The People Are Friendly

Homecomings in drama are rarely happy. Think of Aeschylus, Pinter or Wesker's Roots.
But even by those standards, Michelle in Michael Wynne's scabrously funny new play - his first for the Court since The Knocky in 1994 - has a tough time discovering that Birkenhead is about as welcoming to its returning daughters as Argos was to Agamemnon.

Michelle and her boyfriend Robert have forsaken Clapham to buy a five bedroom house a stone's throw from the working class estate where she grew up.

Idealistically, she wants to be part of a community and see the turnaround in Birkenhead; to which her sister replies, with characteristic pragmatism: "I'd like to see that too."

And, in the course of a grisly family party, Michelle discovers that her dad is living off false hopes of a return to the shipyards, that sister Donna is coping with a disturbed son and layabout partner, and that her niece, Kirsty, is a 16-year-old single mum psychotically hooked on fame.

What is refreshing about Wynne's play is that, like The Knocky, it uses comedy as a vehicle for social criticism. We laugh at Donna's obsession with psychic phenomena and her belief that something spooky has happened to all the local pets.

Only in a stunning first act climax do we see the connection between this and her catatonic son. Equally, her daughter Kirsty is first seen as a comic figure so besotted by fame that she "wouldn't even mind having a stalker".

Only gradually do we learn that Kirsty is more dealer than wheeler. Liverpool's centre may be enjoying a rebirth but, as Donna says, "One square mile of wealth doesn't do anything for the surrounding twenty."
Wynne's territory is Birkenhead, but his theme has national resonance: that traditional manufacturing crafts and skills are being replaced by service industries and property developments. But Wynne's skill lies in allowing his point to emerge through the interstices of a family comedy.

Dominic Cooke's adroit production reinforces this by playing up the social embarrassments of an upwardly mobile daughter returning to her roots. Presenting her guests with vine leaves stuffed with rice, Michelle is shocked when they're dismissed as "six shits on a plate".

Sally Rogers as Michelle captures the awkwardness of a woman caught between two worlds and there is first rate support from Michelle Butterly as her down to earth sister, Sheridan Smith as her niece and Stephen Mangan as the furtive boyfriend.

But really cheering is that Wynne has written a deeply political play while sending gales of unfamiliar laughter through the Royal Court.

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Two Pints of Lager Cast Interview - Sheridan Smith

Have you ever taken revenge on someone and, if so, how?
My big bro, Damian. When we were younger, I used to always shout "Mum!" and get him into trouble even if he'd done nothing! What a brat!

If you could take a course in any subject, what would it be and why?
Cooking - I'd love to be a good cook. I'm always eating KFC and Domino's Pizza!

Were you to write a self-help book, what would the title be?
"Me, me, me!!"

What was your favourite book to read as a child?
"Charlotte's Web". I love that story, even though I'm terrified of spiders!

What are your phobias?
Spiders (and any other little creature that crawls or flies!), heights, and going out of my depth in water…I'm a crap swimmer!

Describe yourself as a lonely hearts advert...
Short, horny female seeks tall, athletic male!!

What was the worst job you ever had and why?
Working in a burger van 'cos I got sick of saying "d'ya want ketchup on that, luv?"

If you could hire someone to do a job for you, what would that be?
Someone to cook, clean and wash my stuff…I miss that now I don't live with my mum! I'm such a lazy bitch!

Have you ever been attracted to a teacher/tutor and, if so, who were they?
There was only one younger teacher in our school, Mr Driver. He taught Science. He was quite cute!

Have you ever made your own clothing? What was it?
Well, I cut a pair of old jeans into shorts once - does that count?!

Give us a good statistic...
I don't really know one but someone told me that everyone swallows at least one spider a year whilst they sleep. Ewwww!

If oranges had never existed, how would you describe their colour to someone?
Carrot colour!

What was the first record/album you ever bought?
I think the first album I bought was The Jackson Five but the first CD I was given was 'Cotton-Eyed Joe' the single! Bless my mum - don't know what she was thinkin'!

If you were to write a musical about a famous person's life, who would you base it on and why?
Dolly Parton! She's a real character, she's had an interesting life and she's done some great songs! (Plus it would make my mum and dad happy 'cos they're a country and western duo!)

When you wake up in the morning, what's the first thing you smell?
Cat sh*t! I'm staying with a friend at the moment and his cats keep pooing everywhere. Nice, eh?!

The Darkness clearly believe in a thing called love - do you?
Of course... the world would be a very sad place without it!

Predictive texting - good or evil?
Evil - it's far too high tech for me!

