Belinda Lang directs Lucy Kirkwood’s The Children, opening at Salisbury Playhouse, starring Christine Kavanagh (Rose), Joanne Pearce (Hazel) and Brian Protheroe (Robin).
Belinda Lang is an actor and director. Her directing credits include Present Laughter, The Reluctant Debutante (UK tours) and This Was a Man (Finborough Theatre). Her television credits include 2 Point 4 Children, The Inspector Alleyn Mysteries, Justice in Wonderland, Second Thoughts, Dear John and To Serve Them All My Days.
The production opens at Salisbury Playhouse on 8 April 2022, with previews from 7 April and runs until 23 April.
You’re directing The Children at Salisbury Playhouse, what can you tell us about the play?
Two retired nuclear physicists are living in temporary accommodation on the South East coast, having had their house flooded by a tsunami that has also caused a dangerous accident at the plant they used to work in. A colleague that they haven’t seen for many years arrives unexpectedly and makes a challenging request to them.
What first attracted you to Lucy Kirkwood’s play?
I was immediately gripped by the writing. It is witty and lively and captures the imagination.
What would you say has been your biggest challenge as a director with this play?
The subject matter is both domestic and universal and the dialogue is fast paced and densely packed with insights and information. Keeping it natural, whilst orchestrating it very specifically is a challenge for the actors and the director.
Do you think the play feels even more relevant today and has that affected your approach to directing it?
The play is relatively new and its themes were relevant at the time of writing and remain increasingly relevant today. It feels timeless in some ways, as the questions it asks are about our responsibility to each other and to future generations.
What has impressed you most about the cast so far?
The cast have a huge job of concentration and precision and have come to rehearsals incredibly well prepared. It’s a very hard piece to learn, as it is full of overlapping dialogue and very little time to take a pause.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see The Children?
If you want to see a masterclass in modern playwriting, a serious play that dares to be funny, then you won’t be disappointed. It’s a pleasure to be entertained and amused in such an intelligent way.
