Tessa Bell-Briggs stars in VISITORS the major new UK revival of Barney Norris’ award-winning play that will run at The Watermill Theatre Friday 31 March until Saturday 22 April.
Tessa Bell-Briggs, whose extensive stage credits include Steaming (Harold Pinter Theatre); Situation Comedy (The Ambassadors Theatre); The Daughter-in-Law (Arcola Theatre);; The Outsider and As Good a Time as Any (The Print Room at the Coronet), and whose screen credits include This Way Up and Skins (Channel 4); The Brittas Empire (BBC), Poirot: The Third Girl (Granada), will play ‘Edie’
VISITORS will be directed by Barney Norris, with design from Good Teeth (a theatre design studio founded by James Perkins and Victoria Smart, Associate Artists at the Lyric Hammersmith), with lighting design by James Whiteside and with sound design and composition from Anna Clock. The stage management team are Caitlin Ravenscroft (DSM), Gracie Adlington (ASM) and Natalie Toney (ASM). More information can be found here.
You’re starring in Visitors at the Watermill Theatre, how would you describe the play?
A family doing their best to hold themselves together in adversity, and people from different worlds colliding and learning from each other.
What was it about Barney Norris’ script that made you want to be part of this production?
When I first read Barney Norris’ script, I was struck by the beauty of the writing. It’s poetry and rhythms and it’s humanity, compassion and wit while dealing with the devastating themes of dementia and old age. I did not hesitate when offered the role of Edie. It is extremely exciting to be part of this production with Barney directing his own work and close to the area that the play is set.
You’re playing Edie, what do you love about this character?
Her warmth, courage and bravery while facing her devastating diagnosis of dementia. I respect her humanity and stoicism. Most of all I love her wit and sense of humour which stays with her as long as it can.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge for you in this role?
I feel it is an honour to be given the chance to represent women like Edie – to tell their stories – so my greatest challenge will be to do this to the best of my ability.
What are you looking forward to most about working at The Watermill Theatre?
I really look forward to playing in the Watermill Theatre and experience its famous intimacy.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Visitors?
Visitors is about sharing times with the ones we love, and we hope the story will help people think about their own lives and families.
