Week 7
The role of Lady Windermere presents a very particular challenge. By far the largest role in the play, with well over 400 lines to learn, it also demands a young actress, since the action takes place on Lady W’s 21st birthday.
My own Lady W, Felicity, is actually only 19, and the youngest player in the company – but she’s rising magnificently to both the challenge and the opportunity. Her intention is to go into the Business full-time, and is currently alternating rehearsals with auditions for all the major drama schools.
She sees Lady Windermere as a significant stepping stone towards realising her ambition.
‘To perform on the Playhouse stage was a goal I set myself before I leave
Oxford, hopefully for drama school. Now, thanks to the Guild, I am going to fulfill the first of many ambitions - and in the title role, too. Bonus! Next on my list is the RSC...
However, nothing in life worth having is easy, and Lady Windermere is no exception. She’s a lovely character who is incredibly strong willed. And, during the play, she goes on a huge emotional journey - all within 24 hours. This is sometimes complicated as she can very
quickly change her mind back and forth between emotions.
As well as rehearsing, I’m also working during the day (as, unfortunately, we all have to) and auditioning for drama school. This means lots of preparation and even more lines (as if I need them!) My brain is positively buzzing with different words and emotions, and I am quite often heard talking to myself. I am sure my family think I am insane.
It is very tiring but great fun, and I am really enjoying myself - especially the scenes where I stamp my feet and play the screaming brat!’
Felicity has the talent – and the determination – to make it as an actress. And I look forward to seeing her play Mrs Erlynne in twenty years’ time.
At the RSC, of course...