The Cast Of ‘Femmetamorphosis’

So after my interview with the writer and director of ‘Femmetamorphosis’, you can find that here, I decided it would be really nice to talk to the cast too! These are the people bringing the creation to life, first in London and then at Edinburgh Fringe in August! So I got some questions together for them to answer and it was really interesting seeing the different ways in which each of the cast answered them. This is also a special post for me because this is the first time I've written anything about someone close to me - Jade Rambaut (featured on here once before with puppets in Hamleys) I can't wait to see her in this!

What’s the name of your character in ‘Femmetamorphosis’?

Louise Salter: I play the character of Ruth.

Lucille Johnson: Cycelea

Kofi Sampaney: I play a character called Wesley. He's the only male in the play and is married to Ruth.

Ruta Gaile: Krystal

Keshia Watson: My characters name is Edith, at the start of the play she is getting over a break up with her first boyfriend and is heartbroken. She is a bit of a plain Jane, insecure and naïve. She reminds me of the Drew Barrymore character ‘Josie’ in the movie Never Been Kissed, completely willing and full of heart but somehow never quite getting it right.

Jade Rambaut: Destini (With an i) ... 

What’s your favourite thing about playing this character? Is there something particularly challenging or new to what you’ve done before?

LS: With a background in film, this performance will be my theatre debut. As an actress I’m always looking for ways to broaden my horizons and experimenting with theatre, I believe, is going to be an extremely rewarding decision. I think it’s important to develop a well-rounded skill set with the ability to do both theatre and film, so I feel that playing Ruth at Edinburgh Fringe Festival is a great place to start. Ruth is fiercely ambitious in her work and lives in a fast-paced world. This has often led to her, in her long-term relationship with Wesley, becoming ungrateful and unappreciative of his efforts. I think this is a very common situation and I’m glad that she’s open-minded and understanding enough to realise throughout the play that it’s unacceptable to take people for granted.

LJ: Cycelea says things as she sees them often without any tact – she doesn’t mince her words there is a stern innocence about her which is equally refreshing and hilarious.  Also speaking with a West Indian accent is something I’ve never done before.

KS: My favourite thing about playing this character is that he's lucky enough to be  the only man in the play!  I have two scenes where  the monologue has been written as a telephone conversation, it's been new and challenging to get the dialogue to sound like a real conversation  as I have to imagine what the other person would be say but be clear enough so that the audience can get the direction of the conversation.

RG: My favourite thing about playing this character would have to be the comical aspect. Krystal is funny, a bit naive and just overall crazy and active. She seems very keen on her aim, but in the end she's just a normal woman like all of them are, with her own ups and downs in life. And that's how I saw her from very beginning. The challenging part in playing Krystal is definitely the accent. I've never had to do an accent for a role before. In my head Krystal is of Russian origin, so even though her grammar is good, she's still got a very strong accent that, to my mind, makes this character so much funnier. I've also got some Russian friends, so it just felt right and it's been quite fun at rehearsals!

KW: Despite her social awkwardness, she really is a lovely character who I think the audience will resonate with. Who hasn’t felt a little awkward and inexperienced before? She’s absolutely never been to a lingerie party before. With acting, the more life experience you have really helps you build a character, however for Edith, who has lived quite a sheltered life, everything is new. So the challenge is remembering what it was like when everything was new to me.

JR: Me and her are completely different. Well apart from the fact she's an Arsenal fan. But she's a very well kept lady. Not saying i'm not :)... But she's a footballers wife, snobby, the type that doesn't leave the house without at least an hours prep. Heels, tan, nails the works 24/7. How she talks is completely different from me, not the accent particularly more her opinions and wording so making that natural is the main challenge but I think that is always the challenge. You're working towards naturalism. That and I have to last an hour in 6inch heels, I'm known amongst my friends as the girl who goes home at midnight to change into trainers and goes back out to dance. So now I just don't bother wearing heels at all. Save the taxi money :) So not looking like bambi on ice - thats a challenge. 

As an actor where are you at in your career? And where do you see yourself after Edinburgh Fringe?

LS: I’m only at the beginning of what I hope will be a long and enriching acting career. I’ve come a long way in the past three years alone but there’re a lot of characters out there that I’m looking forward to playing. I hope that Edinburgh will open up doors to more opportunities, so that I can ambitious, like-minded individuals in the film and theatre industry.

LJ: As an up and coming artist I’m now at the point where I have a good understanding of the industry, good awareness of my own strengths and weaknesses and look for roles that are challenging.  After Edinburgh Fringe I expect to have a renewed focus with inspiring new ideas on how best to develop my career. Also more contacts and leads for future prospects.

KS: I did drama at GCSE level  but never pursued it further after that  so I started acting again about 4 years ago I would like to say I am  early in by career and I am open to any productive  creative, exciting,  innovative work. Things will only get better! After Edinburgh I hope to  obtain more theatre, film or TV  work to build on this experience. If this play achieves  another run elsewhere I'd be overjoyed.

