The Voice of the People

The Oresteia features contributions from over 50 Greater Manchester people. What did they hope to gain from their involvement? We spoke to four of them – Sebastian May, Dave Ramsden, Katherine McDermott, and Clare Stuart – to find out more.

If you’ve ever found yourself on a stage, you’ll know just how nerve-wracking it can be. But with 22 performances of The Oresteia, directed by Blanche McIntyre over three-and-a-half weeks, fear can’t be on the agenda for our community company. For Sebastian May, from West Didsbury, acting full-time is a serious ambition. “I studied BTEC Performing Arts and Theatre Studies at Loreto Sixth Form College. Being an actor was a major motivation for me taking part.”

What you pick up studying can only take you so far, as he accepts. “I wanted to find out what goes on behind the scenes of a professional production, and as I haven’t done any historical plays other than Shakespeare, I wanted to try something new and get out of my comfort zone.”

Dave Ramsden from Moston once worked at the old Granada Studios Tour, where, he recalls, one of his co-entertainers was Simon Trinder, who plays Orestes in The Oresteia. “I have a real love of theatre and performing,” he says. “The chance to perform in Manchester’s newest and most exciting venue was not to be missed. It’s been an incredible opportunity working closely with Blanche McIntyre and Assistant Director Cat Robey bringing to life such a great script.”

Katherine McDermott, who started a weekly acting night class two years ago and was subsequently accepted to study at ALRA North drama school for an MA, is making up for lost time as an actor. “I have found my calling,” she says with pride. “Our vocal coach, Michael Betteridge, has been incredible, as has Cat Robey. They’ve both pushed us and challenged us and supported us to be the best we can be. Every rehearsal has been fun and exhausting!”

Clare Stuart, who studied drama as part of her degree at the University of Manchester in the early 70s, also has theatre in her veins. “I grew up in Stoke-on-Trent where I spent a time working as a volunteer at the Victoria Theatre. It was an amazing place to hang around in those days.” As a teacher of Drama and Theatre Studies Clare not only knew The Oresteia, but also this particular version. “I am fascinated by the way Blanche has worked with the text to seek its relevance for a 21st century audience.”

Katherine was also familiar with the play, or at least part of it. “I read the Agamemmnon section for A Levels, and having studied History and Politics at University of Manchester, ancient Greece has always been an interest of mine.” On the other hand, all Dave knew of The Oresteia was its name. “I had not read it or seen it performed previously,” he says.

All four of them point out the friendships they’ve made during rehearsals, adding that any personal sacrifices – “I had to postpone getting a paid job,” says Sebastian – will have been worth it. “I’ll definitely do something like The Oresteia again,” adds Sebastian, while Clare, who runs the Denzell Gardens Book Festival every September in Altrincham, will also look back on the experience with affection. “It’s been a unique opportunity to work on such a significant piece of theatre. It’s been challenging but fun at the same time.”

Dave had to switch his work shifts to make all the rehearsals, but confirms it’s all been worth it. “We’ve shared many laughs together. I eagerly await the next project to audition for.” Kath surely speaks for the entire community chorus when she concludes: “We’ve all learned skills that we can apply to future roles or to any career. I’ve met some incredibly talented people and made some friends for life. It’s been an unforgettable experience.”

The Oresteia runs from Fri 23 Oct – Sat 14 Nov 2015. Find out more and book tickets here.