Written by Neil LaBute and directed by Nicky Allpress, The Shape of Things runs from Wednesday 24th May to Saturday 1st July at the Park theatre in London.
LaBute’s Olivier Award nominated dark comedy received its world premiere at the Almeida Theatre in 2001 with Rachel Weisz and Paul Rudd. This first major Off West End revival is presented by the producers of last year’s Park Theatre hit Clybourne Park.
It stars Luke Newton (Bridgerton, The Book of Mormon), Amber Anderson (Peaky Blinders, Black Mirror), Carla Harrison-Hodge (Cyrano De Bergerac, Amadeus) and Majid Mehdizadeh-Valoujerdy (War Horse, Hollyoaks).
How far would you go for love? What would you be willing to change?
When college student Adam falls hard for Evelyn, an ambitious art major, the meaning of both art and friendship are pushed to their limits.
The Artiscape spoke to Carla Harrison-Hodge who plays Jenny.
Her theatre work includes Cyrano de Bergerac (Jamie Lloyd company/ Harold Pinter Theatre/BAM New York) and Amadeus (National Theatre).For television, her work includes Year of the Rabbit, Fresh Meat, and Cuffs.
Can you tell us about the character you play?
Harrison-Hodge: I play Jenny. She’s very much a people pleaser and wants the best for everyone. She’s in a relationship with Phil , who is in some ways her opposite but they enjoy being the university ‘It’ couple. I think she’s easy to underestimate but is actually pretty smart and determined.
Can you identify in any way with the character you play?
Harrison-Hodge: I can definitely relate to wanting to be liked. Like Jenny, it took some time in my early 20s to find my voice.
What attracts you to the play’s plot?
The human relationships we form when we are young adults and how they impact us. Neil’s writing gives you lots to play with. No character is straightforward and that’s woven into the plot.
As an actor, What are the challenge in preparing for a role like this?
Harrison-Hodge: The play is iconic and lots of people have ideas about who the characters are already. It’s easy to get in your head about that stuff so the challenge is to make choices that feel right for your own version of the characters.
What do you feel an audience will take from this production?
Harrison-Hodge: I hope they’ll be talking about it in the bar afterwards! I look forward to hearing the different points of view.
Running from Wednesday 24th May to Saturday 1st July at the Park theatre in London, you can book to see The Shape of Things on the Park Theatre website.
