Meet The Cast: Challenges & Expectations
This week, our new cast took over the stage at The Gielgud Theatre with some returning familiar faces and many new members to the Curious Incident family. Last week, we caught up with our new Christopher, Joseph Ayre in an exclusive interview. Today, we’re catching up with some of the rest of the cast to find out what they’re most looking forward to and what challenges they think they will face.
What are you most looking forward to about being part of The Curious Incident?
David Nellist (Reverend Peters) – Building a team, making new connections and telling a great story.
Gemma Knight Jones (Ensemble) – I’m really looking forward to being a part of something new, having come straight from being in my past show for 3 years straight. I am also looking forward to working for the National Theatre, as this is my first job under them.
Jacqueline Clark (Mrs Alexander) – Another year with a fun, supportive group of actors who love and are committed to doing the very best for this wonderful production & creative team.
Jo Castleton (Siobhan) – Being part of an extraordinary show and telling Christopher’s story in such a unique way.
Penelope McGhie (Ensemble) – Continuing in this highly unusual piece of theatre, a real mix of physical, technical and emotional complexity. It’s always a privilege to perform and enjoy the audience’s responses, they love it and are so generous.
Philip Stewart (Ensemble) – Getting super fit!
Ross Waiton (Mr Shears) – Everything! All the creativity and all the practical benefits of working on such a great thing so close to home.
Sarah Stanley (Judy) – I love being in a show with an amazing soundtrack! It’s so exciting! I think it comes from being a musician, and the ensemble vibe is great. We already feel like a really tight team. I love the support and democracy that being part of an ensemble gives you.
Thomas Dennis (Alternate Christopher) – I am really looking forward to the physical challenge in rehearsals and the shows of Curious. After week 1 we had already been flying, doing back flips off the walls and walking along the walls. It’s so surreal to be doing these amazing things during a normal working day.
What do you think the most challenging thing about your role will be?
David Nellist (Reverend Peters) – The focus to perform so many shows over the year and keep it always fresh.
Gemma Knight Jones (Ensemble) – The physical side of things will most definitely be a big challenge. This is also my first straight play so I think the whole rehearsal process will be a new and different challenge.
Jacqueline Clark (Mrs Alexander) – Keeping my scenes “Fresh” and interacting with different Christopher’s. Keeping myself physically fit to do the physical requirements of the play.
Jo Castleton (Siobhan) – To keep the excitement of reading Christopher’s book for the first time every night.
Penelope McGhie (Ensemble) – It’s my 3rd year with the show, so compartmentalising 3 very different roles and being ready to go on and play any of them anytime!
Philip Stewart (Ensemble) – Keeping the incidental bits very accurate.
Ross Waiton (Mr Shears) – To find things to like about my character!
Sarah Stanley (Judy) – The general level of fitness needed for the show.
Thomas Dennis (Alternate Christopher) – I feel that the joy of playing Christopher lies within his excitement and determination in trying to solve the mystery of who killed Wellington. The investigation opens up a lot of new territory for him and I feel the challenge with the role will be catching each moment and every specific thought he has, which are so fundamental to capturing who Christopher is. Although it is a challenge, I feel it is the thrill of playing the role and I can’t wait to dive in and find my Christopher.
