Interview: Max Bennett, currently starring in Relatively Speaking at the Wyndham's Theatre

Max Bennett is currently starring as Greg in Alan Ayckbourn’s hilarious comedy of misunderstandings, Relatively Speaking at the Wyndham's Theatre alongside Felicity Kendal, Jonathan Coy and Kara Tointon. Relatively Speaking was Alan Ayckbourn’s first big hit and originally opened at the Duke of York’s Theatre in 1967 to rave reviews. This production marks the first West End revival. 

Max Bennett’s recent stage work includes the Royal Court production of Posh in the West End, In Basildon at the Royal Court, Luise Miller at the Donmar, Danton’s Death at the National Theatre and Waste at the Almeida. Last year he also appeared in a new film adaptation of Anna Karenina. 

Last week I spoke to Max, as he prepared for the first West End performance of Relatively Speaking, about why he thinks the show is so successful and what first attracted him to the role. 

How does it feel to be bringing Relatively Speaking to the West End? 

Very exciting! I’ve been with the show for a while now and everyone involved is really pleased with how it’s done so far. Obviously it’s very exciting to be back in the West End! 

The production toured last year and then you had some time off before returning to the show for the West End transfer. Was it nice to have some time off before revisiting the role? 

We had six months off which is actually quite a long time, I’ve had gaps before but never such a long one. It has been fantastic because we have had the opportunity to completely re-rehearse the show instead of just trying to remember it. We spent two weeks back in the rehearsal room with Lindsay (Posner, the director) and looked at parts we felt didn’t quite work before which allowed us to re-discover the piece in quite a refreshing way. 

What was it that originally attracted you to the role? 

Well to begin with the play is just so well written! Greg is a fantastic role because he is very different to the other parts I’ve played recently. I have played a lot of idiots but Greg is such a lovely, kind person. I’ve also played some very brash characters but Greg is a lot neater and his soul is in the right place. 

What is it about Alan Ayckbourn’s writing which makes the show so hysterically funny? 

His writing is very cleverly constructed and the key is that it is all based on truth, I think comedy only works if you can believe it. The four characters are all clearly experiencing different types of pain in their relationships and I think all good comedy comes from drama. Plus when you add a farcically comic situation and let the characters go free it becomes very funny and a little crazy! The four characters are all quite different so almost anyone will be able to relate and identify with at least one of them. 

What has it been like to work so closely with Kara Tointon, Felicity Kendal and Jonathan Coy? 

They are a joy to work with, all of them are fantastic! There are only four of us which could have been difficult but we have so much fun backstage as well as on-stage. 

You mentioned some of the different roles you have played so is variety something which is important to you? 

Oh yes, it keeps you on your toes and I have been fortunate enough to not to be pigeon holed. I have done everything from tragedies to comedies which is great because it means you never stop learning. 

What advice would you give to anybody wanting to be in your position? 

Just keep working! You have to be dedicated and put the hours in and then it will eventually pay off. 

Have you had the chance to see any other shows recently? 

Well I hadn’t seen anything for a while but we got through our tech quickly because we know the show so well. This meant I ended up having an unexpected evening off so I got tickets to see Lindsay’s production of The Winslow Boy at The Old Vic which I really enjoyed – it’s such a beautiful play! Also this run is great because we unusually do an extra matinee which means we have an extra evening off so I will have the chance to see a few shows.

Finally... why should people come and see Relatively Speaking? 

It is a great play and hasn’t been in the West End for nearly fifty years. It is an important piece as it marks one of our greatest writer’s first big hit. It’s funny but also moving and provides a good, fun evening at the theatre! 

Interviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com

Click here to read West End Frame’s five star review of Relatively Speaking.

Relatively Speaking runs at the Wyndham's Theatre until 31st August 2013.
Box Office: 0844 482 5120 / www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk

Click here to book tickets with West End Frame

Photo Credit: Nobby Clark

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