Simon Darwen plays Rory in Sirens by award-winning playwright Kenny Emson, which launches the Mercury Originals programme showcasing ground-breaking new plays by local writers.
Simon is joined by Jesse Akele (Isla) and Tanya-Lore on Sitetta Dee (Gemma). The production opens at Mercury Theatre on 2 November, with previews from 28 October, and runs until 6 November.
Completing the creative team is Zoe Hurwitz (Co-Designer) Cara Evans (Co-Designer) Kathrine Sandys (Lighting Designer) and Frazer Merrick (Sound Designer).
Rory and Gemma break in to the Mersea Island RNLI station on Halloween in 1987. He wants to run away to London. She wants him to notice that she’s not drinking. Over the course of the next thirty-four years the consequences of that night will tear their lives apart. This haunting new play explores themes of belonging, family ties and forgiveness.
You’re starring in Sirens at Mercury Theatre, what can you tell us about the play?
Sirens is a drama that examines how the lives of three family members are shifted through tragedy. We see three different acts, each separated by 17 years. It’s a brilliantly honest examination of real people in a brutal setting.
What was it about Kenny Emson’s script that appealed to you the most?
I’ve collaborated with Kenny before, and I love his writing. He’s not afraid to show the ugly side of people and often goes to places other writers are afraid to. Sirens is no different and it’s so attractive for an actor. There’s nowhere to hide.
Tell us about your character, Rory, and what do you like most about him?
Rory is a flawed man who has made bad choices in his life. His journey throughout this piece is trying to salvage relationships and make some peace with his life.
The challenge with a part like this is that you embrace his flaws and recognise why he is the way he is. It’s not pretty, but it’s honest.
Rory has a big heart and big plans but seeing him age and how life eats away at him is fascinating.
How has director, Bethany Pitts, helped you develop the character?
Beth has been phenomenal in helping me develop an arc for Rory. We focus a lot on speed and energy in the earlier acts and then developing distance and space as time goes on.
Beth has also got me examining how certain relationships are mirrored throughout and we’ve also been looking at traits in people that may diminish over time but never disappear completely.
It’s a cast of three, how have you been getting to know each other and how have rehearsals been going?
I’m lucky in this to have 2 wonderful actors alongside me. Tanya and Jesse bring so much to the rehearsal process and very much keep me on my toes.
We had a day out to Mersea Island where the play is set last week, and it felt like a real bonding day in which we got to know each other a bit more.
Rehearsals are intense but so enjoyable. I have three totally different acts to explore, and I couldn’t be happier.
What would you say to anyone thinking of coming to see Sirens?
This is a visceral and honest journey about real people. I feel like it may surprise some people in how natural the delivery is.
You will get a very close up view of a family. Almost like a fly on the wall.
