After Life: a new City Lit production
City Lit Theatre Company presents Vernon Thompson’s production of Jack Thorne’s After Life from 7-9 December in the John Lyon’s Theatre.
We caught up with City Lit actors Harry Hicks, Summer Higginson-Wallace and Jamie Woolf to find out more about their passions and why we should come and see their new production.
Harry Hicks
When I read the play and watched the 1998 film, I loved the central theme, and the age appropriate (for me) character of Henry Thompson I found very touching and profound. Plus, I enjoyed working under Vernon Thompson’s direction on Animal Farm.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
Following a degree in Theology, I spent most of my twenties as a monk. My first job in London was in 1983 as a “boy” in one of the first ever boutique bnb hotels - Number 16 in South Kensington (which is still going).
What makes you happy?
Being with Matthew (my husband) and close friends and growing stuff in our garden. Matthew and I are keen to relocate to the seaside (specifically Herne Bay in Kent) but with easy access to London.
Why should people come and see this new production?
It’s a profound and moving story - very thought provoking and tear jerking. It’s a fantastic and (apart from me) extremely able group of actors. And the sound (including lots of music) and lighting from the fabulous crew are going to be terrific. I think the 90 minutes will fly by far too quickly!
Summer Higginson-Wallace
I thought the whole concept of the play was very intriguing and hadn’t been done before therefore I jumped at the chance to be a part of something so unique. I fell in love with my Character ‘Four’ when I first read the play as I think many parts of her resonate with me and I have done a lot of work perfecting her character. Furthermore, I have also been a student of Vernon Thompson previously, so everything felt very comfortable and familiar for me working with him.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I have the same birthday as Marilyn Monroe and Morgan Freeman.
What makes you happy?
I love going to the theatre, and more recently I have started going to ballet. I think it’s such a beautiful form of dance, and I wanted to immerse myself into it more. Working out and exercising is something that keeps me sane and, in many ways, feels like my safe space.
Where did you train as an actor?
I briefly trained with the ‘Unseen Drama School’ in Soho, and more recently I completed the leg of my studies here at City Lit, I graduated from the Acting Diploma, Level 3 back in June of this year.
Tell us about your latest venture or a future project (outside City Lit)
I may be shooting for a commercial in Serbia, at the end of the year. Which will be very exciting as this will be a new experience for me as I haven’t done much professional screen acting.
Why should people come and see the new production?
The synopsis of the play itself is based on a beautiful concept of life and death. It gets the audience thinking about what happens to us once we part with life on earth and what memory would they choose to live in if presented with the choice. Beautifully directed and incredibly acted this production will deeply touch everyone.
Jamie Woolf
I used to be an opera singer. I sang since the age of six and music was the way I first got into performing. I started off singing in school choirs but then joined an independent choir and ended up getting a few gigs performing in professional operas and on Songs of Praise. I’m grateful for those early experiences, partly because it led me in my late teens to explore theatre too!
What makes you happy?
What makes me happy is spending time with people I love and doing things I enjoy, like exploring new places, watching sport and films - especially thrillers and dramas - and exercising. What keeps me grounded is spending time in nature - I try to spend an hour walking in gardens or parks every day - as well as running and weightlifting. I also meditate and that’s really helped me be present on stage and in general.
Tell us about your latest venture or a future project (outside City Lit)
It’s in the early stages but I’m planning to perform in a two-hander next year. Watch this space!
What made you want to be in this production?
I wanted to be in this production for two reasons. First off, I heard some great things from a friend of mine who performed with the City Lit Theatre Company in the past, so I’d always been hoping to audition for one of their productions. Also, I loved the play - it felt like such a unique story and the journeys of its characters really moved me.
Why should people come and see this new production?
It’s an unusual play that I think will surprise a lot of people. It’s a funny and touching production and it will be very thought-provoking to watch too.
Heather Page
I am a great fan of Jack Thorne’s work and, having seen the original Japanese film, I was intrigued how this might work as a stage play in a very different setting. But the overriding reason I wanted to be in this production was to play the glorious Beatrice Killick – an absolute gift of a part for an actress in her later years!
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself
As well as being an actress, I’m a psychotherapist (although not at the same time!) and, in many ways, these two professions complement each other and enhance my fascination with people.
Where did you train as an actor?
The Central School of Speech and Drama before it became Royal!
What makes you happy?
I prefer to use ‘What gives you joy?’ with clients when I first meet them and among the things that bring me little bursts of joy are my family, music, laughing, delicious food and, of course, being able to indulge in my lifelong passion - acting! My work with my clients definitely keeps me grounded, along with my own therapy which has sustained me through difficult times.
Tell us about your latest venture or a future project (outside City Lit)
Well, it has to be Christmas! A project of sorts, it’s never a chore, just the fun of choosing presents, deciding what delicacies to rustle up and, of course, finding the perfect tree…
Why should people come and see this new production?
Without giving too much away, it’s about memories - vivid, heartwarming and precious moments in life that give us joy. The ‘guided’ in the play are asked to choose one memory which will enable them to ‘pass’ into the afterlife. The play is poignant, funny and, ultimately, hopeful.
City Lit Theatre Company presents After Life
If you could spend eternity with just one precious memory, what would it be? City Lit Theatre Company presents Vernon Thompson’s production of Jack Thorne’s After Life.
A powerfully human look at the way we view our lives, and a haunting meditation on what it is to live, and to die.
Performances in the John Lyon’s Theatre are at 7.30 pm, Thursday 7th - Saturday 9th December, with a Saturday matinee at 2.30 pm.
