Interview with our Director
Our Newsletter Editor, caught up with Sally-Anne to find out more about the show.
Directing again Sal? Why put yourself through it once more? What and when was your last production?
My last show was the wonderful ‘Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency’ back in 2019. I say ‘wonderful’ – I mean from my perspective, I had a whale of a time and I hope the audience did too. I love comedies and like tend to go for shows that are a little out of the ordinary, which was what led me to ‘5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche’. During lockdown I like many others was longing to get back to normal life and wanted to find a play that would really make audiences laugh once we were all able to get back to normal again, and bring some joy back to what was a pretty dreadful couple of years. I searched online and found this play which had the most wonderful reviews from performing societies and audiences alike. I thought it was perfect for the Kings Langley stage, and it also has great parts for women, something we often struggle with.
Tell us about Evan Linder and Andrew Hopgood.
Evan and Andrew are writer-actor-directors and co-founders of Chicago’s The New Coordinates theatre company. 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche, won Outstanding Production at the 2012 New York International Fringe Festival and has become something of a cult classic in America, which I think will become just as popular over here too.
A strange title, is it a strange play?
I don’t think it’s a strange title or a strange play. This play is a riot! It’s a one-act rollercoaster of fun from start to finish, which is sure to have the audiences roaring with laughter.
So all female cast? Is this a first for The KLP?
I’m pretty sure Steel Magnolias was all female, as was My Mother said I never Should, but it certainly is rare to have an all female cast. It’s also rare to have so many great parts for women. So often we are left with ‘supporting’ roles and competing against each other to get an interesting part, so I was really excited to find something for the women of our society to embrace.
Who Is in your cast and why?
I am lucky enough to have four fantastic actresses with me in this production, and I will be making a rare appearance as an ‘actor-director’ as I will be joining them too. The fabulous Cat Jenkins will be bringing her endless energy to the stage playing Vern, Valerie Gale is bringing all her comic talent to life as Wren. I’m delighted that Amie Bailey, fresh from playing Dorothy in Wizard of Oz with us in December is with us again playing the only British character in the cast, Ginny. And I am happy to say we have a newcomer to the group with Lauren Savage playing Dale. I wanted to find a group of fearless, comic actresses who aren’t afraid to look the audience in the eye and I believe I have found it in them. I did not intend to be in the play myself, but was unable to find a 5th cast member, so with the support of other KLP directors I am now taking the leap. Our ‘guest’ directors will be coming to rehearsals to cast an eye over the show and give us all some impartial direction and guidance, but the overall vision will remain mine.
Who are supporting you behind the scenes, and what sort of set can we expect?
Sue Pickard is supporting me as Stage Manager, Liz Dowling is prompt, Carolyne has promised support with costumes and quiche-making…, Micky is front of house and Ron is on creatives with Set design and Sound and Lighting design.
The play is set in a 1950’s community Centre, so we would have been mad not to embrace what we have already! Our set has been designed to ‘blend’ in with what is currently there and make the audience really feel a part of the production. The audience members are indeed a part of the show as they are included as members of the Susan B Anthony Society for the Sisters of Gertrude Stein attending their annual breakfast. Everyone is given a name badge as they enter, and the cast perform most of the play ‘up close’ to the audience on a raised area on the floor in front of the stage.
Tell us why we should come and see your play.
Because it is soooo much fun! You are going to laugh until you wet yourself…. so wear your tena-pads.