Latest news with #Marlie
Irish Post
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Post
Sisterhood and survival - Kelly Gough takes us backstage on London revival of Run Sister Run
KELLY GOUGH is starring in a revival of Chloë Moss' 2020 play Run Sister Run which opened at the Arcola Theatre this month. Born in Ennis, Co. Clare and now living in London, at 38 years old she has been in the acting business for more than two decades. Moss's play explores the highs and lows of sisterhood through the entwined lives of siblings Connie and Ursula. Gough, who has five sisters of her own, plays Ursula. This week she told The Irish Post what drew her to the show and why she loves it… Kelly Gough stars in Run Sister Run at the Arcola Theatre this month (Pic: Hackney Headshots) What drew you to this revival of Chloë Moss' 2020 play? Truthfully: the story. The script landed in my inbox, I loved the story, and many, many, many people moved heaven and earth to make it happen for me. However much I earn, I have accrued debts I will never be able to repay on this one. How has director Marlie Haco approached this version? Marlie's approach reminds me of work I've seen back home, particularly the work of Sarah Jane Scaife, Pat Kinevane, Bryan Burroughs and David Horan. It is unapologetically theatrical and I love it. Theatre and television are very, very, different mediums and Marlie really leans into that- the confluence of lean, naturalistic dialogue and imaginative theatre feels wildly exciting to me. How would you describe the story? Thought-provoking. What is your character like? The name of the character says it all. Ursula comes from the Latin meaning 'little she-bear'. She is wild, furious, fierce and (somewhat accidentally) hilarious. When she isn't hibernating, Ursula comes at the world roaring - I love the character. What's been most challenging about the role? Everything. I was in the process of completing my PGCE, while working full-time as an English and Drama teacher when I signed on. The final fortnight before half-term was a blitz of marking, handovers, and completing my final essay for university. It's been a massive challenge, one that continues to keep me firmly in what Vygotsky (1978) called the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). Learning happens just outside your comfort zone…suffice to say, I'm learning LOADS. Kelly Gough in rehearsals with Jo Herbert and Charlie Beaven (Pic: Toby Mather) The play centres on the complexities of sisterhood. Has it been intense, enjoyable, both? I'm not sure 'intense' is the word I'd use to describe it. É sin ráite, I'm a pretty 'intense' individual myself so it's hard to know for certain. That's the great thing about great writing - it's endlessly open to interpretation. Similarly, I'm not sure 'enjoyable' is the word I'd choose to describe the process of building the show…the word 'muscular' feels more accurate. It's always great to go into a rehearsal room where the director has a clear vision. Nowadays, it's easy for actors to default to telly acting, to neglect the body and the voice- the raw tools of our trade - and Marlie steadfastly refuses to let that happen. It's been a great challenge. It was a huge decision to return to the stage, and I don't regret a single second. That said, I'm looking forward to returning to teaching in September. It's all just another thread in life's great tapestry. Have you channelled any personal experiences with your own sisters for this role? I have five sisters. On the surface (with the notable exception of my twin sister Ciara) we're not especially close. Below the surface, I love them all bone-deeply and I pose a legitimate threat to the health of any individual who dares speak ill of any of them at any time. Inarguably, they are all great teachers for me. Personally, I'm not into 'channelling' personal experience…something about that feels somewhat dangerous to me. The writing is what does the work. I follow it religiously. The show runs at the Arcola Theatre until July 27 (Pic: Toby Mather) Your sister Denise is also an actor, are there benefits of working in the same field or do you draw a line between your work and personal life? I don't know that I draw a line between work life and family life. There's just life. Brutal, beautiful, precious life. The more people you have in your corner-or field the better. Especially when you're wired the way I am. Like Mum, Dad, and all my siblings (Shane, Niall, Zita, Daragh, Angie, Gerard, John, Aideen and especially Ciara), Denise is in my corner. Plus, Shelley and Aunty Denise are in there too. Regardless of my many failings, I have a clergy of Goughs, Hughes, and the late Bishop Willie Walsh looking after me. Undoubtedly, I am very lucky. Did you bond easily