Tea, Biscuits, and Inner Demons: Inside Ripen Our Darkness Rehearsals

Nellie Gawne, director of our upcoming production of 'Ripen Our Darkness', gives an update on rehearsals so far.

“It has the potential to be the kind of queer, feminist production that leaves mediocre men quaking in their boots.” - Lily Frost, playing Susan

Rehearsals are well and truly underway for our summer production of Ripen Our Darkness, and I can confirm that the darkness has been thoroughly ripened.

We've been getting stuck into the heart of the play, exploring the lives and kitchens of Mary and David, Rene and Alf, and Anna and Julie - three very different households with very different dynamics. Everyone's characterisation, chemistry and comedic timing are superb, and we’re less than a month in!

We've also had an absolute blast channelling our inner demons (?) for our wonderfully unsettling religious retreat scene. Prepare to be thoroughly spooked.

Between scenes, we've been wrestling with the show's extensive prop list and consuming an impressive volume of tea and biscuits.

It has been such a joy watching this show come to life. Ripen Our Darkness is a play I have loved for many years, and seeing it take shape with this cast has been spectacular.

Every single cast member is so talented and such a pleasure to direct, and I truly could not have asked for a better group for my first time directing.

And of course, a huge shout-out to the production team, Aisling and Sam, for coming into this production with such eagerness and creativity! Could not be doing this without you.

One small challenge: Aisling is insistent upon providing an underscore for the scenes on the piano. Advice is welcome on how to let her down as gently as possible...!

And on an exciting note: we are thrilled to announce that the wonderful Sam Pilkington will be stepping into the roles of Alf and Old Man. We are super excited to have him on board and see him embrace playing a potty-mouthed drunk! 

Director, Nellie Gawne

Further thoughts from our cast:

“Tea & coffee provided at all rehearsals, often accompanied by a great selection of snacks. Impossible to complain.” - Ellie Bibby, playing Mary

"I always leave rehearsal with a massive grin on my face.” - Christie O’Connor, playing Julie

“Great people, tons of chaos, loads of laughs, and one person definitely reading the wrong part of the script… that person was me. 10/10 would rehearse again.” - Rhonda Lidgold, playing Daphne

Ripen Our Darkness runs from 22nd - 25th July at The Studio, New Wimbledon Theatre.

Find out more and book your tickets here >