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.