Revenge: After the Levoyah is coming to Norwich Theatre Stage Two in a few short weeks and we caught up with returning star, Gemma Barnett, and new cast member, Charlie Cassen to tell us about the show. So, buckle up as we get down and dirty with this madcap heist comedy that tears through antisemitism, the dangers of collective hysteria, and seeing how far you can throw condiments from a moving vehicle.
Tell us a little about the show and how you got involved?
Gemma: Nick and Emma cast me to work with them on a sharing of ‘After the Levoyah’ at the Kiln Theatre. At that point we only had about 15 minutes of the piece. We continued to work together for the next 2 years developing the play. It just got better/wilder/more bonkers with each draft Nick shared with us. The show follows Dan and Lauren, Jewish twin brother and sister from Essex. At their Grandpa’s Shiva, they meet an old family friend (and ex-gangster) Malcolm. Next thing they know – they’re involved in a heist to kidnap Jeremy Corbyn!
Charlie: I got a call through from my agent with the script asking if I wanted to audition for it, and after a couple of pages, I said “I’m in”! It’s a dream as an actor to be able to bring these characters to life in such a high energy, chaotic play. So much madness. I love it!
Describe the show in three words
Gemma: Funny, fast and radical.
Charlie: Bonkers, unpredictable, beautiful!
What are your favourite elements that really bring the show to life?
Gemma: I think what I love about this show is it’s a really good story, told really well (hopefully). The script is so exciting on its own – the characters jump off the page. And then you get a director like Emma, who directs with such clarity, truth and silliness. And then you get two actors, attempting to conjure around 30 people in the same room – the energy and effort in those key parts is what makes it brilliant in my opinion.
Charlie: I love how the absurdity gives us freedom to play big, while there’s underlying tension throughout that adds weight, so one minute the audience are laughing, next they’re holding their breath
What surprised you most about the show?
Gemma: How fit I need to be in order to get through it!
What has been your most memorable performance and why?
Gemma: I was heckled by an audience member who really thought I should accept a particular proposal that happens in the play.
How do you get into character?
Charlie: With a play like this, where I’m playing multiple roles, rather than get into character I like to get in the zone. Listen to some music, get into my body and the world, and try and centre myself as much as possible before the madness begins.
What has been your favourite moment of the show and the rehearsal process?
Gemma: I honestly can’t choose a specific moment. Everything about this team and process has been dreamy. I didn’t need any external validation because the creative process had just been so fulfilling. Joking. Winning a Fringe First was the best.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Gemma: Banana. Must get in that potassium or the show is cursed. I don’t even like bananas.
Charlie: I always make sure I spend some time on the stage before the audience come in. Walk around the space, lay down on the stage, touch the walls around me. Just make sure I’ve covered everywhere so I feel super familiar with the surroundings
How do you pull off such an elaborate and exciting show with just a two-person cast?
Gemma: I think audiences like to watch people working hard! It’s fun for them to see us sweat. But also, we worked really hard in the rehearsal room to distinguish each and every character with Emma. It was very important to us that you felt you had spent real time with all of them.
Charlie: Trust. To be able to connect with my co-actor Gemma before and just know we can trust one another. Don’t think about anything other than that first line. Once you’ve said that, the rollercoaster begins.
What inspired the show?
Gemma: I don’t want to speak for Nick but the reason I was so excited by this show was because I felt it spoke to the British Jewish experience in a way I have never seen done before. It is totally uncompromising in how it dissects that experience and articulates something for me that I had struggled to articulate myself.
How did you strike the right balance between drama and satire?
Charlie: I try to play the truth of the drama and let Nick’s wonderful writing do the work. If the stakes feel real, the comedy will naturally land on top.
Who is your favourite character in the show and why?
Gemma: I am deeply, deeply attached to Moishy, a 90-something year old holocaust survivor, who wins a car chase by throwing a jar of Chraine.
Charlie: Malcom Spivak. I don’t think I’ve ever had this much fun playing a character on stage before. He’s just a dream to get your teeth stuck into. So unpredictable, so funny and so utterly ridiculous at times.
Did you expect the show to have such a huge impact and response from the public?
Gemma: I actually didn’t to be honest. The response has been amazing. I think it really shows that the public/audiences are ready to talk about things that are deemed ‘difficult’ or ‘sensitive’. Humour is a great way to do that. I think this show is an example that venues should not be scared to programme work they perceive to be ‘too political’ or ‘too’ anything. It’s patronising and offensive.
What do you want the audience to take away from the show after seeing it?
Gemma: What a mess it all is. I hope this show prompts conversations. I hope those conversations prompt action.
Charlie: How much fun it can be watching storytelling pushed to the edge. I want them to be thrilled and reflective. But most of all, I want them to have a right old laugh!
Revenge: After the Levoyah is playing at Norwich Theatre Stage Two on 26 Oct. For more information or to book, visit norwichtheatre.org or call the Box Office on 01603 630 000.
