1. How did you get involved with Twelfth Night at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre?

I was lucky enough to audition for the play back in January. I’ve never worked with any of the cast or creative team before so its a lovely experience being in a room with a new set of people with exciting new ideas and takes on the play. I feel very lucky!

2. What are the defining features of this particular production?

Owen Horsley, the director, has chosen to set the play in one place-a cafe by the ocean, and without scene changes. This really allows for the interconnectedess of character relationships and dynamic shifts in scenes to shine through. His concept and direction has focused very much on looking at this classic Shakespeare play through a queer lens. It’s a celebration of queerness and difference.

3. Who do you play? Do you identify with them personally?

In this production I am an actor musician and play a part called Querelle. I absolutely love being in the band with such brilliantly talented musicians supporting some fantastic singers and actors. We’re performing some beautiful original music composed by Sam Kenyon especially for this production. The band are very much a ‘house band’ for the cafe but also part of Orsino’s court so it’s been integral and really interesting in the process to understand what music means to each of the characters and it’s connection to the space.

4. How have you been preparing for the role?

Practicing lots of violin and learning the drums mostly. But I have also looked at queer films, TV shows and books to try to really engross myself in the world in which we are setting our production. We have been in rehearsal for five weeks-working every day on text and music. It’s been an enriching and exciting process.

5. If you had a piece of advice for your younger self, what would it be?

Be kind, work hard and be patient, it’s a tough career but when it’s worth it it’s totally worth it. You meet some of the kindest and most creative people.

6. Why should audiences come and see Twelfth Night?

It’s a production with loads of heart, that celebrates queerness and difference, whilst using Shakespeare’s beautiful, robust language to explore joy, grief and love.