We chatted to Emilie about starring in the world premiere stage production of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel Never Let Me Go which opens at the Rose Theatre in Kingston next month.
Hi Emilie, for those who haven’t read Kazo Ishiguro’s novel, what is Never Let Me Go about? Never Let Me Go is a story about love and hope. The three main characters navigate friendship, love and coming of age in a world that exploits, shuns and ultimately seeks to destroy them. They are human beings created to donate their vital organs to the rest of humanity. It sounds dark but there is so much light in it too!
What made you want to be part of this production? I have been in love with Kazuo Ishiguro’s story from the moment I read it. As most people who have read it have. Christopher Haydon is a director I know well and I felt sure he would do something special with it. Then, when I read what the incredible writer Suzanne Heathcote had done with this stage adaptation I just knew I wanted to be involved. It is the first ever British stage adaptation. Who doesn’t want to be part of that..?
How has it been working on the show so far? So much fun! But also emotionally charged. There have been tears and laughter and everything in between and we’ve only been rehearsing a week.That is the journey this story takes you on and Chris has been really clear about the need to bring out the light and joy in it. The ensemble have really come together and it has been such a thrill to all start exploring it together. The first week of rehearsals is always so fascinating. Like an orchestra tuning up…
What were your first impressions of the story when you first read it? Just how human this story is. How despite these characters living in a world where they are widely considered to be less than human, they couldn’t be more full of humanity and soul. My first impression was that the backdrop for this story’s is huge, complex and dark, but it is told with such simplicity and a beautifully light touch.
What are you most looking forward to about introducing this story to new audiences? It is always so exciting to get to tell an amazing story isn’t it..? Whether it’s with friends in a pub, around a campfire or in an amazing theatre like the Rose Theatre. The idea that people who have never read the book will discover it through our production is so thrilling. I can’t wait to find out what bits surprised them the most and what they have taken away from it. Also, to what extent they have been able to relate to this world that on the surface of it is not our world.
By Emma Clarendon
The stage adaptation based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel will open in Kingston upon Thames before touring to Royal & Derngate, Malvern Theatres, Bristol Old Vic, and Chichester Festival Theatre.