Have you ever blown something up in a microwave and, if so, what was it?
Almost! The other day, I accidentally put a non-microwavable plate in. I luckily kept an eye on it and soon took it out when sparks started flying!

Do you have a recurring dream?
No but I do have some crazy dreams - my imagination runs wild when I sleep!

In your opinion, which is the best track Tom Jones ever recorded?
'What's New Pussy Cat' - whoa-whoa-whoa!

Facial hair - good or bad?
Bad on a woman, good on a man!

David Beckham. Discuss.
Well, he's quite pretty, isn't he?! But that voice would do my head in after a while! But he seems like he's a great dad and husband. That's the main thing!

What's your most amusing alcohol-fuelled experience?
There have been loads, I'm always amusing when I've had a bit to drink. We were at the BBC after the programme and Children In Need was on at the same time. Loads of my friends were there, and Will was doing a strip routine with The Dreamboys. I ended up in The Dreamboys dressing room with a bottle of red wine in one hand and a bottle of baby oil in the other, and I was oiling up the dancers. I wrote 'Hello Mum' on Will's bottom, and when he was dancing and showed his bare bum the camera zoomed in on the message. I was very proud, as it was my little piece of artwork!

What's the rudest thing you've ever done while squiffy?
It's really bad. I often flash my boobs. My friends are so used to seeing them they tell me to put them away. I'm not as bad as Ralf. He's always getting his arse out - even when he's not drunk.

What's your idea of a great night out?
Being with all my friends, having a good time, boogying, and lots to drink!

Do you have any cool party tricks?
I can make my tongue into a flower shape, so that it curls in, in three places. It's like a three leaf clover.

Which cast member do you fancy most and why?
Natalie - no I'm only joking! I don't fancy either of the boys. I suppose when I first started, I fancied Will, as he works out and stuff, but not now that I know him so well. It's like they're brothers. My friends really fancy them both but I've had them fart on me and know they have smelly feet!

What's your best chat-up line?
My mates have said that when I'm drunk I've come out with some funny lines but I don't know what they are. I just walk by blokes and if I fancy them I make it really obvious!

Describe the sex-god/goddess of your dreams.
Personality is really important - a good sense of humour, as I like to laugh. They have to be able to put up with me! I don't really have a type though, just someone sexy and fun to be with.

Who did you last show your bare bottom to?
My housemate, when I came running out of the shower. No blokes have seen it recently!

Have you ever lied to get a shag?
I may have told a little porky. Like if someone really likes me and wants reassurance that I'll see them again, I might say "we'll see what happens", even if I don't intend to.

Favourite ever comedy series/inspiration?
Kathy Burke has been a real inspiration. I think she's brilliant. I like the fact she doesn't care what she looks like on TV and just gets really into character. Obviously, she can do drama as well, but it's her comedy I love. Like when she plays Perry.

Have you ever been to Runcorn? Do you think you've improved its image?
I think we've made it worse, haven't we?! We went there for filming some of the location stuff - it's a funny little place, there wasn't much to do. I'm from up North so I quite enjoyed it. I hope people from Runcorn like the show and think we've made it look good.

In which ways, if any, are you similar to your character?
I drink a lot of lager, but Janet wants to settle down, and that's not me. I like to be young, free and single. She's quite a sweet girl, but I'm a bit of a rebel. As for biscuits, I love eating! I've added chocolate spread to one of things Janet loves.

What's the most amusing thing that's happened during filming?
There are so many, we have such a good laugh. There was one time when Will had to put a pinny on over his clothes, while Ralf was under a duvet on the sofa. Will came in with the pinny on but nothing else underneath, and Ralf didn't know.

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The unstoppable Miss Smith

Was it strange to go from the Royle's living room to playing a prostitute in a serious drama?
Blood Strangers is controversial but I play a great part. She's a real feisty little thing but she's still just a child so she has that vulnerable side as well. I've done straight drama before, but this is a gritty piece. When I was in Manchester - filming and researching the role - I'd see little girls in school uniform and think, "I hope she's waiting for her Mum," then you'd see them winking at the cars. It was shocking.

You didn't go to drama school, so how did you get into acting?
My Mum and dad are a Country and Western duo and I've sung with them from the age of seven. I was never nervous about being on stage - in fact, I was always the little cheeky one that lapped it up. When I was at school, I auditioned for the National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT) and got in. Then a producer took our show, Bugsy Malone, to the West End. I played Tallulah and because I was 16 I was classed as an adult so I moved down to London, into a shared house. After that I planned to move back to my Mum's, but I got an agent. I was lucky, as I couldn't have afforded drama school.

