• Review For Us
    • In London or across the UK
    • at Edinburgh Fringe
  • List Your Show
  • Advertising
  • Musicals
  • Plays
  • Ballet & Dance
  • Previews
  • First Look
Theatre Weekly
  • Home
  • News
    • West End
    • Off-West End
    • Regional & Tours
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Digital Theatre
  • Tickets
    • Discounts
    • Musicals
    • Plays
    • Opera
    • Dance
    • Concerts
  • Edinburgh Fringe 2025
    • Edinburgh Fringe News
    • Edinburgh Fringe Previews
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer
No Result
View All Result
Theatre Weekly
  • Home
  • News
    • West End
    • Off-West End
    • Regional & Tours
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Digital Theatre
  • Tickets
    • Discounts
    • Musicals
    • Plays
    • Opera
    • Dance
    • Concerts
  • Edinburgh Fringe 2025
    • Edinburgh Fringe News
    • Edinburgh Fringe Previews
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer
No Result
View All Result
Theatre Weekly
No Result
View All Result
Home Interviews

Interview: Catherine Russell on Alan Bennett’s Habeas Corpus at Menier Chocolate Factory

“It’s extremely funny and really quite bonkers. It will take the audience on a whirlwind of delightful silliness, although it does have a dark underbelly which I find most pleasing”

by Greg Stewart
December 2, 2021
Reading Time: 2 mins read
Catherine Russell

Catherine Russell

Catherine Russell plays Muriel Wicksteed in Menier Chocolate Factory‘s production of Alan Bennett’s Habeas Corpus.

Patrick Marber’s production opens on 13 December, with previews from 3 December, running until 27 February 2022.

You’re appearing in Habeas Corpus at The Menier Chocolate Factory, what can you tell us about the play?

It’s extremely funny and really quite bonkers. It will take the audience on a whirlwind of delightful silliness, although it does have a dark underbelly which I find most pleasing.

       

Is Habeas Corpus what you would describe as a ‘typical’ Alan Bennett play, or does it hold some surprises?

I’m not sure what a “typical” Bennett play is. But this is a fast and furious farce. With some deliciously surreal moments.

Tell us a little about your character, what do you enjoy most about Muriel Wicksteed?

I play Muriel Wicksteed, an upwardly aspiring, sexually forgotten wife of a doctor from Hove. She’s rather sad and lonely at the beginning of the play but a stranger inadvertently uncovers her hidden depths.

You mightalso like

Jess Edwards credit Madeleine Penfold

Interview: Jess Edwards on Elephant at Menier Chocolate Factory

Anoushka Lucas in Elephant credit Manuel Harlan

Review: Elephant at Menier Chocolate Factory

With such a riotous comedy in store, how have you all been holding it together in rehearsals?

We haven’t. But best to get the hooting over and done with in the rehearsal room as playing a comedy is a very serious business once it hits the stage.

How does it feel to be working at The Menier Chocolate Factory?

I’ve always admired the work produced here so I am immensely pleased and proud to be joining The Factory family. (Having the beautiful Borough Market on the doorstep doesn’t hurt…)

What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see Habeas Corpus?

Don’t think – do! Especially if you feel in the need for a belly laugh or ten. And after these last two years I think that’s probably all of us.

Greg Stewart

Greg Stewart

Greg is an award-winning writer with a huge passion for theatre. He has appeared on stage, as well as having directed several plays in his native Scotland. Greg is the founder and editor of Theatre Weekly

Related Articles

Jess Edwards credit Madeleine Penfold
Interviews

Interview: Jess Edwards on Elephant at Menier Chocolate Factory

Anoushka Lucas in Elephant credit Manuel Harlan
Reviews

Review: Elephant at Menier Chocolate Factory

Trevor Ashley in Liza Typsy image supplied by publicist
Interviews

Interview: Trevor Ashley on LIZA in TYPSY! at the Menier Chocolate Factory

Credit Sergei Sarakhanov
News

Anoushka Lucas’ Award-Winning Elephant to Run at Menier Chocolate Factory

Comments 2

  1. Pingback: First Look: Habeas Corpus at Menier Chocolate Factory - Theatre Weekly
  2. Pingback: Review: Habeas Corpus at Menier Chocolate Factory - Theatre Weekly

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Twitter Facebook Youtube Instagram

At Theatre Weekly we give theatre a new audience. You'll find our theatre news, theatre reviews and theatre interviews are written from an audience point of view. Our great value London theatre tickets will get you the best deal for your theatre tickets.
Theatre Weekly, 124 City Road, London EC1V 2NX
  • Join Our Community
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
  • Advertising

Recent News

Secret Cinema Grease image supplied by publicist

Grease: The Immersive Movie Musical Announces Full Cast Ahead of Summer Run at Battersea Park

The Company of Titanique with Pride in London with Ian 'H' Watkins and Lesley Joseph (Credit Stephanie Claire Photography)

Titanique Celebrates Pride in London with Gala Performance and Fundraising Week

© 2022 Theatre Weekly

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Tickets
  • Digital Theatre
  • News
    • News
    • West End
    • Off West End
    • Regional & Tours
    • Digital
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
  • Edinburgh Fringe 2025
    • Edinburgh Fringe News
    • Edinburgh Fringe Previews
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer

© 2022 Theatre Weekly