Fraser James will take on the role of Coach as Orange Tree Theatre hosts the UK premiere of Lucas Hnath’s Red Speedo, directed by Matthew Dunster.
The play, which explores the high-stakes world of competitive swimming and the moral dilemmas surrounding performance-enhancing drugs, features a stellar cast including Finn Cole, Fraser James, Parker Lapaine, and Ciarán Owens.
Red Speedo opens on 18 July, with previews starting from 13 July, and runs until 10 August. Tickets are available now on the Orange Tree Theatre website.
You’re appearing in Red Speedo at Orange Tree Theatre; what can you tell us about the show?
The show is a fast-paced rollercoaster ride into the World of drug doping in Olympic athletes, the morals surrounding it, and how capitalism plays its role in covering it up.
What drew you to the role of Coach in Red Speedo?
To be honest what drew me to the role of Coach was another chance to work with my favourite theatre director Matthew Dunster. Red Speedo will mark the 7th time Matthew and I have worked together. One of the things I love most about working with Matthew is that he knows what parts I love to play. Coach is another one of those strong roles and I’m looking forward to getting to grips with him.
How did you prepare for the physical and emotional demands of this role?
We do circuit training and yoga every morning prior to rehearsals. I love that because the circuit training gives good working energy to the room and the yoga is great value for stretching out but also getting your mind ready to step into the shoes of the character you’re playing.
Can you share any insights into the dynamics between your character and the other characters in the play?
Coach has a love-hate relationship with the characters in the play. He loves his pupil Ray but Peter, Ray’s brother/lawyer and agent is a roadblock in the coach’s path to producing an Olympic-worthy athlete.
What has it been like working with director Matthew Dunster and the rest of the cast?
As I mentioned earlier, this will be my 7th time working with Matthew on a play and although the last play we did together was 9 years ago, it’s a very comfortable and most importantly trusting relationship. He’s one of the best theatre directors out there and it’s an absolute pleasure being in a room with him and along with a small but great company, creating something marvellous for our audience.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Red Speedo?
Brace! Brace! Brace for impact! It’s a thrilling ride, at a fast pace with characters talking in the way that we as human beings talk. That’s what I think the writer Lucan Hnath has observed so well. His attention to detail in his writing, capturing the way we engage with each other is quite something to witness in person. I think they will love it.
