If you go down to the Tron today…you’ll find the Scottish Premiere of Caryl Churchill’s Escaped Alone on stage. A Scottish Premiere and a rare showing for the esteemed playwright north of Hadrian’s Wall, the play follows an afternoon of friendly chat between three old friends…suffice to say matters diverge from the friendly before long. The Observer described the play’s opening at the Royal Court as ‘Revolutionary’.
Requiring a cast of four women of older years, Escaped Alone also defies an industry norm which all too often defaults to the nigh-pubescent. I was lucky enough to put a few questions to the wonderful Joanna Tope, who joins Blythe Duff, Anne Kidd, and Irene Macdougall, on stage under the deft hand of Tron Associate Director Joanna Bowman.
Joanna, I’ll start by asking how you became aware of this production of Escaped Alone, and your initial reaction
I first became aware when my agent asked me to meet Joanna Bowman. I read the play and my first reaction was whaaat! It’s such an experience to read because of the lack of full sentences and lack of punctuation.
I then did some research on the Royal Court Production, where it was first written in 2016. I had a delightful meeting with Jo, where we just had a general chat about theatre and my past work. Following that I was offered the part of Sally. I was very excited but was concerned about the level of the challenge and so I asked for 24 hours to think about it and awaited some kind of sign. Then that night whilst in bed reading my book something happened that never usually happens – a cat meowed outside the window, and I went “that’s my sign” and I accepted it. Just coincidentally, I have a friend in NYC who is also playing Sally in a production over there at the same time.
“I read the play and my first reaction was whaaat!”
Churchill counts among the great modern playwrights, can you think of any reason why she should be less staged north of Hadrian’s Wall?
Don’t ask me, ask the theatre directors of Scotland! Her themes are universal and done frequently in Europe and the States. I‘m delighted to be part of the first full professional production in Scotland. There was a highly successful rehearsed reading done at the Lyceum and there has also been an amateur production.
Few plays are so centred on the lives and experiences of older women, how does your experience with this cast and crew compare to other work you’ve done?
It’s a joy to work with this cast and crew.
My approach to this show is no different to how I would prepare for any show, but this particular atmosphere is special. Each play has its own atmosphere and experience depending on the personalities involved. All I can I say is that I’m loving this period of rehearsal and looking forward to playing it in front of an audience.
What do you make of your character in the play?
I am loving discovering Sally. She has this deep phobia of cats which must make her life very difficult. Especially as there’s a cat next door. It is also her work as a GP which informs her attitude. Her grandchildren are obviously the love of her life, she has a deep affection for her friends (especially Vi) and we discover why… no spoilers!
You’ve had, and continue to have a rich, varied, and successful career in the performing arts. Does variety prove the spice of life for you?
Variety, absolutely! I have been very fortunate and it’s especially very poignant this week with the funeral of Philip Hedley, who was the Director of Lincoln Theatre Royal, from whom I learnt so much. Those were the days of fortnightly Rep, doing everything from “Chicken Soup with Barley” to “Romeo and Juliet”. We did a vast library of plays, with lunchtime shows on a Thursday, late night shows on a Friday and in the pubs on Sunday with music hall – it was 24/7. I played a huge list of parts over a couple of years.
Is there a part or parts still on your ‘must-do’ list?
I have been so lucky. I’m past being able to play Rosiland for instance, there are no “must-dos” only wonderful memories of have-dones!
Looking at the performing arts world today, would you still recommend the actor’s life to someone thinking of it as a career?
Acting as a career has always been treacherous, with too many people for now even fewer jobs BUT life is about no regrets. If you feel you need to do it, above all else, go for it.
Our daughter Maggie Service is a case in point! She saw the heartache of rejection in my career but still forged her own path.
“… there are no “must-dos” only wonderful memories of have-dones!”
What do you think will be the catalyst or secret to a great performance of Escaped Alone?
There’s no secret to a great performance, all we can do is tell the story of this remarkable play in the way we have discovered and uncovered in our work with our director, Joanna Bowman, who is remarkable by the way. The catalyst will be the audience for each performance, with its special DNA, which we will all experience together.
Featured Image: Mihaela Bodlovic/Jamhot
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