“There are new discoveries every time we rehearse it.” Anne Louise Ross talks the Scottish premiere of David Ireland’s hard hitting dark comedy Cyprus Avenue.
Hello Ann Louise, I think the last time I saw you on stage was in Oor Wullie, which was great. You certainly had my favourite song in the show
I think that song was pretty good! Scott Gilmore & Claire McKenzie made a grand show, a very different prospect from Cyprus Avenue!
And how are things going with preparations? (At this point I began referencing Cypruss Hill the band, which I have tactfully excised!)
It’s all going fine. It’s an absolutely amazing piece of work by David Ireland. David Hayman has got the bulk of it because he’s playing the lead, but all the characters are beautifully realized. You know they’re all really good characters to play. I play Bernie, his wife. It’s a wonderful play, brutal but very funny – though in a dark kind of way
Before you were cast in the play was it a piece of work you were familiar with?
Only by reputation. I know there was a production at the Royal Court in London, but I didn’t get the chance to see it. I do know David Ireland very well. He worked at Dundee Rep – quite a few years ago now as an actor. Ann Louise is an original member of the Dundee Rep ensemble, Scotland’s only full time company of actors.
When I was offered the job, he gave me a copy to read and I was completely blown away! I just thought, yeah, I need to do this. It’s not an enormous part, but that’s not a bad thing, it’s such such a good, rich character to play. It is set in Belfast, so I get to try or at least attempt a Northern Irish, a Belfast accent. I’m really enjoying it.
I can’t remember the actor I heard saying that their key to a Northern Irish accent was remembering the words ‘Persil Automatic’! (Reader: give it a try!)
We’re lucky enough to have two Northern Irish actors in the company. So, you know we’re spending a lot of time listening to them
Do you think that that rather than doing it in people’s own voices and making the effort to put it into the Irish accent is important here?
Oh yes, the references are all to do with Belfast and the politics of Northern Ireland. It couldn’t be set anywhere else. I couldn’t use my own accent…as an actor, it’s always a challenge to work in another accent. That’s part of the joy of it all: to try and get it as accurate as possible.
It seems that accents aren’t as in demand in theatre as maybe in the past?
Maybe not, but when something specific is needed we can invariably get voice coachingwith somebody who can come in and help.
Indeed, and when it comes to your character Bernie how have you set about creating your take on the character?
Well a lot of it is already there in David’s exquisite writing. She’s quite complex actually. Her husband, Derek talks about her a lot, I don’t know if that’s what she’s really like, or only his way of seeing her.
I mean, she’s a strong woman from Sandy Row, Belfast: she doesn’t put up with nonsense. But…she’s also living with a man who’s very troubled. She’s got her work cut out, but David just writes it so economically! There’s no extraneous stuff…it’s almost as much that’s not said is as important as what is.
And is being in a part which doesn’t have to be on stage all the time enjoyable? Or does it offer different challenges?
Oh I enjoy it, I mean when you get a bit older like I am, there’s no question about it. Line learning probably takes that wee bit longer, but it’s a strange thing if something is really well written like this, then the lines go in much more easily. I think every actor would say that. It starts to come out of your mouth as if it’s your own words, not from a script. It’s all down to the good writing.
But no, I don’t mind it not being a huge part, because she’s very important, as are all the characters to the story. I don’t feel as if oh God, I’m not on for another six pages! I feel an integral part of the whole.
Fantastic, and how wonderful for this to be the Scottish premiere of the play. It’s almost surprising given how closely linked Scots and Irish theatre often seem.
It is a little surprising. I daresay folks will have wanted to do it before, but perhaps it’s something to do with the rights. It’s absolutely fantastic that Andy Arnold (the Director) got them and that it’s going to happen in Glasgow. I think that’s absolutely perfect.
For sure, it seems precisely where it should touch down in Scotland…
There’s great anticipation about it, great excitement. I haven’t worked in Glasgow for years and years, aside from touring with the Rep, but I’ve not played a resident role here for years. It’s just lovely to be here, doing this play.
I’m a Dundee lad myself, man and boy, and first discovered theatre through the Rep where I’ve seen you many a time in the years before I moved to Edinburgh.
I’ve been in Dundee for 23 years now. Unbelievable. Dundee has become our home, though my son and daughter-in-law and little grandson are in Glasgow. I haven’t had the chance to see them yet! I’ve been so busy, but this weekend I’ll see them so that’ll be fabulous.
I always rave about the Rep to anyone who’ll listen. We’re very lucky to have it, the ensemble and all the work it does!
It’s been amazing to be so long with it. The ensemble is not as big as it was, obviously, but we’ve managed to keep working and it’s kept going. I really can’t believe it’s 23 years.
Time flies when you’re having fun!
It certainly does.
Coming back to Cypruss Avenue, how has it been getting to know the cast. I imagine some may be old friends or acquaintances?
Well…David Hayman and I were in drama school together…so I think you could call that an immediate contact. I have worked with David, though not as actors. He’s directed me in a few things, in film and on stage. Other than him I didn’t know the others at all, but they’re absolutely delightful. Let’s face it, our profession is strange, you often find your getting together with a new group, coming into rooms pretending to be somebody else all day. Maybe you go for a talk over a drink or then you go your separate ways, but this young cast are very young, and enthusiastic and lovely.
Andy is a joy of a man, and director to work with. He’s great, so we’re a happy bunch!
The play itself, has it surprised you since you were signed up?
Well, you know, it’s when you hear David’s writing off the page and tripping off tongues. I’m constantly amazed at how alive it is, and how clever. You get a lot from reading a script at home on your own, but it’s not until the other elements come into it and the other voices come into it that you fully appreciate it.
It’s funny. I was watching a bit yesterday between Shaun Blaney and David and I was laughing my head off, even though I’d heard it before. It’s dark, very dark, but so funny and they were just doing it brilliantly. It’s one of those pieces you don’t get tired of because it’s so well written. There are new discoveries every time we rehearse it.
I suppose it really has to be well written when it delves into such sensitive subject matter…
Exactly. Because you’ll be found out if it’s not. David Ireland himself comes from Belfast, so he knows what he’s talking about. He’s an incredibly bright man. I feel quite privileged to be doing it the first time it’s been done in Scotland, I hope I do it justice.
I think it’s going to be one of the theatrical events of the year, even though we’re only touching Spring.
Yes, I think you’re probably right! I’m really, really happy and pleased to be here. I don’t want to bang on but I’m getting on a bit, and it’s great to still find parts I’m around the right age for. I’m not playing an old decrepit granny or a fat policeman for that matter!
For sure! If theatre is to claim it’s progressing, and learning with time, then we do need to make more space for women outside of the first flush of youth. In the real world people aren’t taking to their rocking chairs at 51!
Absolutely. That’s for sure. As long as I can walk and talk at the same time, if I can and remember my lines, then I can do it.
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