For my second collaboration with Front Foot Theatre, we tackled David Lindsay-Abaire's Rabbit Hole, a script we had pursued for six years. Securing the performance rights was a thrilling achievement for us.

 

Utilising the Union Theatre in London, we recognised the importance of a detailed and integrated design from the outset. Collaborating closely with the designer, we crafted a stage layout that enhanced the presentation of the piece. I aimed for a thrust layer, immersing the audience in the characters' lives, resembling a lounge room. Real food and working kitchen appliances added a sense of gravity and immediacy. I opted for shades of grey as the base colour, punctuated only by childhood toys and remnants of the deceased child, suspended over the set to weigh on the characters' minds. Themes of blue linked the child's memory to the young man responsible for his death, culminating in a portrayal of hope and familial recovery.

 

We conducted extensive casting for the diverse characters, prioritising a family-friendly rehearsal space in the post-lockdown environment. Childcare provisions and support for mothers in the cast provided space and time for children to be present and playing within the rehearsal room as we explored the play. This ensured a conducive environment for all involved and brought a much-needed playful lightness to the process, considering the script's heavy subject matter.

 

The intricate layers of the script posed challenges in maintaining clarity and emotional authenticity, but I am immensely proud of the courageous performances delivered by our company.

 

The production garnered glowing reviews for all cast members, lighting, design & direction. It received award nominations from BroadwayWorld for Best Director, as well as an OFFIE nomination for Best Design.