This February Ensemble Theatre is bringing a true tale of triumph over impossible odds on the field to the mainstage, with Irish playwright John Breen’s heart-warming comedy Alone it Stands playing from Thursday 25 January to Saturday 2 March.
Based on the famous 1978 rugby match in Limerick, Ireland, this David vs. Goliath story follows the all-amateur Munster rugby team as it tackles the mighty New Zealand All Blacks.
We spoke to Briallen Clarke, who along with 5 other actors will be taking on a total of 62 characters to bring this piece of fast paced theatre to life.
Why was Alone it Stands a production you wanted to be involved with?
It is always a privilege to be invited to work at The Ensemble Theatre as it looks after its artists so wonderfully, and it’s such a beautiful pocket of Sydney to work.
Janine Watson is a director who has been on my wish list to collaborate with for some time now, so when I learned she was involved, I was immediately keen to jump on board.
The play itself demands a lot of its actors, which is a challenge I relish, and the real historical context in which it is set, has been fascinating to explore.
Together as a cast of 6 you will take on 62 roles – does this challenge excite you as an actor?
Absolutely! It definitely requires a lot of consideration and technical effort, but there is nothing more satisfying than working together as a company to pull off such a feat.
What sorts of characters do you enjoy playing the most? What sorts of stories do you like to tell?
To me, it always comes down to the quality of the writing- if the writing is great, the majority of the hard work is taken care of as the character and world are clearly drawn, so then I just get to play.
Why should people come and see Alone it Stands?
What I think is part of its genius is that even though the play centres around a famous rugby union match, you don’t need to be a union aficionado or even a fan to get swept up in the story. It is action-packed, but there is also a great deal of heart, and who doesn’t love a great underdog story?
Dates: 25th January – 2nd March 2024
Location: Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli
Tickets: $25 – $80
BUY TICKETS: https://www.ensemble.com.au/shows/alone-it-stands/