How did your family feel about you leaving for the bright lights at such a tender age?
I'm from a village near Doncaster, and everyone knew that's all I ever wanted to do. I was always a troublemaker in class, but in drama I'd really concentrate. My parents knew I couldn't let the opportunity go - even though they were like, "Our baby girl". They're really supportive, Mum puts a piece in the local paper when I'm on telly, "Everybody watch Sheridan". It's sweet. I go home every month, it keeps my feet on the ground.

Which you may well need as you live with a very famous person, don't you?
Well, Hannah from S Club 7! She's my best friend and flatmate - we met through the NYMT and we became best mates straight away. She was in the show too, so me, Hannah and four boys lived in a little flat together - we lived on McDonalds! When I got my agent, Hannah got into the band, so we've lived together for four years. We're like sisters. We've been here for each other all along, otherwise it would have been scary.

Was it ever a worry that one of you would get famous and leave the other one behind?
That's never been a problem - music was Hannah's route and I always wanted to be an actor, so we never competed in any way. I was so proud of her when S Club took off, and now I'm doing all right in acting, she's really proud of me as well. There's no jealousy - she's just got back from a tour and we've been yap, yap yapping from the minute she got off the plane! I really miss her, but when she's back I see a lot of her so it makes up for it.

Does hobnobbing with celebs and being on TV feel like a strange life for a 19 year old, or does it seem normal to you?
Well, it's weird - when I first moved down here at 16 and started going to auditions I'd go, "Oh my god! It's that famous actor!" Because I'm from a little village, at first it was strange to come here and see famous people walk past on the street. In the end you just get used to it and realise they're all in the same boat as you. But it is strange - specially when I go home, cos my mates all say, "Who've you met?", and I forget I was like that when I first started.

What about the celeb lifestyle - do you do designer clothes?
No, not at all! Hannah and I go shopping together and it's brilliant because I can borrow her clothes... well, I can't get into some of them cos she's tiny. But we borrow each other's stuff all the time. We love Topshop, me and Han - there's no point in spending fortunes. It's nice to buy the odd posh garment, but we're more like, "Ooh, two tops for a fiver!" - I'm a real bargain queen.

No wonder you fitted into The Royle Family so well...
Well, yeah. When I heard I was auditioning for it, I couldn't believe it. I'd seen the first series and - although some people just don't get it - I thought, that is my family! My Dad even plays the banjo - just like Jim Royle. When I auditioned, Caroline Aherne and Craig Cash were there. They said, "Just read it like a nice normal girl", so I did it and thought, "That was rubbish." I said, "Thanks for seeing me, bye". Then I got home and there was a message saying I'd got the part! I went wild! That was my first break.

What was it like walking on to that famous set?
It was weird! They're like a little family but they made me feel at ease and we had a good laugh. Ricky (Tomlinson, aka Jim Royle) was hilarious, he'd just ad lib and come out with something mad. Ralf Little (Anthony Royle) and I were like brother and sister by the end, really good mates and then I worked with him on Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. I can't get rid of him! I learnt different things from all of them but Caroline's fantastic. She's like (adopts Aherne's accent) "'ello, lovely lady". She's got an amazing brain, and she's so laid back.

What about the comedy series Two Pints... how was that?
That was fun cos it was a small cast, and we did it with a studio audience. It was nerve-wracking because you had to remember not to play to the audience. I was used to theatre, and I'd always want to go "da-dum!" and wink at the end of a joke, but I couldn't! My Mum was made up because she bussed her friends down to see it. The only problem was that she laughed really loudly in the wrong bits - I'd just raise an eyebrow and she'd go "Woooh! That's my daughter!".

Actors say that the downside of doing TV and film is sex scenes. Do you have a policy on it yet?
Sometimes I see films that have unnecessary sex scenes and I think, "What's the point?". But if it was a great role I suppose I would. In one drama I did, I had to take my bra off. You couldn't see anything and it was a closed set but, because the actor and I had been working together for ages and we'd built it up so much in our heads, when we finally did it he kept laughing. I was thinking, "Oh, cheers!" but he was embarrassed! In Blood Strangers there's a scene where I'm in the bath but you don't see anything. I was sitting there in knickers with men holding lights over my head - but they all left the room while I got my towel, luckily.

Are you going out with anybody or are you too busy?
No - I'm very career-minded and I have such a laugh with my mates that I'm not into getting a boyfriend at the moment, but you can't know what'll happen, can you? I don't get chatted up much either, because it's usually me doing the chatting up, going "All right, darlin'". I'm terrible! I'm quite scary, most blokes are terrified and run away - which is probably why I'm still single!

