This week on Throwback Thursday Emily Redpath talks about playing Juliet to Sam Tutty’s Romeo and how you personify vomit at the Edinburgh Fringe.
What was your first ever show that you did as a kid, and what was it that got you into the theatre world?
When I was a child, like a lot of kids, the first performing I ever did was in my living room with my cousins and friends. We used to make all kinds of shows and get all the (un) willing adults to sit and watch. I think I really got into theatre/ live art when I did my final A-Level piece. It was on medusa, had minimal text and looked beautifully grotesque. I saw how broad theatre can be and knew that I wanted to keep creating and performing in shows.
We are so excited for you to play the iconic role of Juliet, alongside Sam Tutty’s Romeo. How has it been putting a show together during a pandemic? What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?
It was a great experience, it really displayed how strong and innovative this industry is. We filmed it all on green screen and there was only one day, after being Covid tested, that Sam and I were able to film the intimate scenes. It was a huge task to complete in just 12 days, but that just added to the urgency and boldness of the piece. There was nowhere to hide and that was helpful and exciting for me. (See the film announcement here).
Why is theatre important to you?
There’s something so special about theatre and live performance in general. It’s about strangers in a room coming together to share in something beautiful, where hopefully you’ll go away feeling uplifted or having remembered something. It reminds you how to play and enjoy life, and I feel that’s extremely important, especially as we get older.
What is your process each night when you get into character for a show – especially for a role like Juliet!
I come back to all the images I’ve created for the character, meditate, and then tell myself to let go and just go for it.
Out of all Shakespeare’s many wonderful characters, who is most like you?
I don’t think she’s necessarily like me, but I love the passion of Juliet and I definitely want to take some of that fire with me.
You also have recently been in a feature film ‘Help’ playing the role of Grace. What’s the main difference for you working on-screen vs. theatre? Do you have a preference?
I feel the only difference is the audience, so it’s playing to the back of the auditorium as opposed to a camera right in front of you. There’s an energy to live theatre that I love, but the possibilities of screen fascinate me, so I don’t think I have a preference.
Tell us about one of your best/funniest memories on stage?
One time at Edinburgh Fringe, I was playing the personification of Vomit for a clowning piece. During the sketch, I’d ask someone’s name and serenade them. It was coming to the end of the run and we were all exhausted, and when I asked this audience member their name, they said Emily. I got so excited, inhaled sharply and almost said “That’s my name”, but instead I just walked around in a circle and said “Never mind…I just…know someone with that name.” I think they knew though.
What three things can we always find in your dressing room? I.e Lucky charms…things that help you on stage…blue m&ms..
Headphones. Water. Journal.
If your life were a play what would it be called, and why?
Good question…
Something like “Sure, why not.” Or “Let’s go for it…” because I feel like things happen all around us and everything is in constant flux, but when I’m just here, remain open and allow everything to happen I find new experiences that I never would have if I forced it.
What advice would you give to all the new graduates – both 2020 and upcoming 2021 grads?
These all come by way of acting teacher John Osborne Hughes:
· Whatever is for you will not pass you. (Unless you do absolutely nothing haha)
· You have nothing to prove to anyone least of all yourself.
· Get out of your own way and allow whatever is to happen to happen.
This job is just play after all and if you don’t get the job, it just means that it wasn’t for you. People often say that “It’s tough competition” or “It’s who you know”, when really there are opportunities out there and when you’re ready and willing, the right one will come for you.
