Interview with Amber Allen.

Ahead of Myra’s Story, I caught up with Amber Allen to talk about the themes at the heart of the production, the creative journey behind it, and what audiences can look forward to when the lights go up.

Myra’s Story is such a powerful and intimate piece. What drew you to bring this production back to the West End?

Like you say, it’s such a powerful piece, and one that always packs a punch. It’s been 2 and a half years since the show was last in London (Sept-Oct 2023) and since then we have taken the show across the UK and Ireland and it felt like a great time to allow the 2023 audiences to reacquaint themselves with Myra and introduce her to a brand new audience in London. Whilst it’s an Irish play, it will always be relevant in a place like London.

What was it about this story that made you feel it was especially important to share right now?

Homelessness is, unfortunately, always relevant. Especially in the City of Westminster, home to the West End and the highest population of unhoused people in the United Kingdom, and it is on the rise. I know that people don’t typically go to the theatre to be ‘taught a lesson’. But I think it’s so important to shine a light on something that is on our doorstep and art, especially theatre, is such a great medium for delivering an important message.

The play tackles homelessness and addiction with honesty and compassion. How did you approach producing something so raw and sensitive?

We took over Myra’s Story in its current form and it was it’s raw-ness and sensitivities that hooked me in (as a producer and a member of the audience). Brian Foster (the writer) has always said that he wanted to show what a broken life looks like, as we so often look away when we see homeless people on the street. I know that Fíonna (who plays Myra so well) puts so much into the character (and the 15 others!). She goes out of her way to talk to and connect with people who sleep on the streets, not just as ‘research’ but to make a human connection.

What makes the Trafalgar Theatre the right space for Myra’s Story?

From a production point of view, it’s a fantastically intimate theatre, which this show thrives on. It makes it so much easier for Fíonna to make that immediate connection with the audience, which is so important on such a minimalistic show. Also, from a societal point of view, the theatre sits on Whitehall, along with 10 Downing Street. It adds another level of awareness of the homeless crisis in London (and the UK) and will hopefully get the audience talking and pushing for change.

The production is supporting The Connection at St Martin’s. How important was it to align the show with a real-world impact?

It was vital that we could find a way to give back. It is all very well and good for us to try to raise awareness; people are aware of homelessness. So it was critical to make sure that we could direct that awareness to an organisation who actively go out in the community to help those who truly need it. Otherwise the show would lose its heart and soul; its purpose is to help first and entertain second.

What conversations do you hope this production sparks among audiences?

Our deepest hope is that, even if audience members aren’t in a position to donate to charity, that they will view those who sleep on the streets through a different lens. Giving money is fantastic and important, but remembering that those who live on the streets are also human beings. That they deserve kindness and compassion and humanity as much as anyone else. And even if the show inspires one person to volunteer for the Connection, or a similar organisation, then I think we will have done our job.

Myra’s Story reminds us that these experiences could happen to anyone. How did that universality influence your approach as a producer?

There can be an unfortunate view of theatre being for a certain class of people (and a ‘class of show’) and that’s always something I’ve fought against. Myra’s Story is such a down to earth show, and that core part of the show is integral to how we reach our audiences, especially those who maybe aren’t regular play goers. It has really allowed us to reach out to different audiences and communities, not just for the West End run but when we tour the show regionally; we reach out to charity and community groups and try to make the show as accessible as possible.

The play is performed by one actor portraying multiple characters. What challenges and opportunities does that present from a production standpoint?

Well it’s a fantastic opportunity for Fíonna to show her huge talent; it’s 16 characters total and she doesn't just ‘do a voice’, she fully embodies every single character and they all come to life. I think the challenge that it brings is for those who haven’t seen the show before. It’s hard to truly imagine how dynamic the show actually is when it’s only one person on the stage, but we have found that those who were skeptical completely change their mind once they have seen the performance.

How have audiences responded to the show, has anything surprised you?

The audiences have been phenomenal. They are all so engaged in the story telling at in the very few quiet moments of the show, you can hear a pin drop in the theatre. The one thing that has surprised me is that at every performance, without fail, there is a standing ovation. I appreciate that may come across a bit ‘big headed’ but it’s true. It’s such a powerful performance and audiences are almost instantly on their feet when Fíonna takes her bows. Something else that I find quite interesting is that so many people return to see the show time and time again. It is one of those shows that people will insist on bringing their friends to the next time it’s in town.

How do you hope audiences feel immediately after the show?

Hopefully, charitable. But honestly I hope they feel like they’ve been given a different perspective of an issue that most of us shy away from, and that it might make them feel a little more grateful for what they already have.  

What are three words to describe Myra’s Story?

Vivaciouos, Hilarious and Poignant.

Why should people book tickets now?

Because who knows when Myra’s next visit to the West End will be! It’s an amazing feat of acting and storytelling and I wouldn’t want anyone to miss it.

Myra’s Story heads to the Trafalgar Theatre (12th & 19th April). For full performance dates and ticket information, visit the official website: https://trafalgartheatre.com/shows/myras-story/

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