we chatted to Lucy about playing an iconic character in Kate Hamill’s Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B at the Arcola Theatre from the 28th November until the 20th December.
Hi Lucy, what can we expect from Ms Holmes & Ms Watson -Apt 2B? Fun! Fast-paced! Poignancy! Friendship! Mystery! Basically an inventive, modern retelling of classic characters and stories that hopefully audiences will find both entertaining and relatable. The dark comedy is also set in 2021 while the world is still reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. While not dominating the piece, it certainly highlights how this
period isolated individuals – how it affected personalities like Holmes and Watson.
How does it feel to be playing such an iconic character? Really exciting, albeit daunting. Everyone has their image of Sherlock Holmes – though I like to think that all versions, including my own, stay true to the eccentric, acerbic, intricate mind of Holmes captured in Conan Doyle’s original stories. I love playing energetic characters so Hamill’s version is right up my street.
What made you want to be part of this production? …the chance to play Sherlock Holmes! Let’s be blunt, how many women can say that? The team behind the show are brilliant too and keen to not only make this a highly entertaining dark comedy, but also ground the more serious modern themes.
How has it been working on the show so far? Very, very fun. There’s been a lot of laughter in the rehearsal room as we navigate this beast of a dark farce. There are quite literally a lot of moving elements at play in terms of staging. It’s a challenge working it all out, but I think it will make it all the more impressive to watch.
What stood out for you about Kate Hamill’s play? As important as I think it is that audiences have the opportunity to see Watson and Holmes portrayed as women here, I really think Kate has illuminated that gender isn’t a defining factor of these classic characters. It’s refreshing to read a version and realise that, as already alluded to, the essence of these characters is the same as in the original stories. Being men wasn’t a defining factor for them previously, and the same goes for them being women here. Any kind of person that captures their original personality and situation could
play them. We’re lucky to have a contemporary piece here that highlights that.
What are you most looking forward to performing the show for audiences? Specifically, I can’t wait to demonstrate how two women are not out of place in these roles. Generally, I can’t wait for audiences to enjoy the fun and surprising ride we take them on.
By Emma Clarendon
To book tickets click here.