Lord of the Flies. 2011 Cast. Photo: Johan Persson
So we’ve run through the play completely now, and we are just dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s. We’ve staged it all, including the dance segments and choreography; it’s refreshing to have that in the bag. We now know exactly where we need to be on stage; therefore we’re able to find an extra layer of liberty to really play around with what we’re doing, and who we’re listening to.
Luke Ward-Wilkinson and Freddie Watkins as Ralph and Jack. Photo Simon Turtle/Feast Creative
Luke Ward-Wilkinson as Ralph. Photo Helen Maybanks
Q. What is Ralph like as a character?
A. For me Ralph represents everything Jack does not. He’s the perfect, happy, confident boy that comes from a loving family and a good background. He’s smart, he’s funny, he’s confident and he carries all the traits of his doting father, a high ranking officer in the Navy. Leadership comes naturally to him. He doesn’t try to exert authority; it’s born more organically out of his personality. He exudes a confidence that makes him the
Freddie Watkins as Jack. Photo Helen Maybanks
Once the schoolboys have crashed on the island, they’re all faced with the moral conundrum that you’d expect any 15 year old to have when they suddenly find themselves in a place where rules don’t apply. Do we take the opportunity to have fun and do what we want? Or do we try and get back to our parents?
Q. What is Jack like as a character?
A. The characters of Jack and Ralph personify the two sides of
Waking up in pain every morning is something I’m just about getting used to. It’s becoming a new way of life. The first thing the cast ask each other every morning is “how badly are you hurting today?” which makes us all laugh. We’re slowly becoming a little family and supporting each other whenever someone needs it.
Liam Steel, (Co-Director) has us doing a variety of killer exercises every day, his particular favourite… THE PLANK!
My name is Freddie (playing Jack), I’m 19 with no theatre experience (although I did appear in the films Nativity! and Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger!) and, like the other young actors with limited theatre experience, naturally terrified. The first day of the rehearsal process, when you are in the room with the creative team about to do your first read through of the play, came with that classic mixture of emotion. You assume it’s going to be like boot camp
