Award-winning actor Robyn Scott has played some memorable parts in her career, most recently her acclaimed role of Rosa in Nicholas Spagnoletti’s London Road. She’s now part of the cast of Shakespeare in Love at the Fugard Theatre, and talks to WeekendSpecial about the experience:
WeekendSpecial: Please tell us what Shakespeare in Love is about?
Robyn Scott: The best thing in the world – love. There’s comedy, dancing and a dog and it’s all set in the late 1500’s. Brilliant!!!
WS: And what is your role in the play?
RS: I play a couple of parts – Elizabeth 1, Kate – a prostitute, a man and a lady dancing in the court. So there will be a lot of makeup and costume changes. But that goes for the entire company.
WS: You like playing queens, it seems! You won a Vita award for your role in Elizabeth 1- Almost by Chance a Woman. What is it you like about ‘em?
RS: When I was 13 I visited the Tower of London, and walking around I had a sense that I had been there before. I became obsessed with Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII, Elizabeth 1’s parents, and Elizabeth. I keep getting offered to play her. It’s fate.
WS: How have rehearsals been – you are working with such a large and talented cast. It must be quite an experience?
RS: Our wonderful director, Greg Karvellas, has bought together the most generous bunch of brilliant loons. We have laughed so much.
WS: And there’s even a dog in the show, as you say?
RS: I am a mad dog lover, so Bogart is the best thing in the show. He is too clever.
WS: You’ve been teaching/coaching voice, and also working successfully in TV. This is your first time back on stage on four years. How does it feel?
RS: I am a nervous nelly by nature, so I will be very nervous but am so beyond thrilled to be treading the boards at the Fugard Theatre once again.
WS: What are you enjoying about SA theatre at the moment?
I think the fact that there is so much of it, we are spoilt for choice and Capetonians are really supporting theatre. Makes my heart full.
WS: What was the last live show you saw, and how did you find it?
RS: It was Funny Girl at the Fugard and I absolutely loved it. I’m a show girl at heart and always weep.
WS: What do you like to do, when you’re not working/acting?
RS: Shushness time is important. I spend it with my dog, beach time, long languid lunches in the garden and catching up on series.
What: Shakespeare In Love
Where, when: The Fugard Theatre, Cape Town, from 10 October to 25 November 2017
Book Tickets: Fugard Theatre box office 021 461 4554
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