Nicola Sloane stars in a brand-new production of John Godber’s September in the Rain which opens ahead of the previously announced The Lemon Table in Wiltshire Creative’s Autumn season, directed by Gareth Machin.
September in the Rain opens on 17 September, with previews from 16 September, and runs until 9 October.
Full listings and ticket information can be found here.
You’re starring in September in the Rain, what can you tell us about it?
It’s a wonderfully nostalgic, touching, and funny play, following the holiday reminiscences of a couple, over the years 1952-1984 in Blackpool.
What was it about John Godber’s script that excites you most?
The entire piece is a gem, which allows you to run a gamut of emotions from anger, love, humour, and delight. I was thrilled by the idea at being onstage the whole time with just one other actor. I love the truth of the piece- Liz and Jack are real and you care about them.
Tell us more about your character?
Liz is a somewhat nervy lady, but still has that Northern grit which means she’ll give as good as she gets in an argument. Unwittingly funny, she’s a loving soul who yearns for more affection from her undemonstrative husband, and so often feels neglected.
It’s set in the 1950’s, how are you preparing for the role?
I love reading books on social history, so have a good basic knowledge of the period. Also there are TV shows such as Grantchester and Call the Midwife, so these are great to watch for specific details. And we have old photos pinned round the rehearsal room too, which help. It’s about remembering that these were less complicated times without the barrage of TV, and not long after World War 2, so Britain was just trying to recover from that.
How have rehearsals been going?
Rehearsals are going really well. Exhausting as neither of us leave the stage, so get no respite.
We’d both done a lot of prep beforehand, so arrived with a lot of the script learnt. Now it’s down to refining, listening to each other and getting it firmly embedded in our muscle memories.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see September in the Rain?
Be prepared to laugh, shed a gentle tear and enjoy a trip down memory lane. This will appeal to all. Youngsters will look on it as a piece of history, and the older generation will enjoy the nostalgia of this ‘romantic’ comedy!
