In rehearsals with Florence & Freya – Emil and the Detectives

What have you been up to in the first lot of rehearsals?

Florence – We’ve mostly been doing blocking (positioning and choreography), but learning lines at the same time. I’ve been in all the rehearsals so far and Matty and Heidi have been supporting me with line learning and notes!

Freya – We did a read through of the script two weeks ago where we worked out the timeline of Emil and Ida’s relationship. Over the last week we’ve been blocking the opening scenes with Emil and Ida and worked on establishing closeness (between the characters).

So, tell me a bit about your character?

Florence – Emil is a mischievous and fun character – he can be cheeky at times, but loving. He loves his mother a lot and is always ready to defend her. He has good morals and is centred – he’s been brought up to be polite!

Freya – Ida Is very hardworking and spends all her time caring for her son Emil. She tries to navigate working as a single mother but has to rely on her son a lot for help. They are very close and make a wonderful mother-son duo.  

What about rehearsals have you enjoyed so far?

Florence – Rehearsals are so fun and I love working with everyone! 

Freya – Florence is in all my scenes so we’ve had every rehearsal together. It’s so much fun getting to work with someone new and explore an older character – something I haven’t played before.

And, what are you most excited for? 

Florence – I’m really excited for tech rehearsals and especially for our costumes – I’m interested to see if I’ve got a realistic 1920’s costume or a more modern one!

Freya – I am mostly looking forward to collaborating with people who I met from the Through the Looking Glass (the 2023 Youth Ensemble production) cast again and working with more amazing young people! The Watermill is the perfect place for creativity and authenticity and I’m so happy to be back in another Youth Theatre play!