Samuel Ranger and Conor Cook have just received an Off West End nomination each in the Male Performance In A Play category and Heather Simpkin, the writer of Locked Up, has received an Offie nomination for Most Promising New Playwright.
‘Locked Up’ is described as “dark, wryly humorous and scarily relevant”. It sounds intriguing. Tell us more about the play and your character.
Locked Up is a two-hander that was inspired by the thought of what would have happened to Edward Snowden if he was caught taking information from the CIA. Although totally fictional, two young men find themselves in a locked room contemplating why they are there and how can they can pass the time. I play Declan who appears in a suffocating cell and I’m later joined by Topher (Conor Cook). Declan questions who has put him there and why he has been joined by Topher.
What appeals to you most about ‘Locked Up’ by Heather Simpkin?
It’s an intriguing exploration into human interaction taking place under high levels of stress and incarceration. I am very interested in how relationships are formed in these adverse situations. Although very tense it also manages to make you laugh.
‘Locked Up’ ran as a workshop production last year. Tell us what you like most about the workshop process.
Workshopping gives you the opportunity to be in a room with creative people and pass ideas around freely. It’s wonderful to hear everyone’s thoughts on the play and delve into who these characters really are.
What is your favourite role to date?
I played Phillip in the TV show Dropperz on ITV 2. He was a socially awkward teenager who had been roped in to film his cousin’s music video. It was great to work with some very talented people on set with the aim of creating something to make people laugh.
Stage or screen?
This is very difficult, but I would have to say Stage edges it. The live reaction from the audience gives the performance an exciting edge which I love. There is something magical when the lights dim before a live performance for both actors and audiences alike.
What role would you most like to play?
One day I would love to play Astrov in ‘Uncle Vanya’. His eccentricity and the way he questions life would be fascinating to explore. The way Chekhov manages to combine his philosophy on the world with his characters’ relationships is beautiful.
What will audiences like most about ‘Locked Up’?
It is a very important look at how people behave when they find themselves in impossibly difficult, stressful situations and explores the potential consequences that whistleblowers face when sharing information with the public. It’s very current.
Tell everyone why they should they see ‘Locked Up’?
It’s very sharp, dark, humorous and thought-provoking with twists and turns that you won’t see coming. It’s an hour long, so there’s also plenty of time for dinner in Covent Garden afterwards.
Locked Up runs until 28th July at the Tristan Bates Theatre. Tickets can be purchased online from the box office.
