Today I am speaking to Ellie Jay Cooper, the writer and one of the performers of the show Down To Chance which looks at the true story of an Alaskan radio journalist. The show is currently running at the Pleasance Theatre between now and the 9th May. I spoke to Ellie to find out all about it.
Hello! Tell us about yourself ?
Hello! I’m Ellie Jay Cooper, I’m the writer and one of the performers in Down to Chance! I’m an actor, writer and director from London. I’m also Co-Artistic Director of Maybe You Like It – we make theatre that is fast, funny, fluid and feels like you’re watching a film!
Tell us about about the show Down to Chance
Down to Chance tells the true story of Alaskan radio journalist and working mother Genie Chance who broadcasted to thousands of terrified Alaskans during the largest earthquake in US history in 1964.
It’s a story of a community rallying together in a crisis, of what we learn and how we grow beyond ourselves when we have to step up. It’s about motherhood, and the tension between doing important, life-saving work and children waiting for you to come home. And finally it’s about the power and responsibility of journalists and politicians in a crisis – how do you decide what to share and what not to share? And who has the right to decide this?
How are rehearsals going?
We’ve just started rehearsals again for this run and it’s so exciting to get back into the room and find these characters and the world again. The play is super fast paced with lots of multi-rolling so it’s been great finding all of the physicalities and voices again.
What can you tell us about the stage set?
It’s simple but versatile – some hat stands, microphones and a desk transform into all of the different locations in the town of Anchorage. Sound plays a huge role in creating and changing location, we have beautiful, detailed soundscapes that place you right into the action. My favourite bit is all of the 1960s vintage radios, which actually work on stage!
Tell us a little bit about the rest of the cast
I play journalist Genie Chance, opposite multi-roling extraordinaire Robert Merriam, who plays essentially the rest of Alaska. Rob is incredible to watch, transforming on stage from bumbling town Mayor, to uptight General, to awkward teenager in a split second. There were many moments when I was writing the show that I thought ‘There is no way that is physically possible’ but Rob pulls off every one.
What is the most challenging thing about doing the show?
The pace! The show runs at breakneck speed and Rob and I play 20 characters, all with different voices, physicalities, costumes, and props, so it’s an hour-long sprint. Performing it feels like walking along a deliciously dangerous tightrope!
The best thing about touring the show?
Bringing the show to London is very exciting, I can’t wait for more audiences to get to watch this incredible story. We’ll also be touring in the Autumn (watch this space…!)
What have been some of the best highlights since doing the show?
Talking to audience members after the show, particularly mothers who resonate with the experience of being pulled in opposite directions by their careers and family and feeling like they’re not doing enough on both fronts.
What is the best reaction you have had from an audience member?
One audience member at the Fringe was Alaskan and grew up hearing his father talk about the earthquake, but this was the first time he’d seen any story about it. He was really moved by the story and had great stories of his own about Alaska.
If people want to follow you on social media where can they find you?
Follow Maybe You Like It @maybeulikeit and Down to Chance @downtochanceplay on Instagram. And you can find me @elliejaycooper on Instagram!
Finally in three words why should people come to your show?
Thrilling. Heartfelt. Surprising.
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