SPOTLIGHT ON... LUCY COOPER
- theatrereviews
- Apr 22
- 5 min read
We had a chat with Lincs-based actor (and recently turned producer and writer) Lucy Cooper...
Q. Where in Lincolnshire are you based, and what was your first ever live performance that you participated in?
"I'm based in Louth but spend a lot of time in Lincoln. My very first performance was when I was six years old and it was a Musical Medley night filled with songs like 'Burlington Bertie' and 'Daisy Daisy'."
Q. What was it that first drew you to the local theatre/arts scene? Has it been a constant in your life, or was there a hiatus due to work/life commitments?
"It's all I can ever remember wanting to do. It's something I've been drawn to for as long as I can remember. It's always been a constant and it's been difficult to juggle work and life alongside performing. I'm very lucky to be in a very supportive relationship, and in a place in my life that allows me to really pursue performing. I also work for a really supportive company, Flying Colours Advice."
Q. Quite simply, give me three words that describe what theatre means to you.
"Imagination, making the impossible possible, fulfilment, wonderment, adventure, dreaming...it's almost impossible to choose just three!"
Q. You've worked extensively with Louth Playgoers, Asylum Players, and Hambledon Productions, in particular. What do you think Lincolnshire (and it's various groups/companies) do really well for the local arts scene?
"They provide amazing opportunities for people to experience what it's like being in professional and ambitious events. I find the network very supportive, whether you're a beginner or someone wanting to take a different route, there's always someone willing to give you a chance. The networks in Lincolnshire want everyone to achieve; whether it's been for space or props or time, I've found people are always willing to help."
Q. You've also appeared in films, and stage shows across the country. Do you prefer stage work or film?
"That is a really hard question and to be honest I love both equally. I love the attention to detail you can bring to a performance in film, a look in the eyes or a twitch of a lip muscle can say a lot. I love that on a set you can be anyone and do anything and get really absorbed in a role, like in Daniel's last film short where we filmed around a camp fire in 'Witch of the West'. However, in saying that, there's nothing quite like the adrenaline and the mechanics of a play, everyone working in complete synchronization whilst also having to work on the spontaneity of an audience. I'd never want to give up either one."
Q. What is the current production you're involved in, and your role within the company?
"'Worlds at War', a play written by Daniel Blacow. I play Esther in the two-hander. I have also taken on a producer role and Daniel is directing it. We have been very lucky to have the support of The Asylum Players and The Blue Room, who have given us the amazing opportunity of bringing this script to life."
Q. It's a piece of new writing, is it in any way related to the 'World At War' documentary, or is this an entirely different beast?
"It is a different beast. So 'Worlds at War' is a dramatic comedy with some elements of dark humour and filled to the brim with farcical clowning but all within a true-to-life story. It's a fictional world based on a non-fictional story, but perhaps stretched a little!
The script is clever, witty, moving and truly explores the tests and strains of a relationship.
A dramatic comedy of misunderstanding.
Amidst an intense marital dispute, a couple is interrupted by a radio broadcast that could change the world as they know it... On October 30th, 1938, Orson Welles and his theatre company broadcast a dramatic interpretation of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds. Thousands of Americans sat on the edge of their seats, waiting for that radio broadcast… others were not so aware that a work of fiction was about to take place."
Q. Sounds very different, and a lot of fun. What are the joys and pitfalls of new writing, and how are rehearsals going?
"I'm lucky to be surrounded by very talented writers and have also been lucky enough to be supported in my own writing. Daniel does stand-up comedy and that is a brilliant platform to explore some of his comedic writing. I think people can be weary of new writing, I think everyone is feeling the pinch a little and so people want to be assured that they are going to enjoy what they have spent money on to watch. Luckily for 'Worlds at War', it takes a classical comedy style that we all love and enjoy, with a modern wit. There's really nothing to dislike!
Rehearsals have been going fantastically. John Hewer from Hambledon Productions, who plays Henry in the play, is an absolute master of his art. There was never any doubt who we wanted to intrust with this role and John has not disappointed. He is such a presence on stage and is so expressive. I've been lucky enough to work with John a few times and so our working relationship is great, rehearsals have so far involved a hell of a lot of laughter, just laughing at ourselves!!"
Q. What creative work is on the horizon for you?
"I'm very excited for my next project; I have been very fortunate to be cast as Hedda in 'Hedda Gabler' with Here to There Productions, a theatre company very close to my heart! Daniel is working on an amazing feature film 'Love is a Lie', in addition to hosting his own stand up comedy night at Tension Twisted Realities in Lincoln. John has what I know will be a fantastic tour on the horizon of 'Stop! You're Killing Me', a John Hewer original, revived."
Q. Back to 'Worlds At War', could you give me one popular song title that describes the 'Worlds At War' experience for the audience. NB. It doesn't have to be a song in the show, but it may well be.
"This is a tricky one. With the play being set in the 30s, 'Somewhere over the Rainbow' was the first that came to mind. It embodies so many elements of the play; the feeling of wanting something more, of wanting all of your troubles to be over and of course....the curiosity of what is actually over the rainbow!! A more modern song would maybe be 'Monster by The Automatic'."
'Worlds At War' is being performed at The Blue Room, in Lincoln, on Saturday 10th May, 7.30pm.
Comments