In the run up to our performances of "The Importance of Being Earnest" We sat down with some of our brilliant cast and crew. Next up is Proforca founding member Catrin Keeler, who's swapping her brassy Northern lasses and leopard print for something a little bit different. Kris Jenner better watch out!
1) How would your friends introduce you?
Probably as ‘this is Cat. She’s been on gameshows.’
2) Tell us a bit about your character and what you like most about them?
I like Lady Bracknell’s complete and utter interest in herself and the position she has clearly worked so hard to get to. She literally doesn’t acknowledge anyone else’s existence unless they can assist her with her standing in society, but woe betide anyone who threatens that - then she’s like a viper! The fact she admits herself she came from nothing makes it all the more glorious. I'm convinced she'd have been the Victorian equivalent of WAG, Trophy Wife or Kris Kardashian.......
3) What is it that you like most about Earnest and why do you think people should buy a ticket?
It’s a classic case of misunderstanding and crossed wires. And it will be interesting to see it completely stripped back and the focus being purely on the text and the rapport rather than big bustles and victorian frocks.
4) If you could be in any theatre production, what would it be and why?
The Book Of Mormon. An impossibility without a few physiological changes I admit, but it’s so gloriously offensive and brilliant I would contemplate those changes if I stood half a chance...
5) What's been your favourite Proforça moment so far?
There have been a few which have given me belly laughs. [I won’t name and shame but cable tossing springs to mind ;)] The whole being part of a group that can both play hard and work hard is brilliant as it creates an outlet for creativity and fun outside of the normal working day. And meeting my real life love interest (who we're nicknaming Lord Bracknell now!) through the group. Yes, I’m being soppy - get over it Lady B!
6) If you could swap lives with one celebrity for the day who would it be and why?
Andi Peters. That bloke literally has the life of Riley. That’s not a job!! He’s flown all over the place just to cajole people into spending premium rate prices to win what is probably the equivalent of his yearly salary. And he gets to go everywhere on holiday for free. It’s a tough life Andi - Hats off to you lad!
7) What scares you and excites you most about acting?
What scares me the most is involuntarily vomiting all over myself when on stage. I used to have terrible stage fright and gave up acting for a long time because of that fear. That and/or my legs collapsing underneath, and me writhing and screaming for an ambulance.
What excites me is being able to leave Catrin Keeler at the door and put on my new persona. It could never get boring.
8) What's the most challenging thing you've done on stage that you're most proud of?
I once played Pogo from Pond Life when I was in my early thirties. She was an 18 year old who had learning difficulties and it was an incredibly difficult scene where she can’t cope and has a breakdown. I was told after I’d made one of my hardened producer friends cry. Making people cry (for the right reasons) will always make me proud!
9) If you were president for a day, what three laws would you enact?
Nobody with a bodily function for a surname will ever be allowed a position of any remote power in any walk of life. Ever.
Nobody should ever have to pay to pee in public toilets.
3 day weekends.
10) What three luxury items would you take to a desert island?
- Marmite
- Soundtrack to the Book Of Mormon
- A dog.
Cat is a founding member of Proforca Theatre Company. She previously played "Becky" in "If I Go" in May 2016 and was Producer and Costume Designer for "Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens." Shane Meadows, if you're out there, she's waiting for your call. You can find Cat on Twitter @CatrinKeeler . Follow Proforca on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @ProforcaTheatre and via our website at www.proforca.co.uk.
"The Importance of Being Earnest" is performed 27th - 30th September and "The Ballad of Reading Gaol" is on November 2nd - 4th 2017. Tickets for both shows in our "Project Wilde" series are available now and can be found at our website at www.proforca.co.uk/boxoffice or via www.lionandunicorntheatre.co.uk