Conversations with the people behind the work.

Firstly, for me, being asked to take on the role of Jan Dussel was a massive surprise and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to flex my acting abilities.

From a show perspective, I am always astounded by the responses of the audience. The raw emotions of laughter, the gasps or silence in those moments of heightened anxiety and fear, the way the audience seems to be able to see aspects of themselves in the people crammed into the annexe and you get this sense that they experience a new awareness of themselves and how they would respond under such circumstances, thereby expanding their own life experience and recognising that we are all human and worthy of respect regardless of race, gender, religious leanings or sexuality. It's surprising how much the show touches people.

I am also always pleasantly surprised when people approach me after the show to compliment my performance and tell me I was their favourite. Hehe.

Oh Lordy, there are so many. It often takes me hours to shake off the terror, fear, frustrations and anxiety that my character embodies. Jan Dussel seems to be at odds with just about everybody residing in the annexe, except maybe Edith Frank, so I cherish those moments, looks, discussions I have with Edith. No doubt at all that Edith is also disturbed by Mr Dussel's lack of tact and odd ways but she never lets on and is always there with a smile and warm word.

My other favourite part of the show is sitting on stage left near the end of the show, having just been completely obliterated once again by Otto, festering in Dussel's contempt for the man, sensing the imminent end of it all, but listening to the words of Anne as she speaks to Peter in his attic room. She holds such wisdom in her thoughts and words, a nod to humanity, its fragility and strengths, an invitation to see past our differences and connect to create a better world for all. There is inspiration for all of us in that moment.

“In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.” — Anne Frank

Stop thinking and just do it. You will definitely be surprised at what you learn, about the past, about the world now and most importantly what you learn about yourself through the experience.

When I first joined this production, I was surprised at how funny the show is. Knowing that I was going to be in a production about such a serious and sad topic, I thought it was going to be quite heavy and upsetting. I was pleasantly surprised at how much hope and normality is present throughout the show in all the characters.

A moment that stays with me in this show, selfishly, is the scene between Anne and Margot in Act 2. Margot is helping Anne get ready to have a little “date” with Peter. The girls talking about boys and doing each others hair feels so familiar and reminds the audience at how young these girls were while they were going through all this. They both have such a strong desire to live a normal life even within the confines of the attic. This scene touches on something so human and universal, within the horrible circumstances that surround it.

I would say that this is a very relevant, hopeful production that you are not going to want to miss!!