Agatha Christie’s new criminal record continues to arrest audiences through its reimagined London revival, currently playing on its 6th year. Guillermo Nazara chats with the show’s lead actress, performing in the role of Christine Vole, to learn the most interesting facts about West End’s most courteous show.
How does it feel to be starring in one of the most acclaimed shows in London?
It’s such a brilliant show to be a part of. It’s such an immersive experience for the audience. I love doing period pieces, but everything that’s been explored nowadays is incredibly current. This piece, because of the setting, is so immediate for the audience – and they all seem to be taken on a journey with it. Each night, their reactions are so audible that you can really feel it. That makes every night so exciting.
Would you say that such immersiveness also influences your performance in some way?
A hundred per cent. Of course, the audience’s energy always has an effect of you. But this one is so different, because they really feel they are a part of it. So you’re totally affected by it. There’s some nights where they are really listening. Some others, they are more vocal. We can’t help but reacting to that without meaning to. The viewers are so close to you and they also give the verdict. So they become another character in the production, much more than in others shows where I’ve worked in.
Going further into your character, what’s been the process to build your own version of a role that’s been played so many times and so iconically?
When I first got the job, I was a bit worried that everyone would have to fit into this role that the previous casts had created during the show’s 6-year run. Luckily, the director gave me creative license to make her my own. I didn’t want to play an Agatha Christie 1950s archetype. I wanted to create a person that everyone recognizes. I worked a lot on her background: why she is like that and why she reacts in the way she does. I also added some modern references. Whenever I get a part, I always have a page with pictures of people that remind me of the character – and those can be close to my personal life. I wanted to build someone that the audience could believe.
Without any spoilers, there’s lots of layers and deception surrounding this character. How do you manage to construct them and make them believable?
That’s a really good question. I think the biggest challenge is understanding those layers. She’s very complex. I try to do that right before the performance. I need to internalize all that she has prepared, do all that work in the rehearsal room, and create all of that background that determines the way she interacts. The good thing about such a complex character is that you can show that onstage. To me, she’s smart but also wild, like an instinctive cat or snake that’s always on alert. But at the same, time she’s fun and playful. It’s also hard, though, because she doesn’t care to be liked – and you need to be bold enough to manage it. You can feel it from the audience. Everyone is having fun until she comes. And you have to feed from that uncomfortable feeling that she gives.
Have you had any bloopers that you would like to share?
I would say every night! What I love about it is that we take it so seriously. But that doesn’t prevent mistakes from being hilarious when those happen! Sometimes you do the show so many times, and you know it so well… that sometimes you forget it! It happened to one of the actors, who forgot his own name! We kept it together, but it was hard to! In my case, this is my first show performing in high heels. It took me months to stop walking into pieces of the furniture! It was very frustrating, because it’s like undoing all of your previous work. But I think I’ve got better now!
Why do you think a 1950s piece is still so popular nowadays?
Great question! I think it still speaks to many people for many different reasons. On the one hand, it’s a very appealing whodunnit. The plot is fantastic! Nobody can predict the ending. Agatha Christie allows you think that you’ve got, and right at the end she pulls the rug from under your feet. But at the same time, I think what makes her the best-selling whodunnit writer is because it’s not just that. It’s much deeper. It explores really interesting and important themes. This show explores passion, betrayal, prejudice and xenophobia. It’s a magnifying glass on the establishment in our country, and whom we put trust on. It’s on two levels: it’s fun and entertaining, but also deep and current.
If you had to give me one single reason to come see this show, which one would it be?
That’s so hard! But I’ll say that I don’t know any other production that can give you such an immersive experience. Audiences are so present and so close like no other show in the West End. You will feel as if you’ve truly been taken on that journey with us.
Witness for the Prosecution plays at the London County Hall from Tuesday to Sunday. Tickets are available on the following link.