Scribblings of Robs

21 Jun 2010

Thanks Charlotte

I am not a method actor and once I have left the role, it does not take me weeks to wash away the characters habits and influences. Yet I do believe that I learn something from every character I play. After all, you take on the skin of that character. You learn their habits, their weak points, their strong points and even their favorite flavor of ice cream. Most of them can teach you something about yourself that you didn’t know.

Recently I took on the role of Charlotte Lucas in Pride and Prejudice. I did not like Charlotte and I wasn’t thrilled about the prospect of playing her. Yet eventually I got to understand her, grow fond of poor Miss Lucas and now I even miss her a bit.

I was told that Charlotte would have to have her hair pinned back tightly in a bun. Now Charlotte wouldn’t mind this, but trust me Robyn minded a lot.

I have always relied on my hair to feel pretty and detract attention away from my face. Big sunglasses also help Throughout my life people have always said nice things about my hair. So it’s like having a security blanket strapped to my scalp 24/7.

I used to have braces, glasses, freckles and acne : got to love those teenage years and truth be told I have never really liked my face all that much. I still don’t really smile with my teeth in photos and I really prefer having my hair loose; even a loose plait.

It sound ridiculous but I was dreading pinning my hair back for the dress rehearsals and the run.

So I put hair back in an old maid bun and fearing the worst, slapped on spatula-loads of Make Up. I arrived at the first dress rehearsal and not only was my costume see-through but nearly every other member of the cast said I now looked like a Charlotte. Charlotte Lucas was a character that was around 25 (old for those days), unmarried and terribly plain. So hearing this sent me into a bit of an irrational spin.

What was I going to do? I really did need my hair to feel pretty! Yes, this does sound vain, but honestly most girls do want to feel pretty inside.

For two weeks I pinned my hair back, involuntarily shed the security blanket and realised that I could survive. I was forced to look into a mirror whilst putting on make up and see my face alone and without my overpowering mask of hair.

And do you know, I’ve actually grown to like my face. I am not saying it is an oil painting, but I definitely feel I don’t need to try hide it.

In fact I’ve noticed that since the play has finished, I have walked around and gone out (gasp the horror ) with my hair pulled back, away from my face and it hasn’t even bothered me.

So thanks Charlotte, I liked you the least and so far you’ve taught me the most.

PS Hopefully the next character will teach me to smile properly in photos