We sat down with Allan to chat about Cinderella – The Panto!, what’s the most rewarding part of his job, and what are the challenges and rewards of live theatre compared to other forms of acting.
Lighthouse Festival (LF): How do you see the role of theatre in today’s society?
Allan Cooke (AC): A lot would depend on the type of show you’re seeing. There’s still great theatre that challenges you to think and see the world in a different way and we need that. But just as important is Panto and comedy and musicals providing pure escapism and entertainment. We probably want more of the latter these days if we feel the world is getting worse!
(LF): What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
(AC): On this gig it’s a tie between having a blast with the cast in the rehearsal room; coming up with silly bits, trying out ideas; and getting on stage, connecting with the audience and getting those laughs.
(LF): What drew you to this role in Cinderella?
(AC): I knew working alongside Sal again it’d be a Master’s Degree in Subtle, Nuanced Restraint, and I’ve been proved right – so much fun. Also, Jonny always gathers a great cast and garners a generous atmosphere for these things and once again he’s pulled the rabbit out the hat.
(LF): What are the challenges and rewards of live theatre compared to other forms of acting?
(AC): On both counts it would be immediate feedback from the audience. They’ll laugh if you’re funny, clap if you;re good, and quickly bring the tumbleweed if it all goes to pot.
(LF): What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about working in theatre?
(AC): Tough one. It might be that people think it looks easier than it is. But then, that’s our job, to make it look effortless, so who’s complaining? In rehearsals, if it does feel like hard work, even as we’re pouring our hearts and mind into it as we do, we might not be doing it right, because the best stuff tends to come from knowing how to play, how to love the process as you engage with it and embracing even the steeper learning curves!
