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WOS Radio: A Doll’s House cast & director at #WOSOuting Q&A

17 July 2012

Last week Whatsonstage.com theatregoers made their way to our Outing to see A Doll’s House at the Young Vic. Ibsen’s play has been hailed as a triumph of domestic realism, and this run features a new version of the Norwegian original by Simon Stephens. Some attendees knew the play well, while for many it was their first experience of it.

A Doll’s House charts the collapse of a marriage based on misunderstandings and deceit, and is famed for its complicated and realistic characters. There were audible gasps from the crowd at the pitched finalé between Torvald, (Dominic Rowan), to wife Nora, played brilliantly by (Hattie Morahan).

Following the show many stayed for our Q&A session, for which we were lucky enough to have the director Carrie Cracknell as well as most of the cast, despite the late hour. Cracknell told us how the play has changed with Simon Stephens’ adaptation, and what new aspects he brought to it. The cast then joined us, Hattie Morahan starting us off with an anecdote about once tripping over her dress and knocking over a chair.

Director
Carrie Cracknell and cast listen to Hattie Morahan describing her
experiences on stage.

There was a lot of interest in the (real) baby that features in the show, having been cooed over when she appeared (she was remarkably well behaved). Apparently they’re always on their best behavior…

Cracknell admitted to being caught out on a slight design flaw by one of our eagle-eyed attendees, and Susannah Wise told us the perils of a revolve set, having misjudged her entrance once and walking into a piece of set. There were some fascinating insights into the play’s alternative ending that Ibsen was asked to write by an actress who refused to play the original one, as well as opinions on the reasons behind the breakdown of the marriage in the play.

To listen to the Q&A, which was hosted by Whatsonstage.com Managing & editorial director Terri Paddock, click the ‘play’ button above; or to subscribe and download from iTunes, click here.

As always, please feel free to email your comments and thoughts about the play, as well as any of your favourite insights from last night to feedback@whatsonstage.com and don’t forget to tweet using #wosouting! We would love to hear from you.

Rosie Bannister
Whatsonstage.com Intern