We sat down with Bessy Ewa who plays Sybil in Chariots of Fire.
Chariots of Fire, runs in the Crucible from 6 –27 July 2024. Adapted by Mike Bartlett (Doctor Foster, King Charles III) from the 1981 Oscar-winning film based on the remarkable events of the 1924 Olympics and directed by Sheffield Theatres’ Artistic Director Robert Hastie, this production marks the 100th anniversary of the true stories of Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams and their record-breaking achievements and Robert’s final production at the venue.
How did you get involved with Chariots of Fire at Sheffield Theatres?
The casting process for Chariots of Fire was such a whirlwind for me! I had an audition on Tuesday, found out about the job on Friday and started rehearsals that Monday!
Why did you want to work on this show?
As soon as I read the script I really wanted to be involved despite not caring about athletics or seeing the film. I was so engaged in the story and loved how much momentum and pace there was in Mike Bartlett’s adaptation. I also fell in love with Sybil’s character straight away. The first line that I had to prepare for my audition for her was ‘Oh a critic, you have to kiss them. Part of the job I’m afraid!’ I could sense her humour and flamboyance and I loved it!
Who do you play? Do you identify with them personally?
I play Sybil Evers, she’s an opera singer and Harold’s love interest. I do identify with Sybil in many ways, we’re both singers, love cocktails, good restaurants and psychoanalysing people!
How have you been preparing for the role?
As a cast we’ve been preparing for the physically demanding nature of Chariots of Fire by circuit training, doing yoga and even sometimes boxing in the mornings before rehearsals. It’s so important for us all to be fit and educated on how to keep safe and hopefully injury free throughout the run. I’ve also been focusing on trying to emulate an operatic sound with my voice by faking it until I make it!
If you had a piece of advice for your younger self, what would it be?
My piece of advice to my younger self is let your voice be heard and don’t let anyone intimidate you. Follow your instincts, lead with kindness and integrity and live unapologetically!
Why should audiences come and see Chariots of Fire?
Audiences should come and watch Chariots of Fire because it combines treadmills, Gilbert and Sullivan tunes, sign language, hymns, the Sheffield People’s Theatre and 46 characters to tell a joyous story from 1924 on the Crucible stage in 2024.