Interview: Brian Vernel, Pins and Needles at Kiln Theatre

Premiering at the Kiln Theatre this autumn is Pins and Needles. Rob Drummond’s new play will explore the politics around vaccines and the human stories behind them. Ahead of its opening from 19 September 2024, we spoke with Brian Vernel to find out more.

1. You are starring in the world premiere of Rob Drummond’s Pins and Needles, to start with can you explain what the production is about?

The production is about a playwright named Rob who is trying to construct a play about the history and effects of different vaccines - including the Covid vaccines - through a series of interviews. It’s a production very much about opinions, and whether we can trust what we are told.

2. How does a production like Pins and Needles differ from the work you’ve done before and as a result, how has it challenged you as an actor?

It has challenged me as an actor as it’s quite abstract in its presentation. The format can jump from one moment to the next, so it requires a lot of focus. 

3. You play the character of Robert, what drew you to the character and how have you personally connected with them whilst in development?

Robert is a young man who feels cheated by the system, the powers that be. He might appear like he has fallen into the trap of online misinformation, but there is a real heart and justification for his actions. I think the character is a fair reflection of how young people consume stories online and form opinions. 

4.  What has it been like working alongside Rob Drummond and Amit Sharma in bringing this story to life?

I’ve known of Rob for a long time and seen some of his plays up in Scotland, where I’m from, so I somewhat knew the style of his writing. It’s been good to work with him closely and see how he constructs his scripts. He is very open, and takes everyone’s points of view on board, which has made the rehearsal room feel like a really collaborative place. This is my first time working with Amit and he’s been great. Very astute, gives good notes, and he trusts his actors which is a nice feeling. I’m excited to see the rest of his season at Kiln Theatre after Pins and Needles.

5. Pins and Needles explores the politics around vaccines and the human stories behind them. Do you think this play has relevance to modern conversations and how will it be poignant for audiences?

Absolutely. I think the world of information online doesn’t have the right parameters for it right now. There seems to be no order to anything we read. Everyone’s views are instantly available to us at the click of a button, and it can be tough to form our own critical opinions. As social media grows even quicker than we can imagine, I think its relevance at this time is clear. Hopefully, audiences can come away from the play with a better awareness of what’s happening in the world.

6. What has been the most challenging part of developing this show so far?

Script changes, probably. Which comes with new writing. It’s just something you have to deal with and be ready to accept.

7. Why is it important to watch a play like this?

Theatre like this should always raise questions and start a healthy debate. I think the times we live in feel extremely divided - the notion of people listening to different opinions other than their own seems to be fading. And I think that’s a bad thing. I think watching this play might reignite that spark, hopefully. 

8. Finally, why should people book tickets to see Pins and Needles at the Kiln Theatre?

If you like theatre that challenges you, and theatre that trusts you to form your own conclusions - then I think you’d find Pins and Needles stimulating. There’s something for everyone in this production… someone even plays the flute in it, so it’s got everything really.

Pins and Needles is at Kiln Theatre from 19 September - 26 October 2024.