We are just two weeks away from raising the curtain on our October performances of And Then There Were None, and to celebrate the start of the countdown we sat Rob Wilderspin down with Paula Stenson, our amazing director, to ask a few questions and learn more about Paula’s love of theatre.
How did you get into theatre originally?
I always wanted to be an actress and studied Drama, Film and TV at Brunel University.
How did you first get involved in MDS?
A very good friend of mine saw Calendar Girls in Mortimer and told me how wonderful MDS was. I took her word for it and signed up!
What have you done with MDS?
My first show was a brief appearance in a Murder Mystery in 2014 and I went on to performe in 3rd Week In August, Beyond A Joke, Death By Design, Night Must Fall, Keeping Down With The Jones, The Flint Street Nativity and The Sword In The Scone. As a director, I’ve worked on Up Pompeii and Anybody for Murder. I’ve also run many a workshop for MDS members on writing and directing.
What made you want to direct “And Then There Were None”?
I love a murder mystery! This one is so well known, and loved, and Agatha Christie’s plays offer such interesting and well developed characters. My favourite thing to do is work on characterisation and relationships onstage so this play was at the top of my wish list!
What’s the biggest challenge as Director?
I love developing actors. The biggest challenge, and the greatest reward, is helping actors push into their potential, try new approaches and explore new characters.
You’re doing this for free, because?
AmDram offers such creative freedom! We are able to put on shows we enjoy, and make great friendships with like-minded local people of all backgrounds and all ages. We create, we support each other and we laugh, a lot!
What other shows would you like to Direct, or be involved with?
I’d love to take on a horror or a romance, and work with tension onstage.
You can still book your tickets for this amazing show – but be quick as seats are selling fast!!