City’s actor Jess is taking on seven roles in Two play
A North East actor has spoken of her excitement at playing not one, but seven of the lead roles in a theatre’s upcoming production.
Jess Johnson, from Sunderland, will star alongside Christopher Price, from Newcastle, in Two, at the Gala Theatre, Durham in October.
The play, set in a traditional North East pub, will see Johnson and Price take on all 14 characters, from the warring landlord and landlady, to a failing Romeo and his long-suffering girlfriend, to a loveable elderly couple who are quietly content with their lot in life.
Written by Jim Cartwright and directed by Tom Wright, Two is the Gala Theatre’s own production and reflects the wealth of creative talent that can be found in the region.
Over the course of one evening, Cartwright’s characters present a microcosm of working-class life. Audiences will share in their celebrations, sorrows, hopes and secrets, with the writer aiming to capture the quick-witted charm and spirit that makes northern communities so special.
Johnson, who starred in Willy Russell’s Educating Rita at The Gala Theatre last year and Carina Rodney’s The Fighting Bradfords in 2016, is delighted to be back at the venue.
“I’m thrilled to be working on a Jim Cartwright piece and to have an opportunity to play seven incredible characters in one production,” she said.
“I’ve played multiple roles in previous productions, but I don’t think I’ve ever played as many characters as I will in Two.
“It will be a challenge, but Jim’s writing is seamless and Chris Price is a wonderful actor. I’m really looking forward to working together under Tom Wright’s direction to bring these different personalities to life.
“I think what makes Two so special is that there is so much to identify with.
“The play provides a snapshot of relationships many of us have experienced ourselves at some point in our lives.
“It’s like being a fly on the wall, overhearing conversations and peeking into other people’s lives.”
Two runs at the Gala Theatre from October 2 to 6. Performances will take place at 7.30pm each night and at 2.30pm on Thursday and Saturday.