A unique site-specific adaptation fusing of Noel Coward’s Still Life and his lesser known Quadrille, opened on the 2nd July and runs until the 14th July. This is the finale of Making Connections 24 – a community arts festival of free and affordable art events in the stunning Old Waiting Room, at Peckham Rye station. The adaptation has been created especially for the historic space which sits between two working platforms, with trains and passengers visible beyond its windows. Still Lives opens on the 2nd July and runs until the 14th July.
Directed by site-specific specialist Rebecca McCutcheon and adapted by award-winning playwright Dan Rebellato, Still Lives interweaves Coward’s later and rarely performed gem Quadrille with Still Life, which inspired the film Brief Encounter. The adaptation has been given the Coward estate’s blessing, as is necessary with changes of this magnitude. The result is a romantic, often funny, exploration of shifting relationships, desires and missed opportunities for love in the comings and goings of a station platform.
This unique production offers audiences an opportunity to be immersed in the deeply romantic story within an extraordinary setting.
Grace Haydn who plays Laura Jessop spoke to the Artiscape about this unique production.
What attracted you to the script?
Haydn: This adaptation brings together two of Noel Coward’s plays, centring on meetings and partings. There’s a real sense of urgency in all of the relationships we see unfolding in Still Lives which is exciting for an actor to get their teeth into.
Can you tell us about this character you play?
Haydn: I play Laura. She is fond of order and sense but in Still Lives gets thrown into the excitement and danger of falling in love to someone she shouldn’t. We see her being pulled in two directions – one towards safety and monotony, and one towards danger and passion. I also play Bill, a soldier.
What (if any) research into the character?
Haydn: We thought about what life was like for Laura, her role within the home and her desires and needs being put second to caring for her family. The role of mental health in Laura’s narrative was also important, and the lack of understanding and acknowledgement of depression and mental illness in the 1930s.
What are you looking forward to in performing in this play?
Haydn: The ensemble nature of this play, with multi-rolling, music and group movement means it is a really live and buzzing piece of work to be involved in.
What do you think the audience will enjoy about this production?
Haydn: Watching theatre within a station waiting room, with the trains passing on one side, should make for an exciting experience for audience members. They are also placed fully within the action, eavesdropping on conversations, which I hope they really enjoy.
To book tickets visit this link.
