Jill McAusland on her role in ‘Absurd Person Singular’

Alan Ayckbourn’s Absurd Person Singular is currently showing at Watford Palace Theatre. The production is directed by Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Watford Palace Theatre Brigid Larmour.

It’s 1971 and Britain is on the make. Backstage at the party, three marriages are in the pressure cooker.

Sidney wants to play party games, but he also needs a loan from Ronald. Marion wants to go home but definitely needs another drink. Eva would (literally) rather be dead, but Geoffrey’s certain she’ll be happier once he’s left her. 

Meanwhile, Jane’s still in her Marigolds, desperately trying to keep the kitchen ship-shape.

Jill McAusland who plays Jane, found herself laughing out loud when she first read the play. “It’s really rare that I’ll laugh out loud when reading a play so I knew it was funny and it excited me that the audience might feel the same contradictions that I was feeling about the characters when watching the performance,” she said.

She describes Jane as “a very loving, loyal and devoted wife and housewife,” who is very supportive of her husband, Sidney.

In supporting “his endeavours,” she puts herself “under immense pressure.” “She goes through quite a journey in the play, alongside Sidney, and for that reason,” says McAusland, “[Jane] is a really exciting character to play. I love how she grows through the piece!”

McAusland returns to Watford Palace Theatre having previously appeared in seven pantomimes for the company. Other theatre credits include The Moor, Correspondence (Old Red Lion) and The Lost Boy (Theatre in the Quarter). She also played roles in Call the Midwife and Getting Back with Dave Benson Phillips.

“I’m really looking forward to sharing the stage with my fellow actors, many of which I have performed with before,” says McAusland. “There’s a definite sense of ensemble that’s essential to performing this play and I think we all work really well together.”

“I’m excited to explore what happens between us all every time we perform as I think no two performances will ever be the same!” she adds.

So what does McAusland feel an audience will love about the play;

“It’s a very funny play,” she says “but it also shines quite a light on attitudes that were prevalent in the 70s which arguably we feel differently about today. I hope audiences will have a great night out and that for many it will be a nostalgic experience whilst also being thought-provoking!”

She is looking forward to the “differing audience responses!”

This vintage comedy has lots of hilarious moments. It is currently showing at Watford Palace Theatre until 30 March.