Be prepared for a night of real terror

Jun 12 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

The Royal Court theatre (200)

THE Royal Court is swapping its usual laughs and variety bills to stage its first thriller. The theatre adaptation of Stephen King’s Misery starts its run on Saturday night.

It tells the tale of famous author Paul Sheldon, who wakes up after a car accident in a bed he doesn't recognise.

Annie Wilkes, who lives alone in the hills, was on hand to rescue him from the wreckage and tend his wounds. All she asks in return is that he saves the life of one of his fictional characters.

And, as he finds out, she can be very persuasive . . .

The new production features Andrew Schofield – returning to the Royal Court after successful runs in Brick Up The Mersey Tunnels, Lost Soul, and Willy Russell’s On The Ledge – as Paul Sheldon, and Joan Kempson takes on the role of the terrifying Annie Wilkes.

Joan said: “If people saw the film with Kathy Bates and James Caan, they will have an idea of what to expect, but in the play it is literally two people, where in the film other characters come in and out.

“There’s a lot to do, because it is a different discipline when it’s a one-person or two-header play like this.

“You have got to really keep up with all the rhythms and what’s going on, because nobody else is going to do it for you. It’s a great challenge.”

Joan, who appeared in the acclaimed Liverpool play Unprotected at the Everyman, and has had roles in Coronation Street, Clocking Off and Early Doors, said the role of Annie Wilkes was certainly a change of scene.

“I have always wanted to do an American piece and this is such a meaty part for any actor,” she says. “She is up and down, she’s psychotic, all that stuff, so it’s something any actor would like to do. And they’ve given me exactly the look they wanted to give it that impact.”

Misery runs from June 14 until July 5. Tickets and information are available from www.royalcourtliverpool.com or on 0870 787 1866.

vickyanderson@dailypost.co.uk