Interview with Mirabelle Gremaud: Exploring “North by Northwest” and the Complexities of Her Performance

We caught up with Mirabelle Gremaud, who returns to Wise Children for their UK tour of North by Northwest, a thrilling co-production with York Theatre Royal, HOME Manchester, and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse. The play, adapted from Alfred Hitchcock’s classic 1959 film, promises suspense, mistaken identities, and high-stakes adventure. It kicks off on March 18 at York Theatre Royal and will tour to various venues including HOME Manchester, Liverpool Playhouse, Bath Theatre Royal, and more, wrapping up at Alexandra Palace Theatre on June 22. In this interview, Mirabelle shares her thoughts on her role and the creative process behind bringing this iconic story to life.

Can you tell us about Anna, the character you play in North by Northwest?

Anna is a fascinating character. She’s calm, poised, and strong but also capable of making quick decisions when the situation demands it. Her journey in the play involves a lot of personal growth. She’s been through a lot, but she’s now focused on building a better future with her partner, Valerian. Anna’s devotion to their love is one of her driving forces, and she’s willing to go to great lengths to ensure they find peace and happiness together. There’s a depth to her that comes out over time, and I really enjoy exploring that.

You also play multiple other characters in the show. How do you transition between such different personas, and how does this affect your portrayal of Anna?

Yes, I take on a variety of characters throughout the production. Interestingly, most of these roles don’t speak much, which allows me to focus heavily on their physicality and their immediate desires in each moment. The characters are quite stylized and exist within the world Roger Thornhill encounters. They are direct and purposeful in their actions, so I approach each one as a snapshot of that encounter, rather than diving into their backstory. The transition is a challenge in itself, but it actually informs my portrayal of Anna in an interesting way. It keeps me connected to the various parts of her world that are constantly shifting.

What has been the most challenging aspect of portraying Anna and the other characters? Is there a specific scene that stands out as especially difficult or rewarding?

The most challenging part of this production is the sheer logistics of it all. With only six people on stage, we’re responsible for a multitude of characters, a dynamic set, and moving props. It’s a fast-paced environment, and there are many quick changes between scenes. Right now, in the early stages of rehearsals, we’re still finding the flow and working out what scenes are most effective. There’s a lot of juggling between characters and transitions. The difficulty lies in keeping everything in sync—each moment needs to hit just right, but we’re still figuring out what works best.

What themes or messages do you think North by Northwest addresses, and how do your characters contribute to these larger ideas?

We’ve had some really interesting discussions about the historical context of the play, especially around the time it was made. After the war, many people were carrying the trauma of that experience, and there was a general desire to find hope in the future. I think that theme still resonates today, particularly when we look at the ongoing conflicts around the world. There’s a poignant moment in the play set at the United Nations, where the characters express a belief in hope and working toward peace. It’s a reminder that despite all the chaos, there’s always a possibility for positive change. My characters, especially Anna, reflect this fight for a better world—whether that’s on a personal level with love or on a global scale with diplomacy.

What do you hope audiences take away from this production? Is there a specific emotional journey or message you want them to experience through Anna and the other characters you portray?

One of the key messages I hope the audience takes away is that people’s actions often have deeper reasons than we initially perceive. The play is about mistaken identity, but it also reflects how easy it is to misjudge others based on surface-level assumptions. Through Anna and the other characters I portray, you start to see that things aren’t always as they seem. The idea that anyone can be a hero or villain—depending on perspective—is a central theme. It’s about questioning preconceived notions and understanding that everyone has a story worth exploring.

As North by Northwest begins its tour across the UK, Mirabelle’s performances will undoubtedly captivate audiences with her nuanced portrayals of Anna and the array of characters she embodies. The production itself promises to bring both suspense and reflection on the enduring themes of identity, conflict, and hope. Don’t miss your chance to catch this thrilling adaptation at a theatre near you.