A fitting end to Next Stage Theatre Company's production of 'Beginning' by David Eldridge

Following Next Stage Theatre Company's production of Beginning that ran from Wednesday 6th to Saturday 9th September 2023, the show's director, Alexa Garner - making her directorial debut with this show - was delighted to have the opportunity in November to meet with David Eldridge at Birkbeck, University of London, where he is a lecturer in the School of Creative Arts, Culture and Communication.

SMiling for a selfie: David Eldridge and alexa garner pictured at their meet-up

During the meeting, they discussed the process of taking a play from the pages of a script to the stage – particularly how the characters evolve and emerge throughout the rehearsal process, and how the play changes with the different dynamics the audience brings.

Alexa shared her experience of directing her first play, and the challenge of staging such an intimate piece 'in-the-round', and David offered some insights from other productions of the show. Alexa was also able to ask some of the questions about the play that had been discussed with the cast during rehearsals, and to hear more about David's inspiration for writing the piece.

Speaking of the meeting, Alexa said, “I feel incredibly lucky to have had the chance to talk about Beginning with the person who created the complex, relatable, and engaging characters of Laura and Danny.”

As a play that leaves Laura and Danny's future up to the audience's imagination, Alexa got the opportunity to ask David whether he had any thoughts as to how his characters' lives would have unfolded.“I get to have my cake and eat it” David replied, and went on to explain that he creates characters that live and react in the moment, whereas the audience imagines their future. As such, each person who sees the show brings their own perspective and experience, thus deciding the outcome.

“It was a real pleasure to meet with Alexa Garner and hear about her revival of ‘Beginning’. One of the most rewarding parts and greatest pleasures of being a playwright is when a play slips the moorings of its first production and journeys into the world making new connections and meanings with new audiences I never dreamed of. I wish I’d been able to see Alexa’s production, it sounds fabulous” - David Eldridge

Although written as a stand-alone play, Beginning subsequently became the first of a trilogy of plays. In April 2022 it was followed by Middle, which premiered at The National Theatre's Dorfman Theatre. Alexa and David discussed the themes of love and relationships which are explored in both plays, and some of the echoes from Beginning that appear in Middle. And as for End – Alexa is very much looking forward to seeing the final instalment in David's trilogy, but no spoilers here!

[Pictured: Sam Fynn and Antonia White as Danny and Laura in Next Stage Theatre Company’s September 2023 production of ‘Beginning’ at The Mission Theatre]