a little competitive over the last couple weeks.
Being surrounded by such talented creators of all different ages and backgrounds is truly inspiring and that’s how I find I learn the most, sitting back and observing everyone bring their characters to life. Anthony Lau, our incredible director, is great to work with he has such an amazing vision and it’s truly been a pleasure to see The Crucible through his lens and bring it to life. We are also extremely lucky to have an incredible cast, who are delightful to work with and extremely talented.
Who do you play?
I play Betty Paris, a young girl who finds herself troubled with the chaos of Salems community. She’s the youngest of the Salem girls and finds herself compelled by the older girls rebellious actions; this is until they are exposed for their dancing and witchy like ways, when their innocence and vulnerability is somewhat taken from them and questioned. Her fear ends up overruling any of her beliefs and she is trapped inside a body that no longer feels like her own.
What drew you to work on the production?
Not having done a huge amount of theatre work in the past, I always enjoy stepping into something different and exploring, especially one as well written as Arthur Miller’s. The Crucible is such a well known play, I wasn’t that familiar with it myself but as soon as I started reading the play, it’s something that you can’t put down. It’s exposing and vulnerable and just such a privilege to be able to perform.
How did you get started as an actor?
It’s an industry that was very unknown to me and everyone around me, I fell into acting and hope to never find a way out. My older sister, Ilana, was very shy growing up so my parents put her into a local evening class for singing and dancing with people her age to help. From that, she was spotted and asked to audition for a lead role in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. She landed the role and toured for 9 months and by the end of her contract, they suggested she got an agent. To cut a long story short I was a 6 year old girl mesmerised by her older sister and all she had achieved and I wanted to get involved too because it simply looked fun. I’m extremely lucky to have the most incredible support from my family who have been there for me and have been my role models through life, if it weren’t for them, none of this would even be possible. I fell deeply in love with the industry and the job and hope to continue this as my future.
Do you find working for the stage very different to working on screen?
I find that there is a big difference, people always ask whether I prefer stage acting or on screen but I really don’t believe you can even begin to compare them. I love both because they still allow you to explore a new character and a range of emotions whether that be behind a camera or on a stage. You will never quite shake the buzz of a live audience but that can also come with its challenges too and stepping onto a set for a film or television job gives me a rush that I can’t even explain. I feel very grateful and lucky that I’ve been able to experience both stage and on screen and I hope that I am able to continue living the best of both worlds.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I don’t know whether it’s necessarily advice, I’m a true believer in things happen for a reason but all I would say is cherish every moment because time is so precious and everyone and everything around you is too. And actually take more photos because I’m grateful for my mum who captured so many moments that I may have forgotten otherwise because I’m now able to look back on memories that I may have been too young to remember.
What would you say to an audience member considering coming to see The Crucible? What can they expect?
Everyone involved in the making of The Crucible on The Crucible stage, has worked so hard on this project to create a captivating piece that is truly exposing of the human nature. It highlights themes and storylines that haven’t necessarily been explored before, we are bringing elements of The Crucible into our time. It’s about a community, where everyone is out for themselves, fighting against each other and their beliefs. The Crucible at The Crucible is for everyone, it’s complex and real and as an audience you will be able to identify yourself within a character and follow that journey.