"I love Elka's joy and her determination. I love that she is both adult & child."
We sat down with Nicola Bartlett to find out more about HOUSE and what it's like playing Elka...
Describe Elka in 3 words
Enthusiastic, inventive, arkoudaphobic : )
What do you love about playing Elka?
I love Elka's joy and her determination. I love that she is both adult and child. I love her silliness and seriousness.
How does it feel to come back to rehearsals forĀ HOUSEĀ a second time around?
A bit like a gift. A chance to discover new things about her and the way she does things.
What are you most looking forward to in the schools season?
The spontaneity and enthusiasm.
For some school students this will be their first time at the theatre. What do you remember about your first time at the theatre?
I think it was a pantomime. There was lots of laughter and audience participation and they threw lollies into the audience.
As a child what did you want to be when you grew up?
An astronaut, then dancer, then actor.
What do you love most about being an actor?
The chance to play, the rehearsal room, exploring ideas with a group.
I love the dynamics of being onstage - between the actors and between the actors and the audience. It takes all of us to bring the moments to life.