We love a bit of a villain here at Corr Blimey, so ahaead of playing the petulant and plotting Frocin, Matthew Churcher , spoek with us about returning to work with Emma Rice and crafting this ‘coiled spring’ of a character.
If you wouldn’t mind introducing yourself, what role you have within the production, and some insight into their role within the story
My name is Matthew Churcher and I play Frocin in Tristan & Yseult.
Frocin is King Marks right hand man, the defender of the Cornish Court and thinks very highly of himself. He dresses sharply, struts around like he owns the place, but is deeply insecure. All of his insecurities to come to light when Tristan shows up and displaces him. Throughout the story, Frocin desperately tries to claw his way back into the affection of King Mark and makes some drastic decisions, believing himself to be in the right.
This production has achieved almost mythical status in British theatre. Coming into a show that’s influenced generations of artists, did you feel any pressure joining the company, or was it more excitement to be part of theatre history?
It was a mixture. I really felt the pressure of trying to do this piece of theatre justice, especially with it influencing so many of my peers. But there is also a deep joy in tackling such an iconic show, you can’t shrink from it, but rise to its many challenges
You’ve previously worked with Emma Rice on Wuthering Heights and The Little Match Girl. What is it about her rehearsal room or storytelling style that keeps drawing you back?
I love the eclectic nature of Emma’s work, there is so much to sink your teeth into as an artist! What keeps me coming back is the amount of playing we get to do. She really trusts the people that she brings into the room and creates space for the actor to keep making offers. At first I found the level of freedom quite daunting, but each process it’s become more and more liberating. To know you’re in an ensemble that thrives on listening and responding in the moment, to feel completely free whilst also being fully supported is an amazing feeling an an actor.
Frocin is often the character stirring the pot and setting events in motion. What’s been the most enjoyable part of getting under his skin, and have you discovered anything unexpected about him?
Frocin is vicious and holds a lot of pent up rage. I like to think of myself as a calm and levelheaded
person, so its been great fun to feel his resentments build and explode at various points in the show. He really is very petty. But like everyone, he just wants to be loved. His large, bombastic nature is all a front for how lonely he truly feels.
The original production is celebrated for blending music, movement, myth and live performance in a way that feels completely unique. Is there a moment in the show where you suddenly thought, “This is why people still talk about Tristan & Yseult twenty years later”?
I don’t think there is one single moment, but its the sum of its parts that makes the show so unique. It challenges the audiences expectation of storytelling and plays with form and genre. High tragedy butts up against slapstick comedy. Modern theatrical conventions meet old theatrical traditions. Opera wrestles with Punk. The juxtaposition helps both amplify and support the contrasting genres, which leads to new ways of watching and playing the show.
You’ve appeared in everything from War Horse and Jane Eyre to White Teeth and Hamlet (and a stint at Pitlochry). Where does Tristan & Yseult sit on the scale of theatrical challenges, and what skills has it demanded?
I’ve been incredibly lucky in my career to have tackled some wonderful shows, each with their own set of unique challenges. A lot of my previous roles have been incredibly physical, but I do think this is my sweatiest show… Frocin is like a coiled spring, and spends a lot of his time either dancing or fighting. One of the wonderful challenges with him is that the dance routines change every night. Nothing is set, so I just move and respond to what’s happening in the moment. It’s a lot of fun, but doesn’t keep my heart rate down. Frocin is a great blend of character, movement and comedy. I love slapstick and have some wonderful prat falls throughout the show. It’s a role definitely worth being sweaty for.
Love stories are rarely simple in Emma Rice’s world. If Frocin, and yourself, could step out and offer one bit of advice on romance, or the love of performance for those looking to get into the industry, what would you say?
I’m not entirely surely you’d want Frocin’s romantic advice. He’s too needy and petulant. But for those seeking to enter the industry, remember why you love this art form. Nothing is ever simple or straightforward and a career in the arts in no exception. But remembering the why is so useful to help sustain and guide your choices as you move throughout life. And don’t forget the other loves of your life in the pursuit of a career.
Tristan & Yseult runs at The Citizens Theatre from 30th September – 3rd October
Before running at The Royal Lyceum theatre, Edinburgh, from October 20th – 24th
Photo credit – Steve Tanner
Interested in being featured on our Have a Gander page? With many previews and Q&As lined up, we’re always happy to chat about including your show in future articles. Please do get in touch through the contact page to feature in an upcoming ‘Have A Gander’