This week the Vault Festival in London kicked off and runs all the way through until the 19th March 2023. Over the next month, we have interviews with acts that are performing at the event. Today we speak to Cheryl May Ndione about The Wedding Speech

The Wedding Speech

Dates: 21st – 24th February
Time: 20:15
Venue: Network Theatre
Tickets: https://vaultfestival.com/events/the-wedding-speech/

How did you come up with the name of your show that you are taking to the Vault

It has had a few iterations and it has become “The Wedding Speech” because that’s the biggest moment in the play! Needless to say, it doesn’t go to plan!

Tells us a little bit about your style of show?

 The Wedding Speech is very festival friendly as it is a direct address and very intimate. Very intimate at a particular point! But it’s mostly fun and quite deep, so it works well for a festival audience.

What will your set be about?

 The set is a toilet. We’ve tried to dress it up but ultimately, it’s a toilet. Hence the intimacy. It’s very much a private space been made public with the inclusion of an audience!

What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at the festival?

 So many, I’ve seen a show called My Period the Cock Block which sounds brilliant. Anything queer and anything Black – I’m interested!

Have you done the Vault Festival before? What have been some of your favourite shows to date and why?

Yes we have! We’ve had TWO shows in 2020! That year. We somehow managed to complete both runs before the world shut down. Crazy to think about. One of my favourites from VAULT was Splintered by Emily Aboud. 

What advice would you give to others who want to perform at Vault next year?

 Think about how you’re going to tell people about it. Making the show is only part of the work to be done. Think about who you’re talking to and what’s interesting to them about your show. 

What is the best thing about performing at the Vault Festival?

For me, the best thing is the themed bars. I’ve had many a convo with a stranger on a boat in a wooden shack, with a suitcase for a seat. I love that the whole thing is theatre. Even the in-between bits. 

What are your three favourite things about London?

 The racial diversity, the music scene, the different options to do whatever you want – whatever you’re into you can find your people in London. 

Favourite one liner you have done in a show and why?

 I played Tituba in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible and I used to really enjoy saying “I’m a good Christian woman” when begging for my life. Hard to keep a straight face but I managed it. 

Who would be your ultimate dream audience member?

 An active participant in the journey. I love a vocal audience member. Loud laughs, gasps, heckles even – I love when people are truly invested. We’ve had a few of those on The Wedding Speech London tour and they’re great.  

If people want to find out more about you where can they follow you on social media?

 @purplemoondrama on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

And Finally in three words – why should people come and see the show? 

They should come and see it if they have a toxic parent but also if they want to be completely charmed by the indelible Princess Donnough who has received raved reviews across the board. She’s amazing. Oh three words! Toxic, Parent, Mayhem.