Meet the Cast of Stafford Festival Shakespeare 2016: Desdemona

Our final meet the cast interview is with Madeleine Leslay, who will be playing the role of Desdemona in this year’s production of Othello.  Madeleine has previously performed as part of a UK Shakespeare tour, which included the Comedy of Errors, Macbeth, Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night.

 

What made you want to get involved with the Stafford Festival Shakespeare for the first time?

Not only is Othello just the most amazing play, Stafford is a beautiful place, particularly around Stafford Castle. It is a great opportunity to perform one of Shakespeare’s greatest works in a fantastic location.

The Stafford Festival Shakespeare also came highly recommended by friends of mine - Jen Greenwood, who played Hermia in a Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Joshua Manning who played Oliver in As You Like It.

How do you feel about being part of one of the largest outdoor Shakespeare events in Europe?

I am beyond excited! It’s a fantastic opportunity, particularly as the world commemorates the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death this year.

 

The Stafford Castle is not your typical setting, have you performed in any outside or in other unusual settings before?

I have recently performed in an outdoor UK Shakespeare tour, in which I performed slap bang in the middle of a field! This tour used minimal sets, so Othello will be a different scale. The Stafford Castle will be the most picturesque place I have acted in.

 

Could you tell us a bit more about Desdemona, what do you think she brings to the play?

Desdemona is a young, happy teenage girl and everything is exciting and new for her. She has had a lovely upbringing and a good education, which perhaps makes her a little naive. My character is also falls heavily in love with Othello, and secretly marries him! I hope that her character will bring a breath of fresh air to the play, which in turn actually makes it all the more tragic when things start to turn against her.

             

What is it your favourite thing about Othello as a play?

My favourite thing about Othello is the language, because it’s so rich, intense and amazing to perform.

I also think that the themes and issues running through the play, for example jealousy and abuse, are still issues that we’re facing and tackling today.

 

What is your personal highlight of the production and setting?

My highlight is definitely the music.  A group of very talented musicians bring the music is to life, so it’s a pleasure to listen to. I am a huge fan of the music of the 1950s, so it is perfect for me!

What do you think will be the highlight for the audience this year?

The set is phenomenal, and a real feast for the eyes.  I also think those who haven’t seen Othello before and don’t know what to expect are in for a treat as Othello is a brilliant, gripping story.

Desdemona is a young girl of high birth who becomes enthralled by stories of Othello’s childhood. She secretly marries and elopes with Othello but their marriage is much to the dismay of her father. Desdemona is a delicate, sweet and virtuous character.

Othello will run from June 23 until July 9 at the Stafford Castle, tickets are available here, or by calling 01785 619080.