'For me, Terence Rattigan is about suppressed emotion': Zoë interviewed in new edition of All On Her Own/Harlequinade

6 November 2015 18:57

The official, tie-in edition of Terence Rattigan's All On Her Own and Harlequinade, celebrating the productions in which Zoë is starring at the Garrick Theatre, has now been published by Nick Hern Books.

In addition to both plays, the book features a fascinating interview with Zoë, who discusses her approach to portraying characters. She always completes detailed research, encompassing books, art and music. When rehearsing the disturbing All On Her Own, Zoë kept a visual diary, containing 'images that reflected my emotions about the piece', including works by Magritte, Picasso, Munch and others.

The key to playing Rattigan's characters, Zoë suggests, is being aware that 'what's underneath is as important as what they say'. Actors – and audiences – need to read between the lines. 'For me, Terence Rattigan is about suppressed emotion,' she concludes.

The book also includes interviews with the productions' designer Christopher Oram (illustrated with his lovely sketches of Zoe's costumes) and Kenneth Branagh and his co-director Rob Ashford. The interviews are accompanied by an introduction to the playwright and his plays, written by Rattigan biographer Michael Darlow.

Harlequinade & All On Her Own is currently available from Nick Hern Books with a 20% discount.

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