What about your house mates. No romance there, then?
No way! There's four of us in the house, including my mate Neil who I've known for years, and he's like another brother. He's brilliant, he's a magician and musician as well as an actor, he's a great housemate to have because if I'm down he can just snap me straight out of it.

Are you easy to live with?
I'm very indecisive. I always say, "What do you think I should do?" and they'll say, "You decide!" and I'll say, "No, but what do you think I should do?" I'll ask for their opinion and then go, "I don't agree!" Also, the house is quite neat but my room's the worst - my house mates take the mick out of my room and the fact that I'm rubbish at cooking. I could burn water. The other day I was cooking and they got the camcorder, it was so long since they'd seen it happen.

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Sheridan attends Top of the Pops

Sheridan attended Top of the Pops at the BBC Tv Studios, London. On November 8th 2001. Pictured with Two Pints of Lager co-star Will Mellor.

 

Ancient Lights

Shelagh Stephenson is a playwright to watch. She is currently writing a new play for the National Theatre but her latest, Ancient Lights, surfaces, as did The Memory of Water, at London's Hampstead Theatre. Ancient Lights changes direction from Five Kinds of Silence which I reviewed at the Lyric Hammersmith earlier this year.

Ancient Lights is a study of celebrity culture and the pressure it places on the celebrities themselves. All of the adults in Stephenson's latest play are successful media personalities: an American film star, a woman television war reporter, an Irish writer, a woman running her own public relations company, a woman film maker. All are old friends from their days at university and to some extent dissatisfied with their lot. As Stephenson unpeels the layers of hype and popular image we get a look at who they might be without the press releases and publicity façade.

The Christmas gathering in the wilds of Northumbria includes: The hostess Bea (Joanne Pearce), the PR executive and her current partner, Thaddeus, is an Irish novelist (Dermot Crowley); Kitty (Gwyneth Strong), intrepid news reporter from troubled areas of the world; and the handsome American film star, Tom (Don McManus). Iona (Ruth Gemmell) is making a film of the holiday. Completing the house party is Bea's teenage daughter, the star struck "wannabe" Joni (Sheridan Smith).

Almost no-one is as they appear to be. Kitty, deeply unhappy that soldiers were beating people up in order to be filmed, has moved to presenting cable drama documentaries about people who are rescued from near death. Tom employs Bea to fabricate a public image for him, and Thaddeus is, well, I'm not giving that away here!

Stephenson starts her play with Bea fretting over her chestnut and pine nut stuffing for the Christmas bird and Tad reading from a pathology textbook. All the characters are full of deep observations on the meaning of existence. Through a ghost story, everyone confronts their own nightmare, a doppelganger with their own faces walking towards them.

The ensemble performances are of the highest standard. I particularly liked Joanne Pearce's "taking it all in her stride" hostess with attention to detail and Sheridan Smith's posing and preening teenage daughter who pushes her mother out of the photo shot. There is deep irony as Bea discovers that she has been fooled by Tad's spin, apparently unaware that this might be karmic revenge because her work is to create these deceptions for her clients.

The set reflects itself with the idea of mirror images, a living room with pairs of cushions to sprawl on, but with an enormous Christmas tree. The director, Ian Brown, has paced the play well. The making of the video film is well used to unnerve everyone, self conscious that they are being filmed for later public consumption.

The "Ancient Lights" of the title are a mistake, a romantic notion of the American who saw it written on a sign. He discovers that the phrase has a down to earth explanation: a building cannot be erected within a certain number of feet, lest it cut out the light of the existing building.

Stephenson creates real characters, people we can relate to and find likeable. We can enjoy her plays, like those of Alan Ayckbourn, at two levels: as delightful, wry comedies and as comments on the human condition.

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The Kissing Dance or She Stoops to Conquer

Sheridan played: Mrs Hardcastle
At: The Linbury Studio Theatre Royal Opera House
From: 28th December 1999
Til: 5th January 2000

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

Royal date for Royle star

Actress Sheridan Smith of BBC TV's Royle Family mixed it with the real royals when The Earl and Countess of Wessex turned out to watch her latest musical at London's revamped Royal Opera House.

The 18-year-old, who plays Anthony's girlfriend Emma in the hit comedy, was starring in a production of The Kissing Dance at the new Linbury Studio Theatre.

The royal couple also met the Executive Director of the Opera House, Michael Kaiser, who ushered them to their seats with the rest of the 400-strong audience.

The Kissing Dance is an adaptation of She Stoops to Conquer and is a production of the National Youth Music Theatre, of which Edward is president.

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