We chatted to Judith about starring in Katy Schutte’s The Ice at the End of the World at the Omnibus Theatre.
Hi Judith, what can we expect from The Ice at the End of the World? A cosmic horror set on a tall ship in the Arctic where things are not always what they seem – with ice caves, songs, ice bears, the Northern Lights, poetry, the impact of humans on the natural world, and an ancient being that stirs. Oh, and butter cake!
What was it about the play that grabbed your attention? All of the above really – the script is very filmic with some great, fun characters and I was really curious to see how to bring all that to life for the stage. And a little personal bonus – like my character Laura, I am Dutch. Nice to whip out some of the mother tongue and Dutch directness!
How has it been working on the production so far? It’s a very collaborative process and the whole team is absolutely amazing. It’s an ambitious project, but it’s exciting to have so many different ideas being brought to the table. I can’t wait to see the various elements the words, set, sound, light and movement, come together to create this Arctic, cosmic world.
How does it feel to know you are part of something based on true events? Although the story and characters are fictionalised, they are inspired by writer and fellow actor Katy Schutte’s journey to the Arctic as part of an artists residency. It’s great to hear her stories about life on board the ship, the beauty of the Arctic, the landings in fjords and ice caves and their sea journey across the Devil’s Dancefloor (what a name!) – it’s a world far removed from our London rehearsal room, so it is very helpful to have it made more tangible this way.
What have you been taking away from being part of the production? Well firstly, that I must go see the Arctic! But also, how brilliant it is to have a bunch of great people with different ideas and (artistic) backgrounds come together to bring this almost otherworldly story to life from scratch. I’m excited to see where we land!
By Emma Clarendon
The Ice at the End of the World will play at the Omnibus Theatre from the 25th September until the 12th October. To book tickets visit: https://www.omnibus-clapham.org/the-ice-at-the-end-of-the-world/