SPOTLIGHT ON... SU TOOGOOD
- theatrereviews
- Oct 3
- 4 min read
We caught up with Common Ground Theatre Company, and spoke to the incomparable Su Toogood...
Q. What was your first ever live performance that you participated in? Be it on-stage or backstage role.
"My own first performance was at the Embassy Theatre, Skegness, at the age of five singing 'Me and my teddy bear' - a long time ago and I've been involved in amateur theatre ever since, as actress, director, producer, wardrobe, props, crew - everything in fact."
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? What sparked or, indeed, relighted your interest?
"From junior school through church sketches and religious plays (Lincoln Mystery Plays and Common Ground since moving to Lincoln 28 years ago). Since I retired, my involvement is even greater. including volunteering for the university media students."
Q. Quite simply, give me three words that describe what theatre means to you.
"Challenge, stimulation, imagination!"
Q. What has been your personal favourite production under the Common Ground banner?
"As a director probably 'Educating Rita' - as a two hander the opportunity to really explore and develop characters - though 'we had a great deal of fun with 'Ladies' Day' and 'Ladies Down Under'. As an actress - 'Dancing at Lughnasa' with the challenge of wild Irish dancing over a split level stage and a good range of emotions."
Q. What is the upcoming production, and why should audiences come and see it?
'"A Brief Encounter with Noel Coward'. Our production comprises two short plays by Noël Coward, one of which inspired the classic 1945 movie Brief Encounter. In Still Life, Alec and Laura meet and fall in love in a railway station tearoom. Their relationship is mirrored by the courtship rituals of two other couples. But Alec and Laura are both happily married – will they follow their hearts or bury their love forever? An American couple are staying in a luxury Swiss hotel in 'Come Into the Garden, Maud'. But Anne-Mary is petulant and domineering, while her husband Verner is quiet and philosophical. Verner is drawn to a widow, Maud Caragnani, who pays the couple a visit. Will he take a chance on love, or remain stuck in his
loveless marriage? This production will take the audience on a journey from England in the late 1940s to Switzerland in the 1970s For the first time ever, we'll have two different sets so the change over during the interval alone will be worth the admission price!"
Q. Noel Coward is, arguably, one of Britain's greatest writers of the 20th Century. What is it about his work, and these titles in particular, that makes him still an interesting literary figure?
"His understanding of relationships is unparalleled. So many people think he only wrote sparkling light comedies, but these two plays show a full range of emotions in all the characters. His work is a joy to direct and a real pleasure to perform."
Q. Common Ground have announced their next year of plays over on their website. How can people become involved with CGTC? Is there an open audition call?
"We take great pride in being open to anyone - no parts are pre-cast and we have a good record of involving people with little or no experience. Eight of the fourteen cast members in this production are new to Common Ground. To get in touch, go to our website and ask to be put on the mailing list - that way you'll find out about auditions and other news first! Our next audition is for 'The Birthday Party' by Pinter on Tuesday 21 October 2025 at St Mary Le Wigford Church Hall, Lincoln LN5 7EQ (next to the railway station) at 7.30pm, for production in April next year."
Q. Of those plays listed, which one takes your fancy the most?
"I have a soft spot for 'Under Milk Wood' but I know that the Pinter and outdoor Shakespeare production will be great!"
Q. What makes the Broadbent Theatre the perfect venue for CGTC?
"It's atmospheric, a proper theatre with raked seating, a good green room, good technical facilities and back projection. It is ideal for intimate productions with a variety of entrances during plays which can really surprise the audience. A loyal audience are great supporters but it's always good to get new patrons out there - they always say it's like no other theatre they know. It is a very supportive group that runs it and they encourage amateur theatre, as well as having a free car park! Although we're based in Lincoln, we feel it is our artistic home."
Q. Back to 'A BRIEF ENCOUNTER WITH NOEL COWARD', could you give me one popular song title that describes the 'ABEWNC' experience for the audience. NB. It doesn't have to be a song in the show, but it may well be.
Ah - well, Coward's own song Dearest Love fits the bill:
Dearest love, now that I've found you
The stars change in the sky
Every song is new
Every note is true
Sorrows like the clouds go sailing by
Here, my love, magic has bound you
To me ever to be
In my heart supreme
Dearer than my dearest dream
The only love for me
Skies that were cloudy are clear again
All other people seem
Like figures in a dream
Every song that I loved I seem to hear again
Time goes by like a murmuring stream
Love is enchanting the two of us
A magic we can share
A something in the air
Proving that destiny knew of us
Now heaven is at our feet
This happiness complete
Could not be merely chance
This exquisite romance
Forever has us bound
For this that we have found
No time nor tide could sever, ever
'A Brief Encounter with Noel Coward' is playing at the Broadbent Theatre, 9th - 11th October at 7.30pm. Tickets can be purchased via the link below:
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