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Like many of us, actor Florence Howard had way too much time on our hands during lockdown. Some of us watched too much TV or just enjoyed the peace and quiet a little too much, and others did something much more productive. Florence is very clearly in that latter category, as she used her time to write her first play, Agatha.
Originally started to keep herself busy and as something she could self-tape., Agatha comes from her surprise at, as a newly married woman, how quickly people started asking her when she’d be having a baby. Encouraged by friends and colleagues what begun as a monologue grew and grew before somehow ending up on the desks of Theatre503. And now it is now almost ready to be unleashed upon the world.
We caught up with Florence to find out how that initial idea blossomed and flourished and what it’s like to be preparing to star in her own play.
How would you describe Agatha?
Agatha follows the imperfect love story between Aggy and Ben as it is ripped apart by the two people who want it to work the most. It confronts society’s expectations of women’s reproductive choices and asks how we keep hold of ourselves whilst sharing everything we are with someone else.
You’ve said the idea for the play came from that expectation that you would at some point want to start a family – how much do these rather “traditional” views shape the whole play then?
The idea for the play certainly did come from assumptions that were put on me as a recently married women, but it delves not only into why someone doesn’t want kids but also why someone does. The emphasis is often on the women that don’t but I think its equally interesting digging down into the reasons why people do. What I’ve learnt from my characters is that on both sides, trying to articulate these instincts is hard.
You only started writing during lockdown, had you never considered trying before?
No! I am a big reader and I wrote a diary for a long time. Apart from that it really wasn’t something I had ever considered. When I started writing Agatha I had this overwhelming feeling of…oh this feels right, why have I never done this before?!
Were you surprised at the reaction from people when you shared your initial writing with them then?
I’m still surprised!
And how has the initial monologue you set out to work developed into this full-length play?
It was actually a ten-minute play I had written as a bit of a challenge to myself. I sent it to a writer/director friend of mine who replied saying…well what happens next? I kept on feeding her scenes and she would reply saying…okay and then what happens? She really is the reason there’s a play in the first place. I would never of had the confidence to carry on the story.
How did you get involved with Theatre503 to put the play on?
It was through a director I knew of who was helping me on the script. He sent it to 503 and I had absolutely no expectations of it even being considered. They then got back to him saying they were interested and that’s how the conversations started. For a first-time playwright I feel so unbelievably lucky to have the support of 503. They work so hard for their writers. From that initial meeting all the way through to dramaturgical help on the script and attending run throughs in rehearsal, I have felt consistently encouraged every step of the way.
As well as the writer, you’re also co-staring, how has it been having someone else take charge of directing your own play – any heated disagreements in the rehearsal room yet?
So many disagreements, it’s been incredibly fraught.
I’m joking. George is a complete dream to work with. When I initially met him we had such a wonderful discussion about the script and our own experiences of potential parenthood. He is pushing the play in directions I could never envisage. It’s a dream really to have it taken from my head and put into the hands of someone who totally gets it.
Theatre503 do a wonderful Parent & Baby performance, is that going to be a little odd performing to new parents a show about not wanting kids?
A very good question and something I have been thinking myself! I wonder what this show will be like. There is still a taboo around admitting you don’t want children, or even admitting you have children but you find it incredibly hard. When Aggy’s mum enters the space the conversation delves into the darker, scarier aspects of being a new mum and while this extreme experience isn’t the reality for everyone, hopefully just having someone say it means you are able to express all the nuances of what it is to be a mother. I’d like to think the supposed irony of having your baby with you while watching the show is actually a reflection on how any experience of motherhood is valid and does not necessarily negate the love you have for your child.
First play under your hat, is this a whole new direction for you to, or is acting always going to be your first love?
I love performing and always have. I hope I never have to give that up but writing Agatha and starting to work on something new is such a joy. It’s given me a sense of control in my work which you don’t get in the acting side of things. There is something so thrilling about sitting down at my laptop and creating something from nothing. It feels ambitious which I think can be lacking as a performer. You often have to wait to be given permission to work. With writing all you need is a blank sheet of paper and you’re good to go.
What’s it like to be seeing your writing come to life on stage for the very first time then, is it a completely different experience to when you’re acting in someone else’s work?
You know what, apart from the rewriting in rehearsal where I am wearing my writing hat, I keep forgetting I’ve written it! It is useful to approach it like any other script, with the added blessing of cutting out lines if they don’t work!
And are you readying yourself for what that very first audience reaction is going to be then?
Not sure I can think about it too much. Best get back to rehearsing!
Our thanks to Florence Howard for taking time out of rehearsals to chat with us. Agatha plays at Theatre503 from 27 June to 15 July. Further information and tickets can be found here.
