Today we are speaking to Phoebe and Maeve about the show The Soon Life which comes to Southwark Playhouse Borough between the 1st – 18th October. Set during lockdown in a London flat, the play unfolds in real-time to explore the messy intersections of motherhood, relationships and identity in an authentic and unapologetic presentation of childbirth.
Hello! Tell us about yourself?
Phoebe McIntosh (PM): I’m an actress, writer and producer. This is the third show I’ve worn all the hats for. I’m learning every time. It’s been great to work with Maeve O’Neill of Rua Arts on this one. She’s a seasoned producer whose mentorship has been invaluable to me. It’s been five years since I wrote The Soon Life and, even though I feel like this is definitely the right time for the show to hit the stage for the first time (before now would’ve felt too close to the Pandemic), it has been a long road to get to this point and I almost told myself, if I couldn’t get this in front of an audience, it might be the last play I wrote.
Maeve O’Neill (MO): I’m an independent arts producer, drawn to untold stories. I love theatre, poetry & contemporary dance so I’m not bound to one artform. I love seeing people react & connect to a live performance on stage. I’m originally from Dublin & after nearly 2 decades in London, I now live in Bristol & I’m loving the Southwest.
Tell us a bit about the show.
PM: There’s a lot to relate to in the show. You get to be a fly on the wall in a couple’s flat on an extraordinary night in their lives. That’s when theatre is at its best for me, immersive, contemporary, nosying around someone else’s life. I’m a people watcher!
The show is very funny in parts so expect laughter. But expect tears too, because there are more than rom-com vibes on offer. There is no delaying the arrival of this child, everything about their lives, down to the time they have to talk to each other alone, will be different from the moment the baby is there in front of them. Anything they have to say to each other in ‘ordinary time’ has to be said tonight. Essentially, Alex and Bec are an ordinary couple, like so many other couples. Or at least, they were. Then something broke them. Therein lies the rub – the thing I hope anyone looking for a show to go to will be curious about, whether they’re interested in the baby aspect or not! What could possibly have forced them apart on the cusp of a moment they had once longed for. It’s about the nitty gritty of relationships. Was their breakup a slow burn or a clean break? Can something be salvaged? What kind of parents will they be?
MO: The Soon Life is a warm, funny, punchy play. I enjoy seeing two characters representing a modern relationship, it’s a chance to laugh and cringe at all the moments that resonate. Alex & Bec are not infallible, but they are lovable. I also love the fact that Alex is very much a part of the birth, even if accidentally. Parenthood and masculinity have changed significantly over the past decade, and we need to see that reflected in our characters and stories. Birth is part of life and in many senses this play is about birth, but the drama is not the ‘birth’.
How are rehearsals going?
PM: Rehearsals start soon, handily, after the summer holidays when my children go back to school. This is my first production since maternity leave, so I’m really excited to get back in the room. We have three weeks to get the show on its feet which isn’t long, but I love the laser focus that comes with rehearsal especially with such a talented and experienced team behind all aspects of the production.
MO: the planning is going well with the creative team working hard on all the production elements. We have some great partners & funding from Arts Council England but delivering an independent production in the current climate is undoubtedly a challenge. The team is talented & ambitious, so my job is to help facilitate that which involves some budget wrestling!
What can you tell us about the stage set?
MO: Sarah Beaton has come up with a beautiful design that really reflects the dynamics of the play. With independent theatre you have to be clever, to overcome the challenges of budget limitations. All the creative team are collaborating to bring this production to life and create something memorable for audiences.
PM: Producing as well as acting in this show has given me an insight to set and design, I’ve never really had before. It’s been so exciting watching it take shape. Being there when Sarah unveiled the model box, felt like a pinch me moment. The first visual of Bec and Alex’s world, which, up to that point had only been in my head and then on paper.
Tell us a little bit about the cast
PM: I’ll be playing Bec alongside Joe Boylan as Alex. We’ve already dipped our toes into who our characters might be and what they’re like together for the trailer and promo shoot. Joe performed Alex’s main monologue at the audition. His take on it made me forget I’d written it. It was fresh, heartfelt and surprising in his hands.
MO: Joe and Phoebe are two talented actors and crucially they have a great chemistry that is already evident in our trailer and promotional images. I can’t wait to see them bring these characters to life.
What is the most challenging thing about doing the show?
MO: As the producer, I’m always going to say budget but practically speaking the logistics of presenting a birth and homebirth are pretty unique. With Sarah Meadows (director) at the helm I know that we will work out the technicalities. We also have a consultant doula and Tian Sampson-Brown on Movement Direction and Intimacy Coordination. These roles are crucial to presenting the birth with care and sensitivity.
PM: For me, probably the same thing that makes it exciting and worthwhile – wearing all the hats. It’s definitely a balancing act.
If people want to follow you on social media, where can they find you?
MO: Follow @RuaArts for all things ‘The Soon Life’
Finally in three words why should people come to your show?
MO: Love, Relationships, Humour.
PM: All. The. Feels!
Welcome to The Phoenix Remix 