The Chocolate Factory presents the UK premiere of the musical version of the best-selling novel by Robert James Waller and subsequent motion picture directed by Clint Eastwood.
Francesca is an Italian immigrant housewife living a happy existence on a farm in the American Midwest. However, when her family go off to the Iowa State Fair, she meets Robert Kincaid, a National Geographic photographer on assignment filming bridges in the area. Their initial friendship develops into a brief but passionate affair which has devastating consequences on all of their lives.
The Bridges of Madison County opens at the Menier on 23 July.
The Artiscape spoke with Gillian Kirkpatrick plays Marge in the play.
Her theatre work includes Sweeney Todd (Chichester Festival Theatre and Adelphi Theatre), Skellig (Nottingham Playhouse), Spring Awakening (Hope Mill Theatre), The Last Ones (Jermyn Street Theatre), Sunny Afternoon (Harold Pinter Theatre), American Psycho (Almeida Theatre) and Blood Brothers (Phoenix). For television, her work includes Inside Balmoral; and for film, All Roads Lead to Home, Dorcha and Recovery.
We asked Gillian how she researched for the play?
Gillian: I did some basic research on the history of Iowa in the 50s and 60s and tried to get a rough handle on the accent by watching YouTube videos.
Was she familiar with the film The Bridges of Madison County before she took on the role?
Gillian: I watched the film not long after it came out, I’ve always been a huge fan of Meryl Streep. Although I chose not to re-watch it before rehearsals because I wanted to make my own character choices and not be too informed by what I’d seen.
What challenges does Gillian see in performing in the play?
Gillian: It’s a very intimate story, so from that perspective, I’m learning to bring down my performance level to suit, and the Menier Theatre is quite intimate so we can afford to play the subtleties a bit more.
We asked Gillian to describe the character she plays?
Gillian: I play the character of Marge, who is Francesca’s closest neighbour and friend. I’m the typical nosy neighbour who always has a pair of binoculars at hand but I have a heart of gold and help Francesca by offering her practical and emotional support.
Finally, we asked Gillian what she thought an audience will get from the production?
Gillian: It’s a tremendously beautiful and emotional story with a stunning score and a strong script. I would suggest that audience members have a packet of tissues ready!
The Bridges of Madison County runs at the Menierfrom 13th July – 14th September.
