The Space would like to congratulate the entire cast and creative team of Festen on their five-star reviews. You can read the View from the Gods and the Broadway Baby reviews.
In particular, we’re delighted to celebrate the achievements of our local community members in the production.
In addition to Space Production’s company of professional actors, Festen features two familiar faces from WorkSpace Productions, our community theatre company.
Jermaine Nwosu, age 23, brings a remarkable sensitivity coupled with a fiery spirit as Helene’s boyfriend, Gbatokai. He was last seen showing off his swagger at the Space as Dean in There Is A War. He’s one of WorkSpace’s newest members, and we’re delighted to have him.
Albert Lechley, a 79-year-old Isle of Dogs resident, offers comic relief from the drama as Festen’s clueless Grandfather. He was singled out by Broadway Baby for his comedic timing. View from the Gods also gave him glowing praise for his bittersweet addition to the family discord:
“Albert Lechley […] makes an understated Grandfather, quietly sitting at the table for the most part, then reacting with utter confusion and sadness at the turn of events. The elderly man cannot understand exactly what is unfolding in front of him, age having won over, only gather all is not well. When traditional songs are heartily sung, Grandfather throws himself into these as well, the memory of what to do ingrained. It’s the new and unexpected that he cannot handle.”
Although this is Albert’s first role with a professional theatre company, he is no stranger to the stage. In a recent conversation with the Space, Albert recalled how he discovered his talent for performing:
“I spent from around eight years old until I was sixteen years old in an orphanage. Which meant that you had to ‘act’ in such a way that all the staff thought that you were a very good boy. And I was an expert.” To please the adults in his orphanage, Albert also learned to play the piano (“not very well,” he recalls) and perform magic tricks. He even started his own “Punch and Judy” performances, an act that he continued into his adulthood. Albert also worked as a stand-up comic for four years.
Albert recalled being thrilled when director Danielle McIlven offered him the role of Grandfather, but then became worried when he read through the rest of the script: “Such strong language, and the theme of violence beyond anything I had ever seen.” When Albert walked into the first rehearsal and met the rest of the cast, though, his fears subsided and he eagerly accepted what has become a fantastic learning experience for him. “I was so pleased just to be with them,” he said of Danielle and his castmates. “Their art and skills, and the way they took me with them, was great. And it made me try my very best to make Grandfather act and react as I (and Danielle) thought that he should.” Albert said that he couldn’t thank his cast and Danielle enough for their incredible support, guidance, and camaraderie throughout the process!
A retired lorry driver, Albert joined WorkSpace three years ago, and has become a beloved member of the Space family in that short time. Albert last appeared onstage in WorkSpace Production’s There Is A War, and while audience members may remember him for his comical opening sequence, his friends at WorkSpace will always remember him as a gentle soul most likely to lend a hand with transporting props…or to make a mischievous joke in rehearsal.
Albert said of his three years with WorkSpace and Space Productions that he has “enjoyed every minute of it. I think that it is really great that the Space is able to get the best out of all who enter.” Albert urges everyone to come and get involved with the Space: “Come on, all you out there, what are you waiting for?”
When asked if he has any plans after Festen, Albert replied with the usual twinkle in his eye, saying “I’m just waiting for the crew of Eastenders to realize that Albert Lechley is a Grandfather that they need.”
Congratulations Albert, Jermaine, and everyone involved with Festen!
There are only a few tickets left for the remaining performances of Festen (ends 19th July…be sure to reserve your tickets with the Space now!