James Doherty plays Dennis alongside Caroline Faber (Maud), and Alice Sykes (Cynthia) in the world premiere of Annie Jenkins In Lipstick, which opens at Pleasance, Islington on 11 January, with previews from 9 January, and runs until 26 January.
You’re appearing in In Lipstick at Pleasance what can you tell us about it?
It’s a really exciting new writing debut from Annie Jenkins. It’s a three hander about fractured lives, about escaping from the hum drum, about three people trying to find a better place for themselves. Sex, lies and damage. Not very ‘Christmassey’… That’s why we’ve waited until January to open!
How would you describe your character?
Dennis is a Security Guard with a dark past. He’s trapped by this past and is desperate to better himself… To find someone who believes in him, to believe that he can do something right. He’s also a compulsive Arsenal Fan… The Pleasance is a perfect venue!
What do you like most about Annie Jenkin’s writing?
I’m always interested in working on new writing. Annie’s script is real, beautiful and yet brutal. To call it a dark comedy would be right, but it works on so many more levels than that… It’s very layered. Annie’s been in the rehearsal room every day. Really useful when you can just ask the writer what they mean by a certain line… Saves hours of theatrical pontification!
How do you think having an all-female creative team will help you develop your character?
I’ve worked with Alice Hamilton before on Barney Norris’ Eventide in 2015 and was really keen to work with her again. I’ve admired Caroline Faber’s work for a long time now so was over the moon when she was cast. Other than that I hadn’t really noticed it was an all-female team until you asked this question… Although it would explain the lack of queue in the men’s bathroom at rehearsal!
What are you looking forward to most about being at The Pleasance?
I lived in just off Islington Green for 10 years in the 90’s. I always love going back to the area… Such a buzz. It will be good to be back there for a while.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see In Lipstick?
It’s January… Come and support The Pleasance producing some new work! Get yourself out of the house and see some brilliant new writing produced and directed by an award-winning team… I think the tickets are pretty reasonable too 😉
