Zaraah Abrahams will star as Leah in the brand new 20th anniversary production of Jonathan Harvey's classic play, Beautiful Thing, which opens at the Arts Theatre on 13th April and runs until 25th May, followed by a short UK tour visiting Liverpool, Leeds and Brighton. The production also stars Suranne Jones.
Beautiful Thing is a glorious urban love story between two young men set on an inner city housing estate. It tells the story of teenager Jamie's relationship with classmate and neighbour Ste. Together the two boys find comedy, warmth and the music of Mama Cass through their loud-mouthed next door neighbour Leah. The play exquisitely depicts what it is to be sixteen, in the first flush of love, and full of optimism.
Since training at the Italia Conti Academy, Zaraah Abrahams has had a varied career in television and theatre. Her television credits include Daysha Kay in Scott and Bailey (ITV), Cass In Bedlam (Red Productions), Michaela White in Waterloo Road (BBC1) and Joanne Jackson In Coronation Street.
Zaraah’s theatre credits include UK Tours of A Day at the Rascists and Vagina Monologues. She was also a finalist in ITV’s Dancing on Ice.
Last week I caught up with Zaraah at the press launch of Beautiful Thing to talk about what first drew her to the show, what the cast are like to work with and how she’s feeling about making her West End debut...
Are you looking forward to starring in Beautiful Thing?
I really am! Obviously I know what an amazing play it is but it has been incredible to find out how much people care about Beautiful Thing , it is a very special show. We had a read through which has made me even more excited but also very nervous! I am honoured to be part of the show.
What first drew you to the show?
Well... I was moving house and it was very, very stressful. I was speaking to my agent and discussing how I had so much going on. He told me he has just been told about a play called Beautiful Thing. They sent me the script and one evening I decided to give it a read... and loved it. Then I auditioned. Sometimes with auditions I can be quite easy going but after my audition for Beautiful Thing I wanted the part so badly! I had the audition on a Friday and my agent called me the following Monday to tell me I had been succewssful... I cannot tell you how pleased I was.
What can audiences expect from Beautiful Thing?
People can expect a really honest, simple piece of writing which will connect with anybody, regardless whether you are gay or straight, a mother or a daughter, it’s just so real. People can also expect a really funny evening, there are lines of pure comedy mixed with incredibly touching scenes. Even though it was written twenty years ago, Beautiful Thing is also very relevant. It will touch everybody in some way... come and see it!
Can you tell me a bit about your character?
I play Leah who is a girl who lives on the estate. She gets about a little bit but is a bit of a loner, although she has got a really strong connection with her neighbour, Jamie (played by Jake Davies). She’s been through many things which she shouldn’t have been through at her age. She also has a very innocent side and is particularly caring towards her friends. She’s a bit loud and daring but she is honest.
What was it like meeting the cast for the first time?
Well I have worked with Suranne (Jones) before when I did Scott and Bailey. She’s going to kill me for saying this... but I just love her! I know I sound like a fan but she’s one of those people you just look at and go ‘wow’. She’s wonderful! I had also briefly met Danny-Boy (Hatchard) but everyone else I met for the first time at the read through. I think we were all really nervous but it is such a good cast to be part of, I feel so blessed!
Having done a lot of work in television, how do you fell about doing theatre?
Super excited! I did the UK tour of A Day at the Rascists which was quite politically charged. It was very intimate which was probably good for me. I also did the UK tour of Vagina Monologues which was wonderful... but Beautiful Thing marks my West End debut so as well as being very excited I am also extremely nervous!
So how does working in television compare to doing theatre?
Well so far theatre has been far more glamorous and showbiz – which is really nice! I’m excited about starting rehearsals for Beautiful Thing because I think it will teach me more about my craft. After our run in the West End we go on tour so I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to perform in different theatres to different types of audiences. Theatre is just so different to television, so while at the moment it’s a little bit overwhelming, we have a huge rehearsal process so by opening night everything should be fine... I hope!
When did you first decide that you wanted to be an actress?
I started my acting career when I was quite young so I didn’t finally decide until my second or third job. I never really knew what I wanted to do... I liked animals... I liked hair... I liked organising. But when I got my second acting job I felt really safe and comfortable. I knew it was what I wanted to do so I gave it a try to see how it worked out... I was only 14 or 15! Sometimes you wake up and you don’t want to be an actress. It’s hard to live by something that you love. Sometimes it’s so difficult and I don’t want to end up hating it. But then a job like Beautiful Thing comes along so at the moment I’m waking up feeling very happy every day!
What would you like to say to everyone who has supported you throughout your career?
I would just like to say thank you – you are very patient people! I am delighted that I can make people happy and proud and thank you for putting up with me!
Beautiful Thing runs at the Arts Theatre from 13th April - 25th May 2013. Click here to buy tickets.
Follow Zaraah on Twitter: @ZaraahAbrahams
Interviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
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