Prepare for a wonderfully funny, fast-paced romp as Graham Greene’s classic spy comedy arrives at Oxford Playhouse this month. Our Man in Havana sees Jack Ashton, Bob Barrett, Leon Ockenden and Jodie Steele playing more than 30 characters as they bring 1950s Havana vividly to life. Ahead of the run, we spoke to Jodie about the iconic espionage thriller.
Our Man in Havana plays at Oxford Playhouse from Tuesday 28 to Saturday 1 August. Tickets are available here.
Our Man in Havana has such a distinctive mix of comedy, tension and political satire. What were your first thoughts when you read the adaptation?
Honestly, I had to read it twice to wrap my head around it – ha! It’s definitely a piece that requires your full attention as there are so many details to link together. I thought it was funny, heartfelt and its very own genre of play.
The production asks the actors to bring more than 30 characters to life. How exciting was that challenge as a performer?
Three of us carry this task with Jack Ashton standing strong as Wormold. It’s crazy and I love it. I’m now questioning how I’ll ever only play one character again, I love the fast switch in mind and body!
With such a fast-moving piece, how did you work with the rest of the cast to create the rhythm of the production?
Quickly! Ha! We only had three weeks and immediately had to become a unit with a purpose to create a fast-paced, visceral, funny but heartfelt physicalised version of the much-loved book.
There were clear rhythms in the style of the writing, particularly the ping-pong short word back and forth timing. Cuban music has also hugely inspired and driven our version.
You’ve moved between musicals, plays and screen work throughout your career. What do you enjoy about exploring different forms of performance, and does each one teach you something new?
Each one absolutely unlocks a new piece of me that had not yet existed. I learn something about myself each contract – mainly from my peers!
Musicals still take top spot as the most difficult and the most rewarding! But I feel most grounded in a play, and most alive when filming.
At this stage in your career, what do you tend to look for when choosing a new project or deciding what feels creatively exciting?
I wish it worked like that for me! It’s a very over-saturated industry so I always feel lucky when opportunities come my way. I do say no to a fair amount now, normally to big commercial musicals – but I do miss them! I just love to act and I pine for people to see me in such a light – as someone who embodies roles and tells stories truthfully.
What advice would you give to performers hoping to build a varied career across different kinds of work?
Start young – give it EVERYTHING you have. Let your world be swallowed by all things performing. Then, make sure you have happiness outside of the industry, because if you love it as much as I do, it will break your heart whilst making your dreams come true.