'The Definition of charisma' by Nay Murphy performing live on june 16th!

I have been editing this script since 'That Face' was put on last summer with Naked Bear. I am proud to say it has been longlisted for the New Views Competition at the National Theatre. After some delays due to the pandemic, it is finally live on June 16th at the Bedales Drama Studio. I don't know about you, but I have been booking tickets all over the place - after a year without live theatre, we've got to make up for it.

'The Definition of Charisma' is a two-person play performed by myself and the hilarious Ella Peattie. We have begun with an R&D period over zoom, which ended with a rehearsed reading. We'll be rehearsing for the performance in June over an intensive period of 9 days. I've decided to place the focus in rehearsals on knowing the characters inside out, as opposed to defining exact blocking; the play is in real time and is set in one room - I'm hoping this rehearsal method will allow for a completely natural and instinctive performance; what's most important is the connection between the two actors, Ella and myself, the rest will follow.

I’ve learned in the rehearsal process that performing one’s own work can be quite challenging - I’m performing a kind of version of myself, who’s also not me. It becomes hard to think of the character objectively, given that they are my own creation. This is a challenge I’m completely willing and happy to face and intrigued to see the outcome - only by accepting challenges and having a willingness to fail can we produce our best work.

As these two best friends tidy up from a party, the tensions of the weekend unfold. Infatuated with Fifi’s mind, Charlie makes her the unwitting subject of a psychological study. But perhaps Fifi knows more than Charlie realises...

The play explores what it means to have a big imagination; it is about self love and confidence, discussing religion, sexuality, philosophy and gender. I would say that above all, 'The Definition of Charisma' is about friendship and the intensity that that can bring. 

​Here's what Ella has to say:
"Sophia is an enigma. Cultivating her thoughts and reactions has been confusing, yet thrilling. It's been a delightful experience creating her life story, cultivating her manner of walking and so much more. Come and see this freaky fun-packed show XD".

If you'd like to come along, tickets will be made available soon - join our mailing list to keep up to date.

If you're unavailable or feel unsafe in live theatre due to the pandemic - not to worry! There will be an online stream of the performance later on in the summer.