Omari Douglas on role in Wise Children

The cinema release of the critically acclaimed Wise Children will be screened to more than 250 cinemas across the UK and Ireland from 3 October 2019.

Filmed live for the cinema screen at York Theatre Royal in March 2019, multi-award-winning director Emma Rice brings her unique, exuberantly impish vision to Angela Carter’s great last novel in this brand-new play.

A big, bawdy tangle of theatrical joy and heartbreak, Wise Children is a celebration of show business, family, forgiveness and hope, with a generous dash of Shakespeare, scandal and mischief.

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The Artiscape interviewed Omari Douglas about his role in the production.

Can you tell us why you wanted to get involved in this project?

Douglas: I first worked with Emma Rice in 2017 on Kneehigh’s Tristan & Yseult, not too long before the genesis of Wise Children as a company. I knew I’d always be happy if I was able to continue collaborating with her because she’s so nurturing and her work really does ignite your imagination, so when she asked me to be a part of this project I was really chuffed!

A new company with Emma at the helm was bound to be fearless and inspiring, throw an Angela Carter novel into the mix and you’re onto something wonderful! I’m always keen to surprise myself with the work that I make and this appeared to me as a perfect opportunity to do just that! I was introduced to Angela Carter whilst studying my A-levels and remember being a bit agog at her wonderfully vivid writing – it’s easy to see why Emma’s vision and Angela’s novels work in tandem.

Can you tell us about the character you play?

Douglas: I play Nora Chance, one half of the Chance twins or ‘The Lucky Chances’, as they come to be known on the showbiz circuit. Three pairs of actors portray the twins at various stages of their lives – I play Nora during her ‘showgirl’ era. She’s from theatrical stock, so it’s inevitable that showbiz becomes her path.

The twins have been grafting and toiling on the circuit to no huge success but finally get their big break as a double act, just shy of their 17th birthday. Nora is a curious and sensual creature, she relishes in her newfound acclaim but she’s also having to navigate the trials and errors of teenagehood – first loves, sexuality and also the unexpected arrival of her estranged father. 

What do you find exciting about being part of this?

Douglas:  Well, when I was asked to be a part of this project, naturally I was excited about getting to do a bit of hoofing and singing – that’s how my own theatre journey began! Nora was the last person I expected to play though – I wanted to surprise myself and I certainly got that! I should’ve known better, Emma is a champion for making bold and unexpected casting choices. It’s scary and thrilling in equal measure when you get to play away from the norm or what is ‘expected’.

Anything is possible on stage though – we have boats made from brooms and a caravan that poses as at least 4 different locations in the story! I was just excited to dive in and discover how to play out Nora’s story in a way that only I could.

What do you think an audience will love about the film?

Douglas: I’m so glad that theatrical experiences are being captured on film, it’s important for these moments to be shared beyond a few auditoriums. I think audiences will be dazzled by Wise Children, there’s so much to be loved because it’s no ordinary film experience.

So many elements make up this feast for the senses and it’ll be thrilling to have them amplified on the big screen. It’s song, dance, moments of brilliantly mad physical comedy with story of family and hope at its centre. I’d say it’s pretty magical!