London Horror Festival 2021
INTERVIEW
Sasha Ravencroft
A Simple Tale of Love
October 29 | 18:30
pleasance.co.uk
In a dimly lit alleyway in a decayed town called Boggett-on-Sea, Molly meets a sinister stranger called JD who appears out of the darkness and enters her life. After years of feeling belittled and bullied she begins to remember what brought her happiness as she becomes intoxicated by his mysterious and beguiling ways – But what other ominous secrets does he have apart from apple pies and mung beans?
Hi Sasha thank you for talking to The New Current, how have you been holding up during these very strange times?
Hi, thanks for the interview. I’ve actually been pretty good considering but yes these are certainly strange times and it shows how quickly everything we take for granted can suddenly change.
Has this time provided you with any new creative inspiration or opportunities?
Lockdown was great for writing as there weren’t the distractions – I never clean as much as when I’m supposed to be writing – there was blocks of uninterrupted time which allows me to stare at a coffee cup for the first hour and then finally write. Also, I got back into art.
A Simple Tale of Love is Rude Raven Productions debut show and you premiered at Camden Fringe 2021, what was it like being able to premiere your play in front of live audiences?
It felt amazing to see my ideas come to life, it’s something I’ve wanted for so long and I’d had my eye on The Camden Festival ever since I discovered it a few years ago.
What does it mean for you to be part of the London Horror Festival 2021?
I love the supernatural and otherworldly goings-on. I was obsessed with Hammer House of Horror as a kid and have always had a soft spot for a vampire, so it’s an honour to be part of something that celebrates all things strange, mystical and just plain terrifying! It’s a fantastic festival-friendly and supportive and we’re so pleased we were invited to perform.
Can you tell me a little bit about A Simple Tale of Love, what was the inspiration behind your play?
I wanted to write a story where the main character was female and older as there are loads of amazing mature actresses out there who don’t have the parts written for them. The play features Molly played by the very wonderful Helen Walling-Richards who learns how to live and love again. Her life is turned around by a chance meeting with a slightly odd and very mysterious man called J.D. played by the very talented Daniel Singe Pabla. The director Nicole Roberts Ryder’s interpretation of the script is superb, a real treat to watch. The play has comedy, pathos, dance (choreographed by the brilliant Summer Jay Jones) oh and a demon!
"I think just to feel that they’ve seen a good quality piece of theatre."
What has been the most valuable lesson you've taken away from staging A Simple Tale of Love?
I think it’s learning about marketing it or trying to!
Have you always had a passion for theatre?
I have always. It’s just a magical space.
How did Rude Raven Productions come about?
I first met Helen Walling-Richards at a rehearsed reading for another play I’d written called ‘Defects’, I thought she was great and so I snapped her up and cast her in my play ‘God’ which sadly became a lockdown casualty, as it was due to be performed in London last year (rescheduled for 2022). At the beginning of this year we both started working together as temporary Covid testers and there we hatched a plan to form a production company and put on ‘A Simple tale of Love’. So Rude Raven Productions emerged out of lockdown.
Do you have any advice for any emerging theatre-makers?
I’m very much learning myself, but I’d say don’t give up - if you want it enough it will happen.
And finally, what do you hope your audiences will take away from A Simple Tale of Love?
I think just to feel that they’ve seen a good quality piece of theatre. If they get any more out of it I shall be delighted – it does pose some questions about love, dreams and freedom!