Discover Hauntings, a spellbinding one-man show featuring classic ghost stories by E.F. Benson and M.R. James, performed by acclaimed actor Gerard Logan at Sudbury's Quay Theatre. In this exclusive interview, Logan shares insights on what drew him to the project, how he prepares for the chilling performances, and why ghost stories continue to captivate audiences. Don't miss this spine-tingling theatrical event!
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1, Hauntings is described as a one-man play featuring ghost stories. What initially attracted you to this project, and what can audiences expect from your performance?
I have done a number of solo shows and the reaction to all of them has been terrific. I have always loved ghost stories, so the idea of presenting an evening of three really classic tales of the supernatural as an evening of solo theatre greatly appealed to me. The Quay Theatre audience can expect a chilling evening…
2. The play features stories by two renowned authors: E F Benson and M.R. James. How did you go about selecting these particular tales, and what is it about them that resonates with you?
Gareth Armstrong (my director) and I ploughed through many, many ghost stories. We simply chose the three stories which unsettled us to the greatest degree. And believe me, even when I performing them, these stories do scare me.
3. As an actor, performing a one-man show requires a unique set of skills and a strong connection with the audience. How do you prepare for such an intimate and demanding performance?
You simply have to remember one rule: the audience is always right. If the audience is not paying attention it can only mean that I am not telling the stories well enough. If I remember that, then I won’t go far wrong.
4. Ghost stories often rely on atmosphere and suspense. How do you create and sustain that tension on stage, especially when you’re the sole performer?
These stories are brilliantly written. If I do justice to them and bring out all the chilling detail within them with my storytelling, then the audience will be gripped. That’s a guarantee.
5. Hauntings involves portraying multiple characters and narrators. How do you differentiate these roles and bring each one to life within the context of a one-man show?
Well, I’m lucky beyond words because I am directed by one of thew world’s best: Gareth Armstrong. He directs me in huge detail and demands that there is clear differentiation between all the characters. He tells me when a change in voice-tone here, a different physicality there will help let the audience know that a different character is speaking. Gareth is just astonishing.
6. You have a background in classical theatre and have performed in many different genres. How does performing in Hauntings compare to your previous work, and what new challenges does it present?
HAUNTINGS, I have to say, is very demanding. All acting is storytelling but this is very direct storytelling of material which was written to be read, not performed. You have to lead the audience by the hand just as immersively as the story would lead them if they were reading it by the fire. It’s the most wonderful challenge and my acting muscles have been stretched massively doing HAUNTINGS.
7. The Quay Theatre is an intimate venue. How do you adapt your performance for smaller spaces, and does the venue itself influence how you approach the material?
The size of the venue does affect the scale of one’s performance. This week I have been performing in the Burton Taylor Studio (also a very intimate venue) at Oxford Playhouse. You must play an intimate theatre with the same performer’s energy as you’d use in a 1,500 seat theatre, but you have to CONTAIN the energy more. In a sense, you can make the performance more secretive.
8. You’ve had a varied and successful career in theatre and film. How has your approach to acting evolved over the years, and what advice would you give to aspiring actors looking to take on similarly challenging roles?
I just love acting and, frankly, my approach to the craft is the same now as it was right at the start of my career: I try to have an increasing level of humility about all my performances, am savagely self-critical and never satisfied with what I do. I can always be better. As long as I remember that I will never “nail it”, so to speak, then I’m on the wright track. To young actors I would say just get out there and DO IT! Though you won’t be able to hear me, I shall be cheering you on. Young actors have a gift so give it freedom to express itself. I would also advise young actors to see as much theatre as they can.
9. The supernatural is a theme that has fascinated audiences for centuries. In your opinion, why do ghost stories continue to captivate people, and how do you tap into that enduring appeal in your performance?
It’s the unknown….and a sinister unknown at that. Many people, I think, have had some sort of experience in which they feel they have brushed up against the supernatural. I know I have – and on each occasion it has terrified the living daylights out of me. As I said earlier, these stories do unsettle me so, in order to tell them effectively, I really don’t feel the need to make an effort to get into a certain space. I am brought there without any effort on my behalf.
10. What do you hope audiences will take away from Hauntings, and are there any future projects or performances you’re excited about that you can share with us?
With HAUNTINGS, audiences can expect an evening of brilliant, chilling ghost stories. I am currently touring FOUR shows all around the UK and overseas and am about to start rehearsing a fifth. I feel very blessed.
11. Is there anything in particular you’re looking forward to about performing at The Quay Theatre?
The theatre looks beautiful. I am amazed I haven’t played there before. I am looking forward to seeing a theatre full of rapt audience members, paralysed into pin-drop silence. These stories tend to have that effect on people.
If you're looking for a thrilling night of ghost stories and scares, make sure you book your tickets here for 11th October 2024
