Networks Blog Nº 49: Inés Ruiz Cabrera

Welcome to the first of two interviews with cast members from The Secret Garden. In this entry we hear from Inés Ruiz Cabrera who plays Martha in The Secret Garden. Inés has been performing in Networks shows since she was 8 years old  and her first show was Peter Pan. This year she has been in Beauty and the Beast and Choir, as well as singing in the Christmas choir.

1) What is your background and how did you become involved with Networks Theatre?

It was years ago, I was 9 or 10 years old and Lee called me one night and said: “Would you like to do a theatre like the ones your sister used to do? That was a difficult question to answer but I didn’t doubt about it, I definitely said yes. I almost didn’t sleep the night before I started my first show. I was really excited about it, and after 9 years, I haven’t regretted it.

2) How many shows have you participated in?

I have participated in 8 shows, The Secret Garden will be number 9. I’ve also participated in “Puppet factory 2” and in the Christmas concerts.

Inés as one of the dancers in 'Beauty and the Beast - A Pantomime' in December 2012

3) Do you have a favourite moment in a show or memorable moment during rehearsals? 

I’m not able to choose one show, everyone is different but I have some memorable moments that I really enjoyed. One of them could be the cooking scene in “Beauty and the Beast” when I had to do the puppets. It was a funny scene and I was in it helping to make the audience laugh.

4) What has been your favourite costume?

My favourite costume was Junior’s: dark blue leotard, red trainers, red shorts, white t-shirt with a big J and a blue super hero cape. I’m ready to save Chrsitmas.

Here she is really rocking the Junior Saves Christmas costume - December 2007 

5) Which characters have you most enjoyed playing?

I had a good time performing my part in “Make a wish” but I really enjoyed playing the part of Junior in “Junior saves Christmas”. I had to dress up like a super hero and who doesn’t want to wear a super hero cape sometimes? Then as a dancer in “Beauty and the Beast” I had a great time. It was my first “adult” show and we had a lot of dances to rehearse which I found very enjoyable. But the most challenging part to perform was my lastest role in “Choir”. For Julie’s part I had to act like a blind person, something that was very challenging but little by little I could build the character and in the end I found it very comfortable.

Inés playing the role of Julie in the Networks drama ´Choir´ - March 2013

6) Tell us a little about your character in The Secret Garden.

Martha is the maid in the house; she is a kind and friendly girl. She gets up early to prepare the house for the Master and Mistress and she works very hard. As she is nearly the same age as Mary she tries to be her friend and help her to be more comfortable in the house.

7) What do you like about the story? What do you think the message is?

I find the story suitable for everyone because it gives you the message of being strong. Don’t look backwards for very long, and keep moving forward.

During rehearsals for The Secret Garden (coming at the end of May 2013)

8) What do you enjoy about performing at Networks Theatre?

It is one of the best things that I have in my life. People from different ages go there and spend a lot of time trying to do their best to build the show and make it amazing. In Networks Theatre I’ve found friends, I’ve found a family. And as well as all of that I have the chance to act and improve my acting skills. Even if I have a bad day, when I arrive at the rehearsal everything disappears.

9)   What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of acting, singing and performing on stage?

If you have the chance, go for it. You’ll have one of the best experiences.

Networks Blog Nº 48: Marta Vegara

Marta as Carmen in Behind the Wall (2013)

Marta Vegara plays the challenging role of Carmen in our powerful new drama ´Behind the Wall´. For our third blog focusing on the show she has answered a few questions for us. Marta has been performing and giving it her all in Networks shows since 2000!

1) What is your background and how did you become involved with Networks Theatre?

It was Lee's idea. As his student he talked to my mum years ago to encourage me to join the program as it would help me in so many ways. I refused in the beginning. I was really shy and hated to perform in front of the audience. But now I am so glad that I kept on trying and joining more plays.

2) How many shows have you participated in?

 Uff, don't know...let me think...  9.. I think. This one will be the 10^th

Marta as a Rat In Dick Wittington (2008)

3) Do you have a favorite moment in a show or memorable moment during rehearsals? 
 

We have so many memorable moments at rehearsals and during shows. All the excitement used to take place in the small room and there are crazy stories that only the members of the Networks family know! I miss that in the new venue. All moments are special in some way. You are not only doing theatre, you are becoming a member of a big family that helps you in your daily life. You make really good bonds with the people involved. I've laughed, cried, loved and hated. It is a great mix of feelings.
  

Marta ( next to Nick) with the rest of the cast of Robin Hood (Group A, 2000)

4)  Why did you want to be a part of ´Behind the Wall´?

Hannah, the writer and director, encouraged me to join the cast and when I read the script I knew that I´d like to be a part of the show.  

5)   Do  you identify with your character Carmen?

More than I wish. She seems so self confident, that you'd never imagine something bad could happen to her. In some ways, I think any girl in one way or another could identify with her.

Marta as Carmen explaining that 'It´s going to be alright' in Behind the Wall. 

6)  What do you enjoy about the process of preparing a show?
 

The whole process is very interesting, and how hilarious it is when we make mistakes with our lines during rehearsals!

7)   What do you enjoy about performing at Networks Theatre?
 