with your stage sister, Jo Herbert? Are there any tricks you can use for that? The main 'trick' is casting. Casting is a much-overlooked art form, and our casting director Gabrielle Dawes played a blinder on this one. I couldn't imagine anyone else playing Jo's part (Connie), nor could I imagine anyone else playing Adrian (Theo Fraser-Steele) or Jack (Charlie Beavan). It's just as well really…the theatre only has the one dressing room. That's a great trick: shove all the excellent, eccentric actors in together, and see what ensues. What can the audience expect from the show? A great night at the theatre. What are the highlights of this production? The writing, design, music, lighting, direction and performance. Marlie is creating something wildly theatrical, the likes of which I haven't seen since I left Ireland. Even if I wasn't in it, I would want to see it. Will anyone come over from Ireland to see you in the show? Yes. Denise will be converting her London home into a small, highly exclusive hotel which will host various combinations of Goughs, Hughes, and in-laws. I have no doubt her patience will be tested, and it'll be wild craic. I strongly suspect she will host a convey from Clare, a couple from Sligo, at least one woman from Waterford and a very vocal contingent from Dublin. Gan amhras ar bith, all my people are the best. Run Sister Run runs at the Arcola Theatre until July 27. For tickets and listings click here. See More: Arcola Theatre, Chloë Moss, Kelly Gough, Run Sister Run
The Independent
16-04-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Marlie Packer recalled as centre Jade Shekells makes first start for Red Roses
Jade Shekells has been handed her first Red Roses start in a much-changed England team to face Scotland. Former captain Marlie Packer, replaced by Zoe Aldcroft ahead of this tournament, is handed a second start of the tournament on the openside, while Holly Aitchison takes the reins at fly half. Shekells partners former Great Britain Sevens teammate Meg Jones in the centres, with Claudia MacDonald joining Abby Dow and Ellie Kildunne in the back three. Kelsey Clifford - usually a tighthead for Saracens but playing loosehead for England in this campaign – is promoted into the starting front row with Lark Atkin-Davies and Sarah Bern. Hooker Amy Cokayne will miss the game with a pectoral injury that requires a scan, with her participation against France next week as yet uncertain. This is a significant opportunity for the recalled Packer, who lost the captaincy in part due to doubts over her place in the starting side. With Sadia Kabeya and Maddie Feaunati impressing in this tournament, and Aldcroft featuring in every game so far on the blindside, back row competition is intense. Packer has retained a role as vice-captain and continues to drive high standards within the Red Roses squad. 'I don't think there was ever really a demotion,' lock Abbie Ward said of her forward colleague. 'Marlie's a fantastic leader and always will be, whether she's wearing the armband or not. That's exactly the same with Zoe. She's got the captaincy and she was always an incredible leader before. She's stepped into it so naturally and nothing has changed. 'Marlie, whether she's playing or not, is always inputting. She's always helping the squad get better. Even if she's not on pitch, she brings her experience. You speak about Marlie and often you speak about the energy that she has and that ferocity. But she also has this other side where she brings a calmness to the squad. Because she's been there, she's done that, she's been in tough games, she's been on the sides of huge wins and also losses. I think that's just invaluable to us.' Shekells, meanwhile, is seen as a possible alternative to first-choice inside centre Tatyana Heard as Mitchell seeks to build depth at the position. Though she featured sparingly for Gloucester-Hartpury this season, the 28-year-old is a sevens stalwart and played alongside Jones and Kildunne at Paris 2024 last summer. 'It's definitely going to help playing with someone she's got relationships with,' Nathan Catt, England's defence and scrum coach, explained. 'Obviously, you have relatively similar styles coming from sevens, so I think it will definitely be beneficial for her. 'She's trained really well, so it will be good to see how she transfers into the game. It's a definite opportunity for her to put her best foot forward.' England XV to face Scotland at Welford Road (4.45pm BST, Saturday 19 April): 1 Kelsey Clifford, 2 Lark Atkin-Davies, 3 Sarah Bern; 4 Rosie Galligan, 5 Abbie Ward; 6 Zoe Aldcroft (capt.), 7 Marlie Packer, 8 Maddie Feaunati; 9 Lucy Packer, 10 Holly Aitchison; 11 Claudia MacDonald, 12 Jade Shekells, 13 Meg Jones, 14 Abby Dow; 15 Ellie Kildunne.
