Actor Liam Smith on his role in “We are staying right here”

Metal Rabbit Productions in association with Park Theatre present the World Premiere of We’re Staying Right Here.

From debut writer Henry Devas comes this “jet-black” comedy about a very human struggle.We’re Staying Right Here is a manic Duracell-bunny of a play that just refuses to shut the F**K UP.  

Everything was ticking along just fine for nice bloke Matt: a stand-up comic, new father … And then it all changed. The pressure is suddenly mounting. Now Matt has to decide if the people around him are really his friends – or foes. And as his companions conduct increasingly manipulative psychological games he must fight to keep his sanity.

The play is directed by Jez Pike and stars Daniel Portman (Game of Thrones), Danny Kirrane (Pirates of the Caribbean), Tom Canton (Wasted), and Liam Smith (End of Love)

The Artiscape spoke with Liam Smith on his role in the play:

Why did this play appeal to you?

Smith: I was invited to an early reading of the play by the director and writer, both of whom I’d worked with before, and I was genuinely knocked out by the dramatic potential of the play. It made me laugh out loud.

It surprised me and it moved me more than you can reasonably expect of a first reading. While I was attracted to the intrinsic mania and the subject matter at its core, ultimately what you’re always looking for in a script beyond the action and dialogue is empathy, pathos, spirit and an enormous beating heart.

This play has all of that in abundance. I also get to play two very different characters which is always irresistible to an actor.

How would you describe the character you play?

Smith:Well, I play two [characters] and, even though they could be viewed as one and the same through the protagonist’s eyes. The first one is very much a projection, an archetypal hero sort with lots of intellectual ‘clout’ and emotional intelligence.

The opposite may be true of the second character who by contrast,  is a very real figure who walks into a post-apocalyptic scenario and attempts to make things alright again. Ultimately both characters represent the twin facets of hope and love.

What were the most challenging aspects of playing the roles?

Smith:Always finding the truth within the poles of archetype or stereotype and the given circumstances, which in both cases are quite extraordinary.

Henry Devas the writer has written a very febrile play which is subject to some extreme emotions and forces. You have to ride those waves as an actor by staying as grounded and controlled as possible, often resisting the emotion the play is driving at, even when you might wanna let rip with it.

It’s always about holding sometimes opposing forces in balance. Truth and theatricality are not necessarily opposites. But when you introduce idealised maverick characters into the mix you also have to let go of your own judgements of that character. That’s always a struggle.

What will the audience like about the play?

Smith:Hopefully, all the performances demand attention and respect. But the humour, the absurdity, the surreality, the quick-fire dialogue, the poverty, the decadence and the enormous heart and empathetic response inherent in the script to a desperate, desperate situation and health condition without it being in the least patronising of demeaning.

Why do you feel this play is relevant to an audience?

Smith: All plays hopefully have relevance to someone, to a core constituency. But I think the increase in awareness of serious mental health issues in the community, in the workplace and in society in general – as well as the existential angst, the sense of alienation and the so-called crisis in masculinity – together with the cultural references make We’re Staying Right Here really relevant to a young male audience in particular.

It hits you squarely in the face and bang on the nose.

We’re staying right here runs from 26 Feb – 23 Mar at The Park Theatre. To book go to this website.

See trailer: