London Calling with Champagne Charlie - 'Rookery Nook' Star Lynda Baron

'Rookery Nook' is currently packing in audiences at the Chocolate Menier Factory. This ex chocolate factory has been converted into a theatre with a number of hit productions including its Tony Nominated production of 'Sunday in the Park with George' and it's multiple Oliver nominated / winning version of 'Little Shop of Horrors'.

This time around its owners are presenting 'Rookery Nook' and its star Lynda Baron took a moment out to describe working on the hit and at this unusual venue that has produced so many Tony and Olivier winning shows.

Champagne Charlie
When did you hear you first had the part?

Lynda Baron
Talk about a weird moment! The producers at the Chocolate Factory were having a planning meeting one Sunday lunch time. They were discussing who to cast in Rookery Nook and had just decided they should send me the script when the door to the restaurant opened and in I walked.  I was meeting friends for lunch before watching: A Little Night Music" So the first I knew about the play was when I was handed the script at the lunch table. I guess it saved on the postage; money is tight at the Chocolate Factory!

Champagne Charlie
'Rookery Nook' is a period piece. Why do people enjoy it today?

Lynda Baron
When I read Rookery Nook I was somewhat concerned it could be too dated and rather tame for this day and age.  The arrival of a girl wearing pyjamas at country cottage didn't seem startling enough to set off a farcical situation. However the style of the writing is so of it's time that when combined with set, costume, and direction the play takes you to an almost forgotten England where the world was slower, speech was faster, and manners and style were everything. The audiences are more than happily transported to this gentler world.  The play stands up very well indeed

Champagne Charlie
Had you seen the play before and if so what were your initial thoughts?

Lynda Baron
I had never seen the play before, for a moment I thought I may have been in it at some time but I hadn't. So it came as a delightful surprise when I read it. Reading a script for the first time is one of the best parts of the acting "process".

Champagne Charlie
How did you go about preparing for the role?

Lynda Baron
When a play is well written one has to do less research etc. I did however spend some time watching larger women walking. For though I am a big girl my character is variously described as "a balloon", "Mrs flannel foot" and as "waddling off home",  so I figured she'd have a pretty hefty gait. It has also been fun not watching my weight. However that has to stop soon, Hey ho!

Champagne Charlie
Are you superstitious at all?

Lynda Baron
I am not at all superstitious. I figure if you've doNe Your homework and have rehearsed the play well enough you shouldn't need luck. However a little luck is always a good thing.

Champagne Charlie
What did you do to prepare for the character?

Lynda Baron
One of the dangers playing farce is that it is very easy to burst into uncontrollable laughter.  It is something to do with the rush of adrenalin when playing at such a hysterical level. Well that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!

Champagne Charlie
Have there been any funny / scary moments in this production in rehearsals or working on other shows where things might have gone unintentionally wrong?

Lynda Baron
It is astounding the way inanimate objects conspire against one plying farce, people fall off chairs beds stairs and anything else they meant to sit on. Something to do with the speed things move at, many an actor has got an extra laugh as they disappear over the back of a sofa.
And of course there is the DOOR KNOB!!!!!!! They take such a beating they fall off with regular monotony. I have been known to shout my lines through a keyhole when trapped in the bathroom by a badly behaved doorknob.

Champagne Charlie
How did you get out them - or not?

Lynda Baron
If something goes really wrong on stage you should be able to adlib your way out of trouble in character.  You can also rely on your fellow actors to get you out of a hole. It is amazing how quickly the brain works in moments of crisis; if yours doesn't you are in the wrong job!

Champagne Charlie
If you were allowed the chance to be cast in and work on any show running or about to open at the moment in addition to this show, what part would you like to play and why?

Lynda Baron
I am usually so involved in my own part that I don't covert other peoples.  I would however like to play the nurse in "Romeo and Juliet" before I am in my dotage, I hope there is time. It is possible to put things off for too long and parts go past you.

Champagne Charlie
What are your future plans after the show?

Lynda Baron
When the play finishes in June I am going to the south of France on holiday. I can't wait just to slop around drink wine and go to bed early. After a while I may give some thought to my next job. Mind you all actors think they will never get another job no matter how long they have been at it. So if you never see me again you will know this time I never did get another job! It's scary.

Champagne Charlie
It is a very exhausting and vibrant show and performance - how do you unwind after a performance in this show and in general?

Lynda Baron
The best way to unwind after work is to go and have a beer with The Cast. Actors are usually very good company. They are good story tellers and entertain each other endlessly. Sad aren't we?

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