Interview: Actress Laura Kent on TO THE OCEAN at The Greenhouse

Photo credit: Andy Brown

The radical first zero-waste performance space in the UK, The Greenhouse, is currently premiering To the Ocean in Canary Wharf. We caught up with actress Laura Kent who plays Grace in the new production.

You are currently performing in To The Ocean, A Modern Selkie Story. What can you tell us about the play?

The story of To The Ocean follows 16-year-old Grace, who has grown up without her mother, on her journey to uncover the past and discover who she is. It’s a reimagining of the ‘selkie myth’ with a cast of four actor-musicians and original music played across a variety of instruments. It’s a really warm and heartfelt piece that we hope will encourage the audience to examine our relationship with magic and the natural world. It’s been such a pleasure to create, and I think everyone can take something from it, as it touches on some really pertinent and universal themes such as belonging, our family ties and humanity.

What first attracted you to this project?

As soon as I learnt about the existence of The Greenhouse Theatre, I knew it was somewhere I really wanted to work. It’s such a privilege to be an actor and I love most things about the job, but something I did not expect was for how disheartening it would be to see the amount of waste that film and theatre can accumulate. So, when the initial email came through and I began researching about the company and its commitment to zero waste and passion for environmentalism, I was eager to apply and learn about how they operate. Additionally, the chance to create and develop new writing has always been my ‘dream role’ as an actor so it felt like a perfect match. Luckily for me, I did get the part and it’s been great to work for a company that actualises and shares my values.

The story centres around Selkies (mythical Celtic creatures). Do you think that this aspect of the story will make it appealing to all ages to watch?

Totally, I also think the inclusion of our mythical creature and their story makes the show more memorable and exciting. Aside from acting, I also work a lot with kids and fantastical creatures like dragons, fairies, unicorns and mermaids feature regularly in their vernacular. Whilst selkies are lesser known than these examples, I do think they have the same capacity to capture our imagination and their ability to inhabit both human and selkie form is really appealing. In fact, regardless of age, I think a curiosity about other beings and imagining other worlds of existence lives within us all.

The production is taking place at The Greenhouse, the UK's first zero-waste performance space. What's it like to work in as a performer?

It’s a refreshing way to work, and I really hope a lot of the practices become mainstream such as costumes and set being made from recycled materials and/or being pre-used. I made the commitment to myself in early 2021 to never print another script and whilst this isn’t accessible for everyone as it requires the upfront cost of a tablet (assuming you want to be able to annotate your work), it’s been great to work with others who also value a paperless rehearsal space.

Similarly, all the music is played live and there are no big lights or sounds systems, however, other than that, it honestly hasn’t been that noticeable as a performer that the company is zero-waste. I think this is testament to The Greenhouse Theatre’s mission to firstly create innovative art, and then allow conversations about our relationship to the planet to evolve from this naturally. I’m a big advocate for small changes and I hope other actors and creatives will see how it doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming to learn new ways to become more sustainable.

The Greenhouse is described as 'a social space to bring a community of people together'. Do you think this is an important way to bring new audiences into the theatre?

Absolutely, theatre is all about community too so having a space that welcomes anyone and everyone to come and socialise, or just hang out, is the perfect catalyst for introducing new audiences to theatre. Whether you’re a regular theatregoer or are just looking for some new things to do in London, I feel The Greenhouse Theatre has something for everyone and I hope the space will encourage people to seek out lesser-known shows and try something new.

To The Ocean plays in Canary Wharf until 14 July, before transferring to Battersea from 7 August-3 September, with further information here.