Simon Darwen is an actor, gearing up to play Rory in the brand new play Sirens, by award-winning playwright Kenny Emson, which will be launching the Mercury Originals programme at the Mercury Theatre Colchester that will showcase ground-breaking new plays by local writers.
Simon took some time out of his day to answer our questions about the show ahead of the premiere run at the end of the month…
First up, can we have a brief introduction – how would you describe yourself and what you do to those who may not know in a sentence?
To quote my twitter headline… ’Actor/Hatter/Labour/Remain/He/him’.
The past year has been really challenging for those in the arts industry, so how did you personally find it and navigate through it?
I bought a house and moved out of London in December. It only took a pandemic! I have been fortunate enough to have had some acting work for the last 6 months but prior to that I was setting up in a new home in a new town. I also took up running and absolutely love it.
You have a vast array of credits to your name – do you have any career highlights?
Prior to lockdown, I did a new play in Tokyo with a half Japanese half British cast and it was an insanely wonderful experience.
The last play I did was probably the happiest I’ve ever been on stage and it was a play called Beginning by David Eldridge.
We’re here to talk about Sirens, an exciting new work by Kenny Emson, what can you tell us about the play?
Sirens is a drama that examines how the lives of three family members are shifted through tragedy. We see three different acts, each separated by 17 years. It’s a brilliantly honest examination of real people in a brutal setting.
What about your character, Rory, what can you tell us about him?
Rory is a flawed man who has made bad choices in his life. His journey throughout this piece is trying to salvage relationships and make some peace with his life.
The challenge with a part like this is that you embrace his flaws and recognise why he is the way he is. It’s not pretty but it’s honest.
Rory has a big heart and big plans, but seeing him age and how life eats away at him is fascinating.
Sirens is also the launch production for the Mercury Originals programme, which showcases ground-breaking new plays by local writers – how important is it to you to be involved with such projects?
New writing has been my bread and butter my whole career. There’s no greater thrill than opening a playtext and seeing your name on the original cast list. To be able to develop and cultivate a new piece in a rehearsal room is a real privilege. I’ve worked up and down the country in many regional theatres, and it’s so important to nurture the local voice of a community and to represent the dynamic and culture of a place.
Do you have any previous links to Colchester, or is this your first time here?
I’ve watched my football team at both Layer Road (which I adored) and the new monstrosity on the A12 (which represents everything that’s wrong with modern football). That’s for another time though!
For those wondering whether to take a chance on something new, why should people come and see it?
This is a visceral and honest journey about real people. I feel like it may surprise some people in how natural the delivery is. You will get a very close up view of a family. Almost like a fly on the wall.
For a touch of fun – If you could work with any creative (actor, director, etc) who would it be and why?
Rafe Spall. He’s such an incredible actor, I would work with him in a heartbeat.
Thanks to Simon for his time in answering our questions!
Sirens runs at the Mercury Theatre from Thurs 28th October to Sat 6th November. For more information or to book visit mercurytheatre.co.uk/sirens.
