Interview: Actress Sophie Reid on BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN at @sohoplace
As Brokeback Mountain enters its final weeks in the West End, we caught up with Sophie Reid about her characters and experience of the piece thus far.
Tell us what Brokeback Mountain is about and who your characters are in it.
Brokeback Mountain is a story of how fear gets in the way of love. It’s told through the relationship of two cowboys that spans twenty years in Wyoming USA and is accompanied by a live country band who act as the emotional undercurrent of the piece. I play Lureen, the wife of Jack Twist, I’m a backing vocalist in the band and I also feature as the undeniable waitress ‘Angel’ who will steal your heart and doesn’t take any s**t.
Can you tell us how music is embedded into the production?
A lot of the time the music behaves like a film score, surging in and out of the scenes to give the audience context both emotionally as to how the characters are feeling inside and also environmentally. For example BJ Cole’s soaring ability on the Pedal Steel really allows you to imagine you’re way up on the mountain, the voice of Eddi Reader cuts through like a bird of prey or dawn chorus, Meelie Trails on double bass brings a pulsing tension that creeps up your spine and Greg Wells howls like a coyote on his harmonica whilst Sean Green steers the ship on keys. The sound design by Christopher Shutt is also astounding, bringing surround sounds of the mountain ranges into the theatre and then swapping over to more domestic sounds like music coming from the radio. It’s an incredibly immersive show music wise.
What do you think makes now the right time for Brokeback Mountain to have its stage debut?
Is there ever not a right time to debut a brilliant piece of theatre that encourages love, courage and unity?
How are you finding performing in the round?
It’s incredibly fun. It both adds a challenge and relieves pressure because there’s no bad seat in the house for an actor to play to but you also have to act with your back as well as your front! As an audience member, you get the whole story wherever you’re sat but you’ll also get sneaky treats that others won’t. I love indulging in these moments as Angel. I do this smile on the way out that only some folk see so only a few laugh etc…it’s very special and means repeat visits are totally worth it!
You are understudying a number of roles in this show. What are your top tips for aspiring actors who may find themselves understudying?
Basically just take tips from Tom Mahy, my fellow understudy who went on and smashed it. He is the heart and soul of our cast and knows not only the boy’s lines but everyone’s lines! One of the most exhilarating, exciting and dedicated actors to have graced the West End this year and a brilliant company member. Remember as an Understudy, you have the unique privilege of bringing fresh energy. Make sure your production team has your back and get organised in having folk come along to see your shows. Try and contract set performances wherever possible because trust me - your show’s will be electric.
You’ve been a part of some massive screen projects like Game of Thrones and Beauty and the Beast. How does the experience of acting for screen and acting on stage compare for you?
Hahaha this is a funny answer probably but there’s something tantric about the filming process that involves a concentrated focus and energy, whereas theatre is a bit more free wheeling because your audience is right there with you discovering what the story is each night. Filming is just as fresh but more intricately designed.
What have you learnt from your experience so far working on Brokeback Mountain?
That making a strong, solid and safe foundation for your crew and cast to work in brings forth the best work and encourages a deep and wonderful connection behind the scenes, on stage and with our audiences.
What do you hope audiences will take away from the show with them?
A sense of hope, a reminder to not devalue or ignore the heart that beats within us all and to feel energised and inspired to live the life they want to live unhindered by fear.
Brokeback Mountain plays at @sohoplace until 12 August, with tickets available here:
Written by: Jacob Bush