Brief Encounter With … Clare Foster
Clare Foster is perhaps best known for starring in hit West End show Avenue Q. She also starred in ITV1’s The Bill as popular character, PC Millie Brown. She is about to tread the boards at The Octagon Theatre in Bolton – in two classics; A Streetcar Named Desire and Love On The Dole. We caught up with her during rehearsals for Streetcar.
What attracted you to The Octagon, as you are starring in not one, but two classics in their new Season?
There were numerous things that attracted me here. The first was to work with David Thacker, who’s work I had seen a lot of last season and loved. He brought a truth and openness to his productions that I really admired and I knew I would learn a lot from him. The other reason was, of course, the roles.
Blanche DuBois is an iconic and complex role to take on. Have you avoided looking at different actresses in the role?
What is that you like, as an actor about Tennesee Williams‘ writing?
What’s the most challenging aspect of Streetcar for you?
Ha! Right now it’s learning the lines! There are so many! Once the show is up and going it’ll be finding the emotional energy every night I think, without feeling the need to deliver anything specific in each moment. David and I have already discussed the need to feel each performance in its own right and be true to each moment without forcing anything.
You starred in The Bill which must have been fun. But we never saw an exit storyline – many of your face book fans were keen for Mille’s departure to be marked in some way. What happened?
You also gained a following in the hit West End show Avenue Q. Why do you think that show was popular with so many people?
Because it’s brilliant! It has such a clever book and fantastic music. It’s also wonderfully structured and thought out, and superbly directed frankly. The novelty factor is of course the concept but it has so much heart to it which is what I think people connected with.
Did you enjoy the training for the show or was it tough?
One of the reasons that Q lasted so long was the competitive pricing. Do you think the West End should be cheaper?
Following Streetcar, you take on Love On The Dole at The Octagon. Can you tell us a bit about the play and your character?
Both of these plays are classics. In your opinion how does each one appeal to contemporary audiences?
For me, as you hear me talk about a lot, it’s all about the heart of the piece. I think any piece of theatre that has truth and soul to it can relate to people because essentially love and personal relationships are the only constant. David has a knack of choosing writing that offers these qualities and therefore audiences can connect with.
What are your plans following your turns at the Octagon?
Well I’m here until November so no plans as yet other than Christmas! I’ll keep you posted!
Clare Foster was speaking to Glenn Meads
A Streetcar Named Desire runs at the Octagon from 16 September – 9 October. Love On The Dole runs from 14 October – 6 November. For more details, please visit the Octagon website.