Theatre

The Shakespearean
Mariah Gale, 26
Gale was in ‘’Tis Pity She’s A Whore’ at Southwark Playhouse, and is appearing in RSC productions, including ‘The Tempest’.
Where did you train?
At Guildhall. I was quite shy for a long time, and it was so fantastic there when they said ‘We want to listen to your voice.’
How do you prepare yourself for a role?
It’s different every time. You collect approaches to characters partly through watching other actors, partly through directors. When I did ‘’Tis Pity She’s a Whore’, the director, Ed Dick, had assisted Declan Donnellan quite a lot, and was very influenced by him. I found it particularly helpful when he pointed out that we’re all inarticulate, so when you approach a classical text – even if it looks like beautiful poetry – you must remember that this person isn’t saying exactly what they mean and feel. Feature continues

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve been asked to do on stage?
I once rode a skateboard round the stage on my stomach, being a frog.
Who are your influences?
I think in terms of directors, definitely Ed Dick in ‘Tis Pity … ’ In terms of actors, I’ve been doing a small part in ‘Antony and Cleopatra’. Watching Harriet Walter playing Cleopatra is incredible.
What’s the most powerful piece of theatre you’ve seen?
I loved Complicite’s ‘Mnemonic’ [1999].
Dream role?
I love ‘Measure for Measure’, and would happily play Isabella. Even if the things you love the most are those you make a pig’s ear of!