INTERVIEW | Claire Dargo, The Snow Queen
Written by Jacqueline, Theatre&Tonic
A new adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s The Snow Queen is heading to the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh this festive season. Adapted by Morna Young and directed by Cora Bissett, this production promises to be a beautiful, festive and musical adventure as we follow Gerda on her quest to save Kei, and the world, from an eternal winter.
In the role of The Snow Queen is Claire Dargo, we had the opportunity to chat with her about this exciting production.
Is this your first time working on a production at the Lyceum Theatre? How has the experience been so far?
This is my first time working at the Lyceum and I've always wanted to work here. I’m from Edinburgh so this is my local theatre and I'm so excited to be performing here, it’s such a beautiful theatre and even better that it’s just up the road. So far so good but maybe ask me that in a few weeks, I am only kidding! Everyone who works in the building is so helpful, friendly and welcoming. It’s even a dog-friendly building so I can bring my dog Murphy in with me. How great is that! There's always lots of dogs about, which is a great thing.
Without giving too much away, can you tell us a bit about how this production of The Snow Queen differs from previous stage and screen adaptations of the story?
Morna's adaption is absolutely brilliant. She's managed to keep the heart and the essence of the story but put a totally new twist on it. She's set it in Scotland and the adventure takes you further up North. She's also cleverly integrated a lot of Scottish folklore into the story represented by Beira and Bride and she's also introduced a lot of new wonderful characters - Hamish the unicorn is just a genius idea in my opinion as the unicorn is our National animal.
What drew you to audition for this production?
So my agent contacted me about the audition, I saw that Cora was directing the piece and I've always wanted to work with her, I’ve been a massive fan of her work for a long time so I was extremely excited about it but was also very apprehensive as there was singing involved and I hadn't sung in about 13 years. The whole concept of the show sounded amazing and the creative team behind it was outstanding, but I never thought I'd get the part for a minute! Still pinching myself now.
Can you please tell us a bit about what the rehearsal process has been like so far?
It's been exhausting, I won't lie! It's such an epic piece with all the songs, instruments, dances and sword fights to learn. EmmaClaire is our wonderful fight director and she’s done an incredible job on these. I’ve really enjoyed learning the sword fight, especially as i’ve never worked with such a large sword, it really is pretty heavy! I've never had a week to tech a show before but this show will definitely need all that time as there are so many parts to it. Hopefully, that’s what will make it so magical.
As you’ve gotten to know your character, do you feel as though you and the Snow Queen have anything in common, or are you polar opposites?
Well, I hope I'm not too similar to her as she's manipulative, obsessive and ruthless. However, she's acting out from a place of fear, insecurity and loneliness so it's important to understand what's going on for her underneath all that. She’s someone who is isolated alone and proud and actually it’s not the real "her" as she's been infected by the Troll’s glass, so she has no control over this evil inside her. I actually really feel for her.
Can you please tell us a bit about the music used in the show?
So all the music is original and has been created by the phenomenal Finn Anderson. The soundtrack is stunning. It's uplifting, moving, magical and Breathtaking. Not only has Finn created a stunning soundtrack he's created all the incidental music and sound effects. It's epic!
What has been the most enjoyable part of your Snow Queen journey so far?
Watching the phenomenally talented cast and creative teamwork in the rehearsal room. There is a ridiculous amount of talent in this show. I still can't get my head around someone playing one instrument, then running around the side of the stage to come on singing and playing another instrument, it's just plain showing off!
I've also loved working with our amazing movement director Jack Webb, he's been so helpful with all my magic spells and just an all round good egg.
How would you recommend the show to audiences using ten words or fewer?
It's really special, definitely a show not to be missed.
Catch Claire in The Snow Queen at the Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh from Thu 23 Nov – Sun 31 Dec 2023. Head to the theatre’s website to find out more.
