She’s arguably Britain’s favourite character actress and has a string of awards and nominations from some of the most memorable film, TV, stage and radio productions of the last 60 years, but for an hour or so on Wednesday evening, Alison Steadman gave her full attention to a rapt audience of a hundred or so in Poole.
Invited to appear at Lighthouse as part of its PIPELINE series of events in support of new writing for studio drama, as billed, she delivered a masterclass in telling stories from her own experience as a performer.
“I’ve made a living out of pretending to be someone else, which is very strange when you think about it,” she confided, revealing that the urge to perform started at a young age when she used to entertain her family with impressions of fiery British actor-comedian Hylda Baker.
“No matter how good the cast is and how great the performers are, if you haven’t got a good script you’re nowhere. I can spot a good part on the page, in fact I can usually hear the voice of the character from the words on the page, that’s how I know if it will work.
“It annoys me when actors and directors change words and cut things about – the script didn’t just arrive out of nowhere, it’s something the writer has worked on and perfected so we should honour that.”
Answering questions from the floor, many about the connection between writing and performing, she spoke at some length about Gavin and Stacey, Abigail’s Party, Shirley Valentine and, of course, Nuts In May, the BBC’s landmark 1976 Play For Today written and directed by Mike Leigh and filmed in Dorset at Corfe Castle, Acton, Stair Hole and Lulworth Cove.
Writer Ed Viney, whose chaired the event, said: “We’re very lucky having a venue like Lighthouse that is committed to presenting studio drama.”
PIPELINE continues at Lighthouse on Tuesdays 17 March, 21 April and 20 May.
Ed Viney’s play Stolen Ram, the sequel to his earlier drama Pot licker, premieres in the Sherling Studio at Lighthouse on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 March. Tickets available now at https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/event/stolen-ram/ and on 01202 280000.
(NC)
All photos: Jayne Jackson Photography
all images: Jayne Jackson Photography
