Shakespeare on the Lawn: Meet Holofernes, Sir Nathaniel, Jaquenetta, Dull and Costard
We’re incredibly lucky as yet again we’ve been welcomed into Shakespeare on the Lawn rehearsals, this time to meet Sir Nathaniel and Holofernes, played by Phoebe and Xan respectively, alongside Jaquenetta, Dull and Costard, played by Ella B, Ella E and Theo.
We joined them on the lawn as they rehearsed their lines in a particular scene, with the expert guidance and never-ending support of Mrs Mayes and Mr Williams. Taking time to understand the language, what gestures were needed or could support the language and suggestions within the scene, and working together to see how the scene might work best, it was a beautiful day and a great opportunity to meet with these actors and find out a little more about how they feel about being part of Love’s Labour’s Lost; our version set in Magdalene College, Cambridge in the 1950s.
Holofernes, Played by Xan
A Cambridge Professor, Holofernes is highly respected by the curate Nathaniel, as well as others, for his learning and abilities with language. He uses language errors as an excuse to look down at people, but can himself over-use language, using many when few would suffice. Unable to ignore mockery, but courageous enough to tell people how rude there are!
“I love my character Holofernes, he’s quite forward and definitely says what he thinks – all the time! My favourite thing about Shakespeare on the Lawn rehearsals is that everyone’s so supportive of one another, it’s a really great environment and experience to have so many people with the same attitude, mindset and approach to rehearsals. I’m really excited about performing, it’s going to be such a buzz to see everyone in the crowd, all wishing you to do well and looking forward to the performance.”
Sir Nathaniel, Played by Phoebe
Always ready to give up his own opinions when Professor Holofernes tells him to do so/that they are wrong, he’s convinced that being learned makes him a better man than others, but there’s absolutely no real malice in this character it’s fair to say.
“Being part of this year’s Shakespeare on the Lawn is brilliant, it’s a very productive group of people and we all help and support one another, and even though we’re all having so much fun, everyone works hard to make sure they’re doing all they can for their respective parts and roles in the play. My character is quite witty and definitely fun to play; he’s a vicar and so very different to me as a person obviously, particularly as he is very old and quite slow in whatever he does. It’s great to be challenged in terms of playing a completely different person to who I am, and that’s the joy of acting! I’m looking forward to performing, it’s the absolute best part of it all.”
Jaquenetta, Played by Ella B
A maid at Magdalene College, who does not have the greatest reputation for virtue, Jaquenetta is a simple soul though – although rather blunt! She attracts the romantic attention of both Costard and Armado, and a letter meant for Rosaline finds its way to her, propelling Berowne’s exposure as a lover!
“The rehearsals are always so brilliant, it’s a very free in that you can explore your character and your acting, with lots of support and suggestions from Mrs Mayes and Mr Williams – their direction is so valuable and really makes you think deeply about your character and the scenes we’re in. My character is quite cheeky, confident and funny – I’m loving playing her. Being able to perform is amazing, I’ve never been part of a Shakespeare production before so it’s a great challenge, I love trying new things. I can’t wait to perform to everyone, it’s going to be so exciting.”
Dull, Played by Ella E
Anthony Dull is the College Porter, a blunt and unloquacious man who has no qualms about admitting that at times he has no idea what anyone else is talking about! Misunderstanding large words, he rarely tries to use them; he’s not particularly intelligent but not bothered or embarrassed by that at all!
“Although I am nothing like my character, I’m really enjoying playing him; because he is quite dull, literally, I’m focusing on the comedy aspect of his character, including the physical comedy, to make sure the audience really understand him – and that’s brilliant fun, I’m exploring lots of different ways to communicate with the audience other than through dialogue. I love the energy and enthusiasm that everyone brings to rehearsals, it’s a lovely space to be in and working together is one of the best parts about it all for me.”
Costard, Played by Theo
Armado’s rival for Jaquenetta., Costard is the College Gardener. Down-to-earth, he freely admits to rejecting the idea of the law, but loves learning new and big words, especially when they relate to money! He’s also unable to read, so he mixes up the two letters he has to deliver and gives them to the wrong people.
“This is my first big role, so it’s a new but really brilliant experience. I love my character, he’s funny and lively, and I’m able to let my own personality come through him – he doesn’t have lots of lines in every scene, so it’s really important I keep the audience engaged with and understanding him even when I’m silent, that involves lots of physical acting and I’m enjoying exploring and developing that during rehearsals. I’m also really enjoying being able to make the audience laugh and that’s probably what I’m most excited about in terms of performing in July – I can’t wait!”
Tickets for both performances on 1 and 2 July are now on sale – it’s always an extremely popular event, so make sure you book yours as soon as you can, and start thinking about your picnic for the evening! Tickets can be found at ticketsource.co.uk/woodbridge-school-drama, we look forward to seeing you there!
