February 2024
In my circles, Katy Owen is known as a bit of a “golden ticket” – with credits including Wise Children’s Wuthering Heights, Kneehigh’s Ubu! and the Globe Theatre’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Owen has consistently delivered performances full of energy and flair – and has definitely stolen a few shows. Her latest role is in Wise Children’s Blue Beard, playing a Mother Superior like no other and the show is stopping off at York Theatre Royal next week (February 27th – March 9th) as part of a wider tour. Here, Owen dishes on the show, coveted roles, the joys of mixing with audiences close-up – and the unexpected perils of cheese…
“BLUE BEARD THE MAGICIAN MAKES HEARTS FLUTTER AND PUPILS DILATE. WITH A WINK, A STROKE AND A FLICK – THINGS JUST SEEM TO VANISH. CARDS, COINS, SCARVES… AND WOMEN.”
First up: this latest show, “Blue Beard”. It’s another interesting choice for Wise Children and this one leans more towards the serious side and darker themes. What can you tell me about it?
It’s essentially a show about male violence. It takes a 15th century folk tale and a modern day tale, told by the sisters of the Convent of the Fearful Fucked and Furious. It’s a sad, mad and hopeful anthem for our times.
And what can you tell me about your character?
My character is the Mother Superior of the convent. I can’t give too much away but she’s a ferocious comedy and tragedy all wrapped up in a bright blue beard.
What strikes me most about your performances is that your characters tend to have very distinct physicality. I’ve always wanted to know how you approach this element with your characters?
For me, physicality is an exciting way to discover a character. I find it’s something that instinctively develops as you imagine the person you’re playing. When you change the way your body is, you feel different things.
You’ve taken the lead with comedy in various productions, but we saw a very different side in “Wuthering Heights”. Was that an enjoyable departure and would you say your character in “Blue Beard” follows in similar footsteps?
I think comedy and tragedy are closely related. I like playing characters that can make an audience laugh and then deliver a blow to the heart. Those contradictions are what makes us human. In Blue Beard my character has a reveal at the end, that’s deeply personal. I think its impact is felt more acutely because she’s played the fool.
And you’ve worked alongside Emma Rice for some time now – what’s the most enjoyable thing about working in familiar teams, as an actor?
I have worked with Emma for 13 years now. Like all good creative relationships, they get better with time. There’s trust, love, lots of laughter and respect that makes the work richer and braver.
What first drew you to acting and what was your route into the industry?
I wanted to act ever since I can remember. I’m a working class woman from Wales. My family had very little money but luckily when I wanted to go to drama school, there was a loop hole in Wales that meant we didn’t have to pay. If I was training now, I wouldn’t stand a chance!
What would you name as some of your career highlights to date?
I loved my years at Shakespeare’s Globe. There’s not a theatre like it in the world. It’s so live. You can see the audience’s faces and look into their eyes. I love that. I got to play Puck and Malvolio. Amazing roles. Also, Wuthering Heights at the National and in New York was very special.
Any roles you’d love to play or types of characters you’d love to originate in new work?
I’d love to have a crack at Hamlet and I’d love to do some Beckett. Also, I’d like to do a play where I sat down and ate a buffet in the nude, without raising my voice and looking banging. I’m always running, shouting, sweating and being thrown in the air.
Best show you’ve seen lately?
Best show I’ve seen lately – Shed: Exploded View.
Best advice you’ve been given in your career that you think is worth passing on?
Best advice – find something that sorts your head out. I run. It gives me the space to realise when I’m being a self centred tosser and that what matters most is to be kind and love. Even when the world is a rough ride and the people in it can be cruel.
And just because I love a glimpse beyond the curtain: do you have a cracking “the show must go on” tale?
Well just recently (on Blue Beard) I ate some warm cheese in between shows. Let’s just say, buckets were placed around the side of the stage and I’m off dairy forever.
Finally, circling back to “Blue Beard”, why should audiences come to see this show?
You’ll experience a rollercoaster of emotions and still be home in time for an episode of Columbo.
Wise Children’s Blue Beard is at York Theatre Royal from February 27th – March 9th 2024 – tickets can be found here. More information about tour dates and venues can be found here.
Images: Steve Tanner
Always Time For Theatre 