Jack Wolfe stars in Rose Theatre Kingston’s festive new version of the Hans Christian Andersen classic The Snow Queen written by Ciaran McConville, who returns to the theatre following last year’s successful adaptation of Hansel & Gretel.
McConville directs a cast of local young actors from Rose Youth Theatre led by a team of professional actors.
The Snow Queen opens at Rose Theatre Kingston on 13 December 2019, with previews from 6 December, and runs until 5 January 2020.
You’re starring in The Snow Queen at Rose Theatre Kingston, what can you tell us about the show?
For me, at its core the show is a celebration of friendship and the way we allow “power” to affect the people we become- in both positive and negative ways. It’s also an epic adventure with original music, magic and a pirate ship!
What do you like most about your character?
Kai is overwhelmingly optimistic and has a real sense of responsibility. We meet his family in what could be quite a vulnerable state, but when necessary Kai is able to tell a good joke and be a good friend. I believe it’s his innate trust and idealism that leads him through his adventure into quite an unfortunate place.
What’s been the biggest thing you’ve learned from director Ciaran McConville?
This process has been incredibly exciting to get to grips with. On our arrival on the first day of rehearsals we were greeted by 45 members of the young company who already knew all of their lines and were pretty much ready to go! Ciaran made what could’ve been quite an intimidating process incredibly warm and has this seemingly infinite well of energy which makes rehearsals productive and also really fun! He is able to maintain an incredibly creative space whilst reminding us to remain completely rooted in the practicalities of the craft and keeping us grounded and rooted in the story we are telling.
The professional cast will be joined by local young actors from Rose Youth Theatre, as a young actor yourself how do you think you can inspire them?
At the risk of sounding like a cliché, I’m sure I’m learning far more from the young company than they are from me! I am always completely in awe of their energy, creativity and boldness. In fact, just their passion for what we are creating is enough to keep me inspired day to day. If it wasn’t for my youth theatre as a young actor, I wouldn’t be doing what I am today and I am hugely grateful for having those experiences growing up so it feels really special to be a part of something similar now.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see The Snow Queen?
Be prepared for magic, original music and a really exciting adaptation of a well-known story. Come ready for surprises and don’t laugh too much if I trip over.
Main Image Credit: Jack Wolfe in Rehearsal c. Ewa Ferdynus
