A major revival starring Nick Holder. faith healeris written by award-winning Irish playwright Brian Friel, directed by Lyric Artistic Director Rachel O’Riordan, and will be performed at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre.
I voted with independent Top 40 plays of all time, faith healer is a modern classic and powerful stage mystery that questions truth, identity, and the strength of storytelling. The play was written by Olivier Award and Tony Award winner Brian Friel and directed by Lyric Hammersmith Theater Artistic Director Rachel O’Riordan.
‘Faith Healer’ will run at the Lyric Hammersmith Theater from March 14th to April 13th.
       
He is appearing in the revival of faith healerPlease tell us about this work.
I think Brian Friel gave his all in this film. The challenge for such a talented playwright is to always get yourself out of the way and allow the play to speak through you rather than “paste something on.”
That’s not to say we can’t make bold choices, we can and we must, but they are choices based on the truth of the great play that Friel has given us. Must be.
What do you think about Brian Friel’s script keeps this play popular?
This play is a masterpiece, angry, beautiful, sometimes deeply poetic, sometimes brutal and cruel.
Conflicting memories and people’s desire to understand life events by finding a version that gives them some degree of satisfaction and relative peace are fascinating and revealing to the audience. The play progresses in a very visceral and often disturbing way, it’s a terrifying roller coaster and thrilling to witness.
You play Teddy, what do you enjoy most about the character?
I love Teddy, who is caught between two worlds: the man from the music hall and the era that has left him behind. His world has ended and he is desperate to testify and be heard. I think all humans want and need that. I just need someone to listen.
And what do you think will be the biggest challenge?
Learn it!!
       
What was it like working with director Rachel O’Riordan?
This is my first time working with Rachel and it has been a thrilling process. I feel very supported through some of the characters’ difficult emotional moments, but at the same time it’s a collaborative process that doesn’t shy away from provocation or rigor. There’s a real “back and forth” in the room, and Rachel intuitively knows what the actors need at that moment. She likes and respects actors, but I believe that doesn’t necessarily apply to directors.
Please give a message to those who are thinking of making a reservation. faith healer?
Please come and see this wonderful work with truly bold and uncompromising production. It suffocates you and bothers you.