Bill Kenwright’s a busy boy these days. Not only is he judging a thousand wannabe Joseph’s in the BBC’s Any Dream Will Do, but his production of The Letter, directed by Alan Strachan, comes to the Wyndham’s Theatre this month after an eight-week tour. Slightly different from his television venture, (except for when he makes the boys cry) The Letter is more of an emotional drama and stars Anthony Andrews and Jenny Seagrove, who happens to be Kenwright’s other half.
The lovely Jenny’s known to millions as Jo Mills, star of the BBC’s most watched drama Judge John Deed alongside Martin Shaw. Becky made a cup of tea and sat down for a chat about the play…
So Jenny, why this role? What first attracted you to it?
Well, the criteria for choosing new work for me is always ‘does it challenge me?’ Of course I always ask how entertaining for the audience it’ll be, but The Letter is entertaining and challenging… it’s very emotional, a very hard acting part, you know. Passionate. I like that my character is not quite what she seems to be - it’s a why-done-it as opposed to a who-done-it.
Any sex in there?
The director said to tell everyone it’s about sex, (laughs) but it’s not really sex how we would think of it. It’s set in 1927 for a start; sex wasn’t as obvious in those days. It was all kept under wraps and when people weren’t able to express their feelings, those emotions came out in other ways. The play’s about people’s suppressions and also about huge mistakes...
So how did you research the role?
Well I already knew a
lot about the attitudes of the time, and of course, there are books,
but I grew up in Malaya and I know the expats out there, and the way
they think and how those thoughts have changed over time. I used to
play tennis on a rubber plantation, actually. I think first hand
experience adds a colour and understanding to the role. And it’s really
a lot about Brits behaving in a racist manner, although it’s something
people won’t like to admit. It’s time to show how important is it that
we were really like that - to hold up a mirror to people and say,
look, this is what we were like.
Sounds quite heavy, who do you think would most enjoy The Letter?
I
would say anyone who’s looking for a classic, well constructed play,
and perhaps something a little more thought-provoking than a musical.
What was the last play you saw in the West End?
Treats,
and I thought it was a very disturbing piece. I thought all three
actors did a marvellous job and hats off to them for taking on those
roles. I think it’s great that young TV stars are getting the credit
for other ventures – it never used to be like that. And I’m proud of
Billie too – so many people are handed huge stage roles off the back of
television work and they just can’t do it. I do think she’s better on
screen, but she’s got the fundamental talent you need to get through
and I hope she develops that more and does more stage work after Treats.
What do you think about the new talent competitions to find new West End Stars?
Well,
to be honest, it drives me mad, this whole infatuation with celebs. And
I don’t think this search for a star thing will last very long – it’s
not really what theatre should be about. Obviously as my other half
(Kenwright) is on the panel for Joseph I have a vested interest, and I
think it’s a terrific show, very good television. But if I’m completely
honest I’m slightly anxious, as I think it’s possibly doing actors out
of work. You cast an unknown and other actors suffer, but on the
outside it gives people a lot of hope.
Now you’ve done TV and theatre, are there any movie roles that could tempt you into the big screen?
A
lovely part would tempt me. The big screen is a lot like TV - you’re
out of it for a bit and then they forget you. I’m trying to get myself
back by my own means. I’m planning a piece about media and the army in
Iraq, it’s a terrific story. I’d want to put on a producer’s hat as
well as an actor’s hat as I think it’s about taking your career into
your own hands now. I came out of drama school into Woman in White, and
my big break was playing Marina in a Scottish based cult-film called
Local Heroes.
I’ve never heard of that?
Really? (shocked) You must be
very young! The lovely, Bill Forsythe – you should look it up and
watch it, it really was a lovely, lovely film.
Let’s talk holidays. Where did you take your last holiday?
Hmmmm,
that depends how you define a holiday! I’ve been abroad but I don’t
take holidays very often. The last one was to a villa in the south of
France. We took 14 friends and a dog! I’m not sure if we can fit a
holiday in this year, but I suppose that’s very good for the carbon
imprint.
Are you quite ‘green’ then?
Well I’m always nagging people
about how much electricity we’re using, running around flicking off
lights, checking how much water’s in the kettle, that sort of thing. I've
driven a Toyota Prius – a hybrid car - for years. I don’t understand why
everyone doesn’t. I recycle, I do try to be green, I’ve got a compost
heap and I love it. I think it’s a massive responsibility for all of us
to try and help this planet. In the end, all careers and
dreams aside, it’s all we’ve really got.
Book your tickets to see Jenny Seagrave in The Letter, here
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