It is a small big theatre, with a sort of family audience. That makes it very special. It is like performing in your living room. You feel really good and even if you're performing a drama, you always feel the cosy atmosphere. 

8)   What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of acting, singing and performing on stage? 

JUST DO IT!

Networks Blog Nº 47: Roberto Hernández Gómez

Welcome to the second in our ´Behind the Wall´ series. In this entry we talk to Roberto Hernández Gómez  who plays the role of Thomas, a lively and optimistic friend of Carmen and Sara. Roberto has been a huge part of Networks Theatre for many years, taking on a wide variety of roles and never failing to deliver a fantastic performance

1) What is your background and how did you become involved with Networks Theatre?

Although I enjoy myself now I’m part of it, I shall say that I did my first shows thanks to my mom. She insisted I do them and I’ll never thank her as much as she deserves.

Little Brock (the blonde boy) in Robin Hood (2000)
 

2) How many shows have you participated in?

Counting Behind the Wall, 26!

3) Do you have a favourite moment in a show or memorable moment during rehearsals?
 

I’ll always remember the first time I was touched by the power of Les Misérables, when we sang “One Day More” in Dick Whittington, this time with other lyrics and titled “Sail Away”.

Roberto Hernández Gómez in Dick Wittington (November 2008)

4)  Why did you want to be a part of ´Behind the Wall´?

First of all, taking part in any play at Networks is always a pleasure. But I also loved the idea of participating in the first chance Hannah has had to show what a wonderful writer and director she is!

5)   Do you identify with your character Thomas?

At some stages, I do. I’m also quite a “crazy romantic”, and I admit that it is not “all that bad” like it was before. But I disagree with his way of seeing the world, when it comes to people’s fight against injustice.

Roberto as Thomas in Behind the Wall (April 2013)

6)  What do you enjoy about the process of preparing a show?
 

Making mistakes, no doubt. When we get one line wrong during rehearsals sometimes it is great fun!

Doing the tango in 'A Game of Love' (2013)

7)   What do you enjoy about performing at Networks Theatre?
 

I think what we all feel, a warm atmosphere of a nice home.

8)   What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of acting, singing and performing on stage?

We normally say that we are a family, but I think that there aren’t enough words to describe it. You just feel it once you’re in it. So don’t be scared and c’mon, guys!

Roberto (centre) embodying his ´don´t be scared´ philosophy in  ´A Christmas Carol´ (2008)

Networks Blog Nº 46: Jo Mitchell Papangelou

In our new series of blogs we are focusing on our upcoming show this April ´Behind the Wall´, a tough courtroom drama written and directed by Hannah Pailthorpe. In this entry we talk to Jo Mitchell Papangelou, one of the leading cast members of Behind the Wall. Jo has taught at Networks for the past three years and is an important part of the theatre team. In January 2013 she wrote and directed her own show ´A Game of Love´.  In ´Behind the Wall´ Jo plays the role of Sara, a young woman fighting the system whilst supporting her dearest friend Carmen during the darkest of times.

  

1) What is your background and how did you become involved with Networks Theatre?

I’ve been in Spain since 2006. I used to live and teach in Puerto de Santa Maria in Cádiz but in 2010 my partner and I moved to this side of Spain. I found out about Networks and I was very excited to see that it was more than just an English Academy in the sense that they ran a theatre and that they were putting on a number of shows every year. I remember going on the website and watching a short clip from Psychadelic Cool (2010) and thinking ‘WOW! That’s amazing! I want to work there’. So I applied and well… the rest is history!

JO AS ALEX IN CHOIR (2013) 

2) How many shows have you participated in?

I have participated in about 11. That´s pretty much every show since I started working here, except for the theatre courses that Nick runs twice a year.

3) Do you have a favourite moment in a show or memorable moment during rehearsals?

It’s hard to pick just one. Every show is different and every single rehearsal is full of good moments. I obviously had an AMAZING time doing ‘A Game of Love’ (2013) .I mean the people that were involved are just FAB and we had lots of good laughs together. It was really special for me to see the audience accepting our play so well. I remember the way they applauded and cheered for the actors at the end of the first show. It gave me goosebumps.
 

CAST AND CREATORS OF A GAME OF LOVE (2013) 

4)  Why did you want to be a part of ´Behind the Wall´?

Hannah has written a  play about real people and real life. Issues that are prevalent in society yet do not often get the attention they should.  ‘Behind the Wall’ is full of meaning and character and I feel quite proud being part of it.

5)   Do  you identify with your character Sara?

HAHA… erm.,. definitely! 95% of what Sara says during the play could have been my words.

JO AS SARA (LEFT) IN BEHIND THE WALL (APRIL 2013)

6)  What do you enjoy about the process of preparing a show?

Lots of things though I have to say I am a bit biased as my favourite part is always rehearsing the songs. I’ve also had really good fun every time I’ve gone in with Dennis to paint. Well… he paints… I sing to the music we have on, eat croissants and paint walls solid colours so he can then create those gorgeous images he does on them.

7)   What do you enjoy about performing at Networks Theatre?

I really do enjoy the way we are all on stage on equal terms and working as a team. Teachers, young students, older students, ex-students that have now moved on. It’s like a big family.

8)   What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of acting, singing and performing on stage?

GO FOR IT! You’ll make memories that will be with you forever.