Interview: Emily McGlynn on Cassie and the Lights at Southwark Playhouse

Emily McGlynn stars in Cassie and the Lights which is playing at Southwark Playhouse Borough this spring.

Alex Howarth directs Alex Brain (Cassie), Helen Chong (Tin), Emily McGlynn (Kit), and Martha Walker (Swing), with voiceovers by Bethany Antonia (Jasmine), Louisa Harland (Alice), Oli Higginson (Mark) Wendi Peters (Teacher) and John Thomson (Lawyer)

Following critically acclaimed runs in New York and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, this play created and directed by Alex Howarth features live music and is based on real-life events and interviews with children in care.

Cassie and the Lights opens at Southwark Playhouse Borough, in the Little Auditorium, on 5 April, with previews from 3 April and runs until 20 April 2024.

You’re appearing in Cassie and the Lights at Southwark Playhouse, what can you tell us about the show?

The show is about 3 sisters trying to figure out what family really means, and what is important when their life gets turned on its head. It’s a fun and moving show that will tug on your heart strings and gives a voice to the care-experienced.

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What was it about Alex Howarth’s script  that made you want to be part of the production?

It’s funny and moving in equal measure, and as a Northern actor I have loved the opportunity to play a role written with an authentic Northern voice. It’s also been so much fun playing a seven year old with no filter, even if I do have to eat an ice-cream onstage every night!

It’s based on real events and interviews with children in care, how does that affect you telling the story as an actor? 

As an actor, there is a responsibility for us to tell this story honestly and with respect, as it’s a true situation for so many people out there. It’s such a privilege to tell this real life story every night, and we’ve been lucky enough to hear from care-experienced people who have seen the show who have expressed that they’ve felt represented, which is hugely fulfilling, and such a motivation to do our best work every night.

You’re playing Kit, tell us a little about the character and what you love about the role? 

Kit is a wonderful little ball of energy. She is 7, so lots of things that happen during the play go over her head. It’s just wonderful getting to play her, as the innocence and humour she brings is so moving to the story, and a striking contrast to her sisters.

Cassie and the Lights also features live music, what can you tell us about that? 

It’s so fun as an actor to have a live backing, and to have the musicians on stage to interact with is just wonderful! The Masons have created a wonderful score that really brings the world to life and helps move you in ways you didn’t think you could be.

What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Cassie and the Lights? 

Do it! Take an hour out of your life to come and see our show, let it make you feel all the things and move you to think about these real life situations.