We chatted to Eve about starring in Les Enfants Terribles & HOME Manchester’s stage adaptation of The House With Chicken Legs, based on Sophie Anderson’s book.
Hi Eve, could you explain what The House with Chicken Legs is about? The House With Chicken Legs is about Marinka, a girl who lives in a Baba Yaga house (that moves around the world) with her grandmother. Every night they guide the dead to the stars through a gate in the house. Marinka wants more than what she’s always known and is desperate to take control of her own destiny.
What were your first impressions of the story when you read it? I was hooked. It’s such a universal message of love, family and wanting to forge your own path in the world. I’m pretty sure I read the whole thing straight through in a couple of hours. Sophie captures the world so beautifully, and I was blown away by the gentle and honest way she wrote about subjects that are difficult to have conversations about such as death and what happens to us when we lose people we love.
How does it feel to be part of a Les Enfants Terribles production? It feels amazing! Les Enfants are so creative and wild, it’s like working with magic. Not many people can say they’ve put on a show of this size with 2 weeks of rehearsals! Despite the intensity of the work, there’s so much focus on playing and having fun with the material which is such a joy. I feel truly blessed to be working with them on a show with so much heart and soul.
What can you tell me about your character Marinka? Marinka is your typical twelve year old. She’s feisty, passionate and although she has a pure heart and good intentions, her actions come from her own desires. She’s neither good nor bad. She’s just a human! Playing Marinka is a true joy. It’s hard to mentally regress to the age of twelve without physically showing that she’s that age, but as with all humans (especially children) she’s a complex character with complex thoughts and emotions. I love experiencing the way she sees the world. It’s challenging having to show so much raw emotion, especially in the emotionally heavier scenes, but that’s the beauty of life and human nature. She’s difficult and funny and I love her to pieces.
How does it feel to be bringing the show to London? It’s really very surreal. I knew from the beginning that this was a very special and unique show, so bringing it to London is such a dream! I’m excited for people from all walks of life to experience what we’ve created, and for the production to get the recognition it deserves. I’ve seen productions at the Southbank centre since I was a child, so knowing I’m going to be on the stage that I looked up at is incredibly exciting!
What can audiences, and young people, expect from the production? The relationships and themes within the show will resonate with people regardless of age. There’s puppetry, music, emotion and comedy. There are jokes for adults and characters that everyone can relate to. There are scenes that will move you and characters that you will deeply connect with!
I think this show is so important for young people, as it shows them that people can be kind and wonderful even with all their flaws. There’s also a big emphasis on finding your own path through the world, as well as finding your own family. I think the most important thing however, is that it speaks about death in a way that people in British culture don’t. We tend to hide away from difficult conversations on that subject, when really, children should be able to feel like they can be curious about it, and know that it’s not something to be feared or something that shouldn’t be talked about.
By Emma Clarendon
The House With Chicken Legs continues to play at the Southbank Centre until the 30th December 2023. To book tickets click here.