RG: As an actor, I'm at the very beginning of my career, but I couldn't be happier. I'm currently living in the City of Dreams and, even though I've only been here for a relatively short period of time, I've already been given amazing opportunities, including this one. After Edinburgh Fringe I see myself taking part in some smaller projects, as I am still studying at the university, but after graduation I will definitely continue pursuing my career at a larger scale.

KW: I have had some incredible experience, especially in the last couple of years. I really enjoy movies and have always loved making them so I hope to secure more opportunities to work in film. After Edinburgh we have a few more performance dates at the Dugdale Theatre in London. I also have been given the fantastic opportunity to stage a play I have written, in a week long run at a venue in Central London.

JR: So I'm mainly a screen actress. I study performing arts at college, and that was just theatre based but since then I have only performed one other theatre tour, a panto. I definitely want to grinding away at getting myself established as a screen actress before and after fringe. I just think it's important to take the opportunities that come your way and Edinburgh Fringe is a big one, and every actor should experience the pressure of a live audience. It's a good learning experience. Using your nerves to your advantage. 

What advice would you give to aspiring actors hoping to work in this industry? Do you have any particular words of wisdom on how to stay motivated and not to give up hope?

LS: I was actually flattered recently as I received a very complimentary message from a well-respected director. He told me that whilst lecturing his ambitious students about how to make it into the industry, he used my ‘fearless mentality’ as an example to follow. It’s something I hadn’t really realised that I have developed but it made me recognise that it’s one of the best pieces of armour you can wear in the creative industry. I can’t see my future anywhere else but within the acting industry and I think when to do something, suddenly nothing and no one can knock your faith.

LJ: Don’t give up! Embrace it all and enjoy the journey.  Whatever happens value it and learn from the experience and most important – Keep smiling :)

KS: You got to keep going and keep enjoying what you are doing and keep challenging yourself. I believe performing on stage is about letting go, of your fears, of your inhibitions, of your limitations, and just connecting with the energy of the cast. That's when the magic happens.

RG: My advice would be - just keep going. This is a tough industry and nothing is going to happen easily or by itself, so you have to be ready to give your best and not give up. I've been blessed with an incredibly supportive family and friends that have been with me throughout every step of the way, so, of course, that keeps me even more motivated. What I'd suggest is, find someone that keeps you motivated - whether it is a family member or an actor that you look up to. And be ready to experience several ups and downs, but remember - behind every cloud there's a sunshine. The key to success is 90 percent of work and only 10 percent of talent.

KW: Develop your other talents, never neglect the skills you have outside of acting. As those skills are what make you unique. For instance, although I am actor, I am also trained in dance and have been asked to dance so many times I’ve lost count. Chop down your bigger goal into small steps, as small steps are easier to achieve. And it stops you getting disheartened if your big goal isn’t achieved straightaway.

JR: My words of advice. Get over hearing 'No', take rejection with a pitch of salt, don't let it be a fear. Once you stop worrying about someone telling you 'No', nothing can knock you back. You will get rejected, you will get criticised. Hold your head up high and move on to the next thing. If you worry leading up to an audition or a role it will hold you back and the only person that affects is you. Don't let anyone stand in the way of you and your dreams but certainly don't hold yourself back. 

There's a good boxing quote 'A good fighter doesn't fight what's in front of him, he fights with whats behind him' I think this can be applied for any difficult situation you face. Remember where you came from, stay humble, stay focused. Work hard and don't be a dick. 

I come from a working class, single parent background. I have been told 'no' and that being an actor is a stupid dream, it'll never happen for me or 'what am I going to do for a real job'. If acting, singing, dancing is what you love fuck the negativity. 

Who would you say is your biggest inspiration in this industry?

LS: That’s a tough one. I find so many people inspiring. I think all of my friends within the industry are my biggest inspirations, they hammer home to me that it’s all possible.

LJ: Morgan Freeman and Al Pacino stand out for me as actors who came from humble beginnings, strived for greatness and never game up until….

KS: Right now I've many inspirations. Our writer/director on this project is a big inspiration because I've seen this project from almost its inception to where it is today and it's been built  on Sharron's pure unadulterated perseverance, hard graft, determination, organisation  and vision. I'm also very inspired by Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyong'o and Ava DuVernay.

RG: My biggest inspiration in this industry is Selena Gomez. I've adored her since the age of 14 and still do. She's not only beautiful, but also very talented and charming. And on top of it all, she made two of her dreams come true - she is not only a successful actress, but also a singer. When Selena was 16, she said she wanted to be in a band and a few years later this dream came true. Now she's one of the top female singers in the pop industry, as well as one of the top young actresses. That would be my dream career - to be able to do both things that I love successfully. Acting and singing.

KW: I have a great network of actor friends, writers, directors, artists, singers which extends all over the world. When I write, I’m actually secretly writing for my friends. As I enjoy bringing people together and creating, so the people around me inspire me most.

JR: I love Gary Oldman, Kathy Burke are amazing, Helen Mirren. Joe Cole is making his way... Jack O'Connel is incredible. Tom Hardy never seems to stop working. Helen Mirren & Jessica Hynes really represent the fight for what you want. 

I love my music Devlin, Ghetts, Wretch 32, Eminem & Ed Sheeran hugely inspirational people. The artists, whether its an actors, writer or rapper, that put out work that make lonely kids realise they aren't alone, you know. Relatable screenplays, words, bars. Keeping it honest.

Edinburgh Fringe is a big achievement for an actor at any stage in their career, what are you most excited about?

LS: I’m most excited about working with like-minded, enthusiastic people who share my passion for theatre. I’m also incredibly excited about the fact that for a whole month I’ll be immersed in fresh, eye-opening art.

LJ: Going to Edingburgh – I’ve never been and always wanted to.  Also seeing the diversity plays and meeting new people.

KS: I'm most excited about the buzz that we will experience in Edinburgh the opportunity to network and see shows  and our back to back shows every night! I'm exited about the people we'll meet and the doors that may be opened!

RG: Well, I would have to say that I'm excited about going to the festival in the first place - when I just moved to London, I could've never imagined being in a play 10 months later, least of all - taking it on tour! This whole experience is thrilling and unbelievable. So I would say I am the most excited about performing and, of course, seeing Scotland. I haven't had a chance to travel that much before and I love seeing new places.

KW: Going to see all the shows, especially some of the standup comedy. I haven’t heard a bad word about the Edinburgh Fringe, mostly everyone I have spoken to has said that they have had a great time. So, I’m looking forward to having a lot of fun.

JR: Most excited about... seeing all the other talent everyday. It's going to be such a buzz to spend a week with such talented, like minded people. I can't wait to see what the other crews are bringing to the table. Networking. 

Oh and I'm quite looking forward to the nerves and seeing how I cope with that. 

Before ‘Femmetamorphosis’ what was your biggest acting acheivement?

LS: I’m torn between two projects.

I have a very strong connection with short film called Butterfly in which I played the lead character of Jane. It’s a very beautiful piece about a girl who battles with her determined passion of swimming and her crippling condition of Epilepsy. Their crowd-funding video broke a lot of barriers for people who suffer with epilepsy, as many were inspired to get in touch and share their personal experience of the condition with us. They told us they were excited to finally see a film which represents their condition in a true and respectful light. Knowing that I had the support of the Epilepsy community, including the organisation Epilepsy UK, made the whole experience incredibly rewarding. 

My other great achievement was playing the feisty character of Keisha in the feature film The Habit of Beauty. It was a brilliantly written story with tremendously interesting characters. I was lucky enough to work alongside the superbly talented Nick Moran (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels) and BAFTA-nominated actress Kierston Wareing (Fish Tank).

LJ: Playing Mrs Muller in the stage production of Doubt was my first real acting experience which was a challenge in itself.  I also had to play the role with an American accent and accents are not a strongpoint for me - So I was absolutely thrilled and exhilarated when I pulled it off and acting has been a must for me ever since.

KS: I have been part of an opera called Dialogue de Carmelites which was a great experience as we performed on the main stage at the Royal Opera house.  Also I took part in scenes that will be used as part of an interactive exhibition at the Victoria and Albert museum which will be ready at the the end of the this year and will be used as a an introduction to a Masquerade themed exhibition. However, Femmmetamorphosis may be my big break!

RG: My biggest achievement before 'Femmetamorphosis' was my first role and acting debut in "Finding Elvis". It was a very interesting and new experience - seeing the process of filming and having cameras all around you. But I enjoyed every second of it.

JR: Biggest acting achievement. Pffft every time I get a role it's achievement. Is a tough game, I would say every role makes me feel lucky. 

But I should probably say the feature film 'Harbinger' that premiered at the BFI Southbank. Big screen - pretty big deal. Was credited Jade Rampant though - gives off a very different vibe that name ;)  

I also want to give it up to Sharron Spice the writer and Director of this play. If she hadn't been so hardworking and dedicated to this play - I wouldn't have been so excited stepping to theatre for a month. She's truly endearing one on one and in rehearsals. She's worked her arse off getting this play from Lewisham Fringe from a full month at Edinburgh Fringe Festival at a prime evening spot as well. Truly respect her grind. And I hope we do her work justice. 

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I absolutely loved interviewing these guys and I am so excited to be going to the Bread and Roses theatre this Saturday to see it for myself! Speaking to Sharron and the rest of the cast has gotten me really excited, so I can't wait for that! Be sure to check them out on their Facebook page and show them some support!