Interview with Lucy Richardson

Cockahoop Theatre Co-Director and ‘The Guest’ Director and Dramaturg

Tell us about Cockahoop Theatre?

Cockahoop Theater is writer/actress Stephanie Jacob and director/dramaturg Lucy Richardson. Both of us have been working in theatre for many years, and together as Cockahoop since 2011. We recognize our lives are contradictory, tough, joyful, funny, and always individual. We tell stories using poetic language and striking, unusual imagery to reimagine the society we live in now. We want audiences and ourselves to wonder whether we can live better. Our work is always funny, joyful and questioning. 

Can you tell us a bit about the play and why you chose to direct it?

The Guest is an idea which Steph (the writer) and I have been developing for some time. We are interested in why we, as a society, are so hostile to migrants who are often seeking refuge from untenable situations in their homeland. Although there is only one Guest in the play we hope she represents the many and varied experiences of migrants and honours the different actions they might take in order to survive. The play appears to be about small interactions between ordinary people but actually holds a complicated discourse about important social and political issues. It is funny, moving and thought provoking. 

What was the biggest challenge in directing this play? 

There are two big challenges which the play brings. Firstly, it is set in the near future when climate change is impacting the world and making it more difficult to live. Our set, sound and lights have had to show that. Secondly, The play has a wonderful repeating structure which is very theatrical – but has been challenging to make clear. If it works it will provoke the audience to thought and challenge them to wonder how they might behave in this situation. As well as, we hope, being entertaining. 

What was your vision for this production, and how did you bring it to life?

Firstly we talked a lot. Then we workshopped with some charities who support migrants: we explored their response to the themes and workshopped extracts for the play. Their responses were invaluable. Then we explored the play with some actors to try to find the style.  

In rehearsal we have been talking about myths and fairytales. The set is magical and the characters are based on archetypes. However their feelings and relationships are truthful. We’ve enjoyed trying to make the characters naive and playful -as if seeing everything for the first time. 

Can you share a moment in rehearsals that was particularly exciting or unexpected?

I have most enjoyed the way in which the actors have explored the characters physicality. At the start of the play the character who is a refugee has recently arrived here and has little language or confidence in the culture. As the play progresses she learns the language and finds her confidence – her sense of self. I have loved watching how Erica who plays this character has found body language and voice to represent this change. Steph and Graham, the actors playing the couple have a wonderful dynamic between them and they continually invent new ways of teasing each other and loving each other. 

Is there a favourite place, fact or experience you have of Clapham?                                                                                                                 

We love the Omnibus Theatre. We have performed and run workshops  there several times before. It has such a special atmosphere – something to do with it having been a library I think. The staff are all very welcoming and encourage people who don’t usually go to the theatre to feel at home. It’s a lovely place.