Home at Seven is the first London revival of RC Sheriff’s psychological mystery in over 70 years. Directed by Claire Evans, the production opens at the Tabard Theatre this September before touring Elmbridge, marking the 50th anniversary of Sheriff’s death. We sat down with Sam Ellis to discuss his upcoming role in the production.
David Preston is an “ordinary man” plunged into extraordinary circumstances – how did you go about grounding his character while navigating the mystery?
Define ‘ordinary man’!
All characters in plays are conflicted and contradictory – as are we all – and good writers understand and explore these contrasting aspects of human nature.
Sherriff has written a complex character which is exciting to explore and examine through the rehearsal process. He is navigating the mystery of a seemingly ordinary day turning into a nightmare as truths and lies become confused.
Losing 24 hours of your life is both terrifying and fascinating – what personal resonances or instincts did you draw on to portray that sense of disorientation?
I have never been in the position of not being able to account for such a long period of time…even during my student days!!
As actors, we are privileged to have the opportunity to daydream and allow our imaginations to play. To place ourselves in the world of the given circumstances of the play, the world the writer has created for us to explore which can be, in turn, both fascinating…and terrifying!
Much of the suspense hinges on the audience questioning whether David is guilty or innocent—how do you play that ambiguity on stage without giving too much away?
David is drawn into this nightmarish world of having to question himself – of not knowing whether he is guilty or innocent. As the actor, allowing each moment to reveal new (and often startling) information only adds to the cleverly crafted sense of ever growing ambiguity.
Home at Seven reflects post-war anxieties and hidden fractures in everyday life – how does that historical context shape your interpretation of David’s struggles?
I am old enough to know, and remember my older relatives who all lived through the war years.
I was always fascinated by their stories of community and friendship – those human attributes which rise to the fore when those things both familiar and secure are threatened.
But, of course, anxieties and fractures are not unique to this period of history; they are things we negotiate everyday to varying levels – and recent events have, once again, steered us toward this sense of community and collective responsibility for each other.
I think the aftermath of Covid – both the effect and consequence it has had on community and social structures is now being fully realised.
This is the first London revival in 75 years – what excites you most about reintroducing audiences to a psychological mystery that still feels relevant today?
The story remains relevant because, although there may be significant societal changes from generation to generation, basic human nature is the same and ‘ordinary people’ consistently have to deal with extraordinary world events.
The ramifications of such events may not always be immediately evident, but without the events of the Second World War, David Preston’s world would not be turned upside down all these years later.
Sherriff’s writing is an insightful exploration of psychological trauma, containing so many layers that I’m surprised it has taken so long to come back to London. I feel honoured, if somewhat daunted, to be the first actor to bring Sherriff’s Preston to the London stage since Ralph Richardson..no pressure!!
How has working with Claire Evans’ vision of the play influenced your approach to David’s journey from confusion to confrontation with the truth?
Claire’s vision of the play is what brought me into this production.
Post-war audiences expected, even demanded, a very stoic, ‘stiff upper lip’ performance which emulated the spirit of the time.
Today’s audience is prepared to scratch deep beneath the surface of that steely bravado and expose the raw human experience of pain and doubt in the search for truth and resolution.
There’s also a fair dollop of humour!!
Home at Seven plays at the Theatre at the Tabard until 20th September – get your tickets here.