Calling all StageSiders, welcome back to another installment of StageSide Stories, here at StageSideUK. This time around, we got to ask Rachael Procter-Lane, a performer in the show Murder, She Didn’t Write, some questions about being a performer, the show and how to succeed in improv. Settle in, make a brew and let’s find out more about performing in an Improv Whodunnit.
Could you introduce yourself, your role and the show you are in at the moment.
My name is Rachael Procter-Lane and I am a performer in the show Murder, She Didn’t Write. I am also the company manager.
What drew you to performing in Murder, She Didn’t Write?
I went to see the show in 2016 at the Edinburgh Fringe, somewhat reluctantly if I’m honest as I wasn’t sure I liked improv… it blew me away. As the show unfolded, and I realised a whole beautiful hilarious story was being made in front of my eyes it felt like the most beautiful jazz. The performers felt more like a band than they did a group of actors, they were all just riffing off each other and it just looked like so much fun. As soon as I got home, I booked to do an improv course and then I was at the Edinburgh Fringe with that gang two years later. I was right, it’s incredibly fun.
How do you rehearse for a show that is purely improvised?
We play games that help us to connect with each other and that help us be spontaneous. We spend a lot of time in each other’s company, having fun, because that allows us to fully understand each other.
Have you ever found yourself completely stuck on stage while improvising? How did you handle it?
The great thing about being a member of such a talented company is if you ever do have moments of blanking, someone’s going to be there to catch you.
Before we go on stage, we always say to each other that we’ve got each other’s backs and it’s that moment of clarification, that you are there to support each other and you’re never going to let them fall. So, if I found myself in a position where I didn’t know what to say, I would just stay silent and my character wouldn’t know what to say (and I know that a cast member would come and save me).
How does the energy of a live audience influence the direction of each performance, is there a difference between a good audience and a less good audience?
A live audience definitely brings the show to life. Every audience has a personality and it’s clear from the beginning, with their suggestions and reactions and then we can lean into it.
We definitely get some audiences that fall about laughing and some audiences that are quieter. When I first started, I was worried that the quiet audiences didn’t enjoy the show but what I’ve come to realise is that it’s not just comedy, it’s also a show of intrigue and fascinating characters. The quiet audiences are just the ones focusing on the plot and the clues, rather than the gags.
If you could describe the experience of performing in this show in three words, what would they be?
Exhilarating, fun & transporting.
Why do you think audiences love Murder, She Didn’t Write, and what makes it stand out from other improv shows?
The quality of the acting. Our expertise allows the audience to feel safe and therefore be free to completely relax and enjoy themselves.
Finally, what advice would you give to an aspiring performer, looking to break into the improv scene.
Watch a lot of improv to see what you get inspired by. Take some classes, find your people and the genre that makes your heart sing, and then keep at it.
I want to say a huge thank you to Rachael for finding the time to give us some insight into the world of Improv Performance. We will be catching the show on the 3rd of June, to review, at the Darlington Hippodrome. You can find out more about the show, tour stops and get your tickets at www.murdershedidntwrite.com
Have your say!
Are you thinking of starting a career in acting, or performing in an improv group? Are you currently training to be a performer? How are you finding the process, and do you have any key techniques or tips to pass on? Let me know in the comments and lets get a discussion going!
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