Last month, Tayma Elyas spoke with Mark Kenny and Ezzie Nettleingham, the actors portraying Alex and Nat in the much-anticipated production of Something Old, Something New. Ahead of the riotous wedding comedy hitting the Playhouse stage, the duo discussed the play’s themes and the importance of their work with Sheffield People’s Theatre.
What attracted each of you to Something Old, Something New and the roles of Nat and Alex?
MK: I’ve always loved the joy that comes with watching theatre productions. I moved to Sheffield 20 years ago and adopted it as my hometown. Something Old, Something New celebrates Sheffield in a very funny and light-hearted theatrical form. Alex is a good guy from a problematic, wealthy background. What I admire is that his upbringing didn’t mould him into a careless and heartless person.
EN: I love Sheffield and its people so much. I didn’t want to get my hopes up after doing my audition, but it sounded like a lot of fun, and I became attached to the idea. The more I thought about Nat’s character, the easier it was to see myself in her, as she’s lived her life so selflessly.
Could you tell us a bit about the storyline and the themes explored?
MK: Alex and Nat are at a crossroads, finding themselves amidst adversity and community. It’s a celebration of Sheffield and what it has to offer.
Was there a particular aspect of Alex’s and Nat’s dynamic that you both focused on to develop your on-stage relationship?
EN: Finding the fun and joy was our main priority. Alex is a character who wants to live his best life and hops from one opportunity to another, whereas Nat lives for others but is currently learning how to live for herself.
MK: It’s quite interesting exploring how they navigate making big changes from their past lives and transitioning into something new.
Mark, is there anything about Alex’s character that you personally relate to, and how did that influence your portrayal of him? Same question to Ezzie.
MK: Alex has a sort of puppy dog energy and enters things excitedly. I’d say I’m more jaded, but underneath the surface, we share the same level of optimism. He’s also made career attempts that fell through, and I personally relate to that.
EN: Nat is an organised person, and her work is her life, but she’s learning to be more laid-back like Alex. She runs a community centre that eventually gets shut down, but she’s trying to find her identity outside of her work and discover what else is important to her. Her caring and hard-working nature are both traits in which I see myself.
What would you both like audiences to take away from the show?
MK: I’d like for the audience to feel hopeful and optimistic about the future.
EN: An understanding of how strong Sheffield’s community spirit is and how working together can achieve change.
Tell me a bit about Sheffield People’s Theatre and the work they do.
EN: Everyone there is so passionate about theatre and loves what they do. It’s also great to meet a range of people from all kinds of backgrounds who share the same interests.
MK: Sheffield People’s Theatre offers skills sessions once a month that focus on different parts of theatre production. It’s a very encouraging environment.
How did you come to get involved?
MK: I got forwarded the audition by a friend. I only thought I’d get a small role; I never expected that I’d get a lead role.
EN: I’ve worked with Sheffield People’s Theatre before through a friend sending me an audition they posted, and later on, I signed up for their newsletters.
Something Old, Something New runs in the Playhouse from Wednesday 14 – Saturday 17 August.
