The next interview in our Stagey Chat series is with Lisa Wright. Lisa is currently playing Rasa in the UK tour of Sunny Afternoon.

Get yourself comfy and get ready to chat all things stagey!

Hello! Thank you so much for chatting with Stage to Page. Would you mind introducing yourself to our readers and telling us how you first got into acting?

Hey, I’m Lisa! It’s hard to pinpoint the moment I knew acting was the route for me. I had always been involved in some sort of Arts-based environment (thanks, Mum for the ballet classes!) but what really drove me was storytelling. I always had my head in a book and loved writing up stories and so when I tried out drama lessons, it seemed to naturally fit, and I haven’t stopped since. My favourite thing of all is finding the humanity in the character and story! 

You’re currently starring in Sunny Afternoon. Can you tell us about the show and the role you play?

Sunny Afternoon is about a play about The Kinks and features all their iconic songs such as Waterloo Sunset, You Really Got Me and Lola. I play Rasa, Ray’s first wife, and her story is primarily focused on their relationship and the conflict they faced when the band went to America, shortly after she gave birth. Rasa was a huge influence; her backing vocals are featured heavily in some of their most recognised hits and it’s a real joy to get to tell her story. All the actors on stage play the instruments live - there’s guitars, drums, bass, brass, banjos… it’s LOUD and wonderful. 

The Kinks are such an iconic band that so many people have grown up with. How have audiences responded to hearing their beloved songs brought to life on stage?

You can’t describe the atmosphere when you hear the live music and the audience’s reactions, but I think what stands out the most, for me, is the feedback about the play itself. Joe Penhall really is wonderful and the storytelling of the band, the nuances of their struggles, and the audience getting to see that and discover it is something else. 

Without giving too much away, do you have a favourite moment (or song) in the show?

Oooh, the last song/scene before Act 1 ends is brilliant and chaotic. I never tire of watching it. 

Our blog is called Stage to Page - if you could adapt any book or story for the stage, what would it be?

I think there could be something really cool about telling Karen Carpenters story. There aren’t that many female-led actor/musician shows and it would be perfect to see how her story, and music, could develop on stage! 

And finally, why should people book tickets to the UK tour of Sunny Afternoon?

It’s not just about the music, you’re in for a great show. We all play our instruments live, the book is fantastic, and it’s a real experience to come and see. I love the company I’m working with, and I think that also resonates. You don’t want to miss it!

You can book tickets to see Sunny Afternoon at New Victoria Theatre in Woking on its UK tour, here.

**photo credit: Manuel Harlan**