Jon Funnily enough, and you can’t plan for this, obviously, but I think covers going on actually really helps. It changes the energy.

Albert God, this is so hard. The repertoire system is brilliant in that shows change within the week, but for long runs it really does need someone with a keen eye on it every so often.

Peter Working in repertoire really helps. In a Royal Shakespeare Company season I did, I was in four shows stretched over the main house, the Swan and the Other Place. I had the odd night off. You came back to each show refreshed. It was hard work, but I loved it.

Beryl Yes, covers can bring a great new charge of energy. I feel quite strongly that this is a big part of their job. I think it ultimately comes down to listening actively – in order to keep thoughts fresh, you have to have not ‘heard’ what’s been said before.

Jon Absolutely. Always the first time. Trying to resist performing from muscle memory.

Beryl Rep definitely helps, but it is much less common now.

Peter Yes. Repertoire is disappearing even at the RSC and the National Theatre. Bad for us and bad for audiences.

Abi I think I agree that it’s about not allowing patterns to creep in, even if the people you’re performing with do so. Also, if it’s a show with a super-long run, ask for the costumes to be refreshed, repaired or replaced.

Jon I hesitate to say this because it can get dangerous, but sometimes a bit of naughtiness helps. A game or something. So long as the audience never clocks it, and as long as anyone can opt out.

Peter I indulged in the naughtiness as a young actor, but now I really dislike it.

Abi I think curated or controlled naughtiness is sometimes so great! As long as it isn’t distracting and as long as it creates a new energy that fits the tone.

You’re allowed to be bored by the play, as long as it doesn’t affect your peers or the performance

Albert You’re paid to do it, and the people who are paying you are sat out front seeing it for the first time.

Ros I actually don’t mind the occasional little bit of naughtiness, but I had a really bad experience of a naughty cast (we used to get regular complaints from audience via front of house) and it’s made me really grumpy about it.

Jon When the audience is complaining, things have gone way too far.

Beryl What were they up to? Sounds way beyond ‘pass the walnut’ or whatever.

Jon And not to sound like a chiding parent, but if you’re bored with a show, that’s a you problem. Don’t make it anyone else’s.

Beryl Fellow company members moaning about being ‘over it’ pisses me off, I have to say. I find it disrespectful to others who want to keep working. I also don’t really believe it, as when they’re back behind that bar or serving in that restaurant, they’ll long to be back on the stage.